This will be the wifes gun, and she likes the fit. The only problem is deciding between the two, do i opt for the compact or the frontier which would lend the possibility of me borrowing the rifle for some woods hunt.

also, i am expecting a 200 fps loss with the short tube,

in theory, both will be accurate with the shorter stiffer barrel, but the frontier has a heavier contour, would this yield potentially better accuracy

anyone have any loads chronoed through this short of a barrel.

What is the barrel length? My 7mm08 in a 20" goes 2840 with the 140TSX and Varget powder.

I'd expect around 2700-2750 with top handloads, but the blast would be my bigger concern, so close to ears also, I really think Ruger would have done better to do a 20" bbl with same stock and handling would be fine, much better on ears and more fps to boot.

Too bad you cannot get a longer tube option with compact stock. That would be my choice. I do like the stock/fit.

I am hoping to be able to push close to 2800 fps, i know those will be max, but would it be possible do you think with a 140gr tbbc or np.

My 20" M70 Win matte/syn, a ltd run, did 2850 with 140/varget. You likely would get about 75-100fps lower.

I would not sweat the speed loss, a few scope clicks will get you the same POI downrange and speed should be all you need at 'woods ranges' you mention. I would use it to 300 yds or so w/o reservation on deer if not a tad further if pushed and I knew where to hold, elk, 250 might be max, but in timber your ranges should not be that far.

Heavier bbl usually shoot better, but all those short tubes, are 'stiff' relative to longer bbls of the same diameter. Accuracy should be good for hunting in either.