Any experiences with the 168 gr Berger VLD or the 162 gr A-max from a 7mm-08 rifle?
Did you have the 1:9.5 twist ?

I've done some work with 160gr NPs and Horn 162gr BTSPs and 154gr Horns and 150gr Core Lokts. None with those specific bullets.

quote:

Originally posted by wasbeeman:
I've done some work with 160gr NPs and Horn 162gr BTSPs and 154gr Horns and 150gr Core Lokts. None with those specific bullets.

how did things work out with those

I was pleased. I had the bullets on hand because I also have a .280 and a 7mag and was curious to see what they would do.
Without a lot of load development, I got 1.25" MOA or better acrost the board for the bullets and a little better than 2500fps velocity with the 160s. With an awareness of your limits, I think that would do for elk, don't you?
I used H414, H4895, and IM4350 in developing the loads.

considering elk, bear and moose have been taken for decades with a 30-30 I see no problem with using 7mm-08 in closer ranges on bigger game.
My quest is to push the long range envelope of my rifle. The ballistics software shows the 168 VLD a 500 yard bullet assuming Corbons published vel of 2700 fps. I'm really wanting to get out to 500 yards on deer without going to a magnum. I realize this is really pushing the envelope for this cartridge. If I can't get this kind of range I may switch over to a 6.5mm cartridge.

Uhhh, there are many cartridges that are fully capable of killing something at distance who's user is woefully inadequate to exploit that potential. Software not withstanding.
I don't think of the 7-08 as a long range rifle and I've been shooting one since they were a wildcat. Addding a magic bullet isn't going to make it something it's not.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael b Freeman:
I'm really wanting to get out to 500 yards on deer without going to a magnum. I realize this is really pushing the envelope for this cartridge. If I can't get this kind of range I may switch over to a 6.5mm cartridge.

Big topic there...but I'll expand on what wasbeeman said, 7-08 aint really a 500 yard cartridge. If you're thinking 6.5, look into the 6.5x284, I've got a few, and they will really reach out there, a lot are shot in long range competition too.....it isn't a 'mag' either.

now the 270 Winchester....

I got some realy good groups last year with I4350 and Hornady 154 Interbonds in my Kimber 7-08

I aquired some 162s from a friend and they shot just fine and under .5 groups in my 7mm08. I mainly shoot 150 Sierra Matchkings in matches and used to use the 160 gameking hollow pts for deer but they separate pretty bad and make a mess and the longest deer kill was 350. I have since switched to Barnes 140TTSX for hunting. I have shot this rifle for a long time and don't consider it a 500 yd rifle but I have not had an opportunity to test it. If you search this site you will discover a lot of people shoot elk and moose with them but I not read of anyone shooting a bigger animal at 500 yds.

Use a proper hunting bullet like hornady interbond or Nosler Accub/partition, Norma oryx etc. 500y is way out of my reach!

quote:

Originally posted by Nordic2:
Use a proper hunting bullet like hornady interbond or Nosler Accub/partition, Norma oryx etc. 500y is way out of my reach!

the more I look at it I really want to develop the skill and capability to each out to 500 yards and the 7mm-08 just ain't gonna do it.
Looking at the 6.5-284 , .270 win or the 7mm rem mag. thanks for the info.

I've never shot anything at 500 yards except varmints but I am a firm believer in weight of metal. I really like my 7Mag but despite the claims that the magic bullets will change a cartridge into something it isn't, it would not be my choice to kill an elk beyond 500 yards.
For consistant, humane kills beyond 500 yards, IMO, the minimum would be a 300WM driving a 200gr ball, or, better yet, a .338WM with a 225gr or 250gr ball.
And practice, practice, practice.