I will shortly be loading for a 19.5" (and moderated) 7mm 08 and would like to use the 120gr TSX.

I have Varget and H4895.

If this bullet isn't accurate I have 140gr partitions and the same powder.

Ideally I'd stick to the low 40s for charge weights (quieter) and achieve 2,800fps with the 120TSX and 2,700fps with the partition.

Any experience of these bullet/powder combinations out there (esp in shorter barrels)?

Not the same cartridge....but I use the 120 gr. TSX's in a short-barreled 7x57R.

The accuracy & performance of the 7mm 120 gr. bullets on our speices of European game so far, Roe Deer, Fallow Deer, the odd smallish Wild Boar and various vermin has been truly extrodinary. Other than the price and that they're sometimes difficult to obtain; I have nothing untowards to say about this bullet at all.

Ken Water's classic Pet Loads Vol. 1 list some data that could probably easily be worked up in a 7mm-08 for suburb accuracy AND moderate veleocities with this bullet.

So far in a short tubes the ususal suspects; IMR & H-4350, VV N-160 & 560 in the slower burning powder range have given me outstanding accuracy but realtively slow velocities in my 19.6" K-95 but hasn't appeared to have the slightest effect on terminal performance & game-taking results though. The muzzle flash with the slower powders is spectacular to say the least!

Since you'll have a can on the short barrel - I agree 100% with your desire to stay in the moderate load & "medium" powder range. Right now I'm working on some loads with this bullet in the 7x57R with H-4895 & IMR 4320. The "medium" burning powders appear to be what's recommended with the lighter weight bullets in these similar cartridges.

I have no experience with Varget at all.

For the 7mm-08 Rem. Ken lists:

130 grain Speer w/:
39.0 grs. H-4895, "moderate" & "very accurate"
41.0 grs. H-4895, "moderate" & "accurate"

For the 7x57 Mauser:
115 gr, Speer w/:
41.0 grs. IMR-4895, "normal" & "exceptionally accurate in his Mausers"

Above the 130 grain bullet range; like for your 140 gr. NP's the preferred powders appear to move up into the somewhat "slower" range.

Good Luck with your load project.

1894, if you are registered on 24hrCampfire, you might post this query over there.

The 7/08 & 120TSX combo has something of a cult following with some of the guys there, you should get a good response.

I'm not but I might try - thanks