now then guys,

looking at 7mm08 barrels, nothing set in stone yet but say when the day come to re barrel my current one which also is an AI chambered one,

what twist rate and groove would be best suited for only 120 - 140 grain bullets

3 groove or 5 groove? 1 in 9? 9.5? 10? or even 12 twist?

thanks in advance for any help

oh yes i would probably be on a 18 to 20" barrel length

Alex.

l'm running a varmint profile 24" Border 5R barrel on my 7-08 with 1 - 10 twist, it shoots 120 - 130's like a dream. But there are so many barrels out there, that are very good it may be a case of run what you fancy. Walther/Pacnor/Lilja et all are very good. l'm looking at a 140 partition load right now for a job in 2010 out in Africa if it comes off, and only have a bit of seating depth to play with and they'll run great as well.

Good luck with your search.

Dave.
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thanks dave,

havnt tried any 140 partitions yet, do you rate them?

is your border a 5 groove?

i think generally most factory 7mm08's are 1 in 9.5

Alex.

Yes it's a 5 groove, throated for 150's but would take 160's if they were set back into the case. l've not done anything but punch paper with the 140's yet, but by the amount of earth they throw up 100yrds behind the backstop they must strike with some force.
As to factory barrels, l've no idea as l went straight from a shot out .243 rem barrel to the custom re-fit in one move having looked at a whole bunch of rounds that would do the job l needed them for. The 7-08 looked the best and to be honest l've not looked back since, it even goes out to 1000yrds with sub minute of angle in windy conditions.

Regards.

Dave.
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My 7-08AI wears a 22" 1:11 twist Shilen for 140gr bullets and lighter. It shoots beautifully. If I think I'll encounter deer that are too big and scary for a 140gr 7mm bullet, I'll just grab my 300WinMag.

My 7-08AI has a No.2 Lilja, 1-10 that was chosen for 120-140gr bullets which it happily shoots. I have a No.4 Lilja 1-9 on my .280Imp which Shoots 140-168gr bullets without a fuss.