I need to develop a low-recoil load for my wife's first foray into rifle shooting with a Model 7, 7mm-08. I have 120 Nosler BT bullets and was going to try 32-36 grains of H4895, problem is that I do not have any H4895 powder. I do have IMR4895 and wonder if it would have similar burn properties to fully consume the reduced powder charge like H4895 does.

Anyone have experience with IMR4895 and reduced loads? (IE. below "book" minimum listed loads)

Any other recommended low-recoil loads for 120 gr BT in the 7mm-08? I have several powders on hand. (H4350, IMR4350, IMR3031, RL19, RL22, Win748, Win760, Varget, A4064, H1000 & H4831).

Thanks in advance.

Why do you think she needs a load lower than book minimum? Good ear protection reduce the felt shock too.

Check out Trail Boss.
I bought some to make 6.5 Grendel subsonic suppressed loads but it will work for anything up to and including the big magnums

Zeke

Just use the IMR4894 the loads will be similar to Hodgdon's.

I ordered the Hornady Lite 7mm-08 120gr SST factory loads for my daughter. The load is perfect for a new shooter.

quote:

Originally posted by 4WD:
I ordered the Hornady Lite 7mm-08 120gr SST factory loads for my daughter. The load is perfect for a new shooter.

That is the load I am trying to duplicate.

the IMR will be fine.
I actually prefer it to the H type when reducing loads.
you can also use the 3031 off your list of powders.

7mm-08 load:
Nosler BT 120 gr.
35 gr. H4895
WLR
avg. 10 shots-2412fps.
ES-83
sd-29

Shot a deer through the chest: dead.
I have used this bullet in 7TCU rifle @ 2600 and shot through both shoulders and exited: dead.

cwilson,

Here is some 120 grain (various mfgr) reloading data using IMR 4895 from Load Data. As always start low and work up. There are a number of loads that will give you about 2600 fps with a 120-grain bullet to match the Hornady factory ammo Good luck.
Paul

PM sent to you...Data sent

A brake might be more effective.

My daugther killed a few animals with this load before stepping up to a full power 140 gr load and now a full power 35 Whelen load.

This load dropped a big aoudad on the spot.

7mm-08 Remington
120 gr Sierra Pro-Hunter
2,640 fps (20” barrel)
CCI #200 Primers Remington Case COL 2.780”
41.0 gr Varget

Aoudad

Finally did this load and for my wife to shoot it. Decided on 36 grains of IMR 4895. WLR primers. Rem brass & 120 grain Nosler BT. Load was very mild recoil and accuracy about 1 1/2” for the last 6 shots. I would not take it for moose, but I bet it will work well for deer under 100 yards, which is our expected shot distance. My wife shot ten shots. It was her first time shooting any rifle bigger than a .22lr. I had a PAST pad for her and she tolerated the recoil well and only flinched on one shot. I was pretty proud of her, actually. Also had her shooting a little CZ .22lr before and after to help with shot execution.