Introduction
The realm of precision shooting and hunting is one where customization and meticulous detail reign supreme. Within this world, the 7mm-08 Remington cartridge has secured its place as a highly versatile and capable round. Whether it’s punching tight groups at the range or pursuing game animals across varied terrains, the 7mm-08 delivers a blend of performance and manageable recoil that appeals to many shooters. One of the key advantages enjoyed by those using the 7mm-08 is the ability to reload their own ammunition. This opens up a world of possibilities for tailoring loads to specific rifles, intended uses, and the nuances of the environment. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the art and science of reloading for the 7mm-08, with a particular focus on optimizing performance with the exceptionally effective Hornady 139 Gr SST bullet.
Reloading, at its core, is the practice of creating your own ammunition by disassembling and reassembling spent cartridge cases. This process offers several significant benefits to the shooter. First and foremost is cost savings. Factory ammunition can become quite expensive, especially for precision cartridges like the 7mm-08. Reloading allows you to reuse brass, which is a substantial investment, and control the cost of components like bullets and powder, often leading to more economical shooting sessions. Beyond cost, reloading grants you unparalleled control over your ammunition. You can fine-tune loads to perfectly match your rifle’s unique characteristics. Adjusting powder charges, seating depths, and primer selections can dramatically impact accuracy and overall performance. This level of customization is simply unattainable with factory-loaded ammunition.
The focus of this article centers on the Hornady 139 Gr SST bullet. Hornady’s SST (Super Shock Tip) bullets are designed for rapid expansion upon impact, providing devastating terminal performance on game. Their advanced design incorporates a polymer tip, which initiates expansion reliably, even at longer ranges. The SST’s sleek profile and boat-tail design contribute to a high ballistic coefficient, meaning the bullet retains its velocity and resists wind drift exceptionally well. This makes the 139 Gr SST a strong choice for a variety of hunting applications, from medium-sized game like deer and antelope to larger animals, depending on your state’s regulations and the overall ballistic performance. We’ll explore how to leverage this bullet’s capabilities to achieve the best possible results in your 7mm-08 rifle.
Before we continue, a word of caution is absolutely essential. Reloading ammunition is a potentially hazardous activity. Always prioritize safety above all else. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and hearing protection. Always consult reputable reloading manuals and adhere strictly to their guidelines. Start with the minimum recommended powder charges and gradually increase them, carefully monitoring for pressure signs. Never exceed the maximum load data specified in your reloading manual. We will discuss these important points in more detail throughout the article, but it is always best to start with this reminder.
Understanding the 7mm-08 Cartridge
The 7mm-08 Remington cartridge, born in the early nineteen eighties, is a direct descendent of the .308 Winchester, necked down to accept seven-millimeter (.284 inch) diameter bullets. This design allowed for impressive ballistic performance from a short-action platform. Its popularity stems from its inherent accuracy, flat trajectory, and moderate recoil, making it a pleasure to shoot for extended periods. These qualities combine to give the shooter a considerable edge in the field. This cartridge offers versatility. Hunters appreciate its effectiveness on various game animals, while target shooters value its inherent accuracy.
Understanding the cartridge’s specific characteristics is critical for successful reloading. The 7mm-08 has a case capacity that will be different depending on the brass you choose. This case capacity dictates the amount of powder that can be safely loaded. Typical hunting applications include deer, pronghorn, and similar sized animals. Target shooting applications run the range from bench rest shooting to long-range competitions. The 7mm-08 is an excellent cartridge for the shooter who seeks precision without the punishing recoil of larger magnums. It is well-suited for both seasoned hunters and those new to the sport.
The first step to safe reloading is understanding the importance of safety measures. Always wear safety glasses and ensure you have adequate ventilation. Inspect all components carefully before use. Never mix powders or substitute components without explicit guidance from a reliable reloading manual. Be aware of your surroundings and what you are doing. Never get distracted while reloading. Always follow the reloading manual’s recommended starting loads and gradually increase the powder charge while carefully observing pressure signs.
The Hornady 139 Gr SST Bullet
The Hornady 139 Gr SST bullet is the star of our show. To appreciate its capabilities, we must understand its design and how it interacts with the 7mm-08. The SST’s engineering is what sets it apart. Its polymer tip, which is a key feature, ensures rapid expansion upon impact, creating a large wound channel and promoting quick, humane kills. The streamlined ogive, a term for the curved portion of the bullet’s nose, and the boat-tail base contribute to its excellent ballistic coefficient (BC). A high BC means the bullet resists wind drift and maintains its velocity over longer distances, improving accuracy at extended ranges. The SST’s design is optimized for expansion upon impact and long-range performance, making it a reliable choice.
There are many advantages to choosing this bullet. Besides rapid expansion and high ballistic coefficient, the 139 Gr SST offers a wide range of applications, from hunting various game species to precision target shooting. It also lends itself to excellent accuracy when paired with the right powder and proper reloading techniques. The versatility of the SST makes it an excellent choice for many shooters.
One must consider bullet compatibility. The 7mm-08 is optimized to work with a range of bullet weights. The 139 Gr SST falls squarely in the middle of the optimal range, making it an excellent all-around choice for the 7mm-08. Its weight strikes a good balance between trajectory, energy transfer, and manageable recoil. Make sure to always verify the information regarding the components you plan to use.
Reloading Components and Equipment
Reloading requires specific tools and materials. These components, when used properly, will provide you with excellent results. Every reloader should be in possession of some essential equipment. The first and foremost is a reloading press. It is the heart of your reloading operation. It is used to seat primers, resize cases, and seat bullets. Then there are reloading dies. These are precision tools that resize the case and seat the bullet. You will also need a scale, whether it is a digital or beam scale. This is crucial for accurate powder measurement. A powder measure is also needed. This dispenses the powder into the case. A priming tool is used to seat primers in the case. Case trimmers are used to trim the case to the correct length. Calipers provide accurate measurements of all components, especially the overall cartridge length. Finally, various case prep tools are helpful, like a case neck brush and deburring tools, to prep the case.
You will also need to gather specific reloading components. First, brass is essential. Choose quality brass cases from reputable manufacturers and carefully prepare them before use. Cleaning the brass helps remove any debris. Trimming the cases to a consistent length is vital for achieving uniform bullet seating and consistent chamber pressure. The selection of primers is also vital. Choose the recommended primer type for your chosen powder and the 7mm-08 cartridge, making sure it is a standard or magnum rifle primer. This step is critical.
Powder is the heart of any reloading recipe. It is the propellant that pushes the bullet down the barrel. Choosing the right powder is critical to optimizing performance and safety. Some excellent powder options include powders like Reloder seventeen, or Varget. These powders have a reputation for excellent accuracy and velocity in the 7mm-08. Always consult your reloading manual for specific recommendations for the Hornady 139 Gr SST. Consider the burn rate of the powder. Faster-burning powders generally produce lower velocities but potentially less recoil, while slower-burning powders can achieve higher velocities but might result in increased pressure. Always refer to your reloading manual for specific recommendations. Powder stability is another critical factor. Temperature fluctuations can affect powder performance. Choose powders known for their temperature stability or adjust your loads accordingly, particularly if you hunt or shoot in varying climates.
Reloading Data and Procedures
Remember, safety is always the priority. Before you even touch the powder, you must have a solid understanding of safe reloading practices. Always refer to your reloading manual for specific data for the chosen bullet and powder combination. Start with the minimum recommended powder charge. Never start with a maximum load. Work your way up, incrementally increasing the charge weight while carefully observing your rounds for pressure signs. Never exceed the maximum recommended load.
The next step is to gather your data. It is critical to have accurate data for different powders to help you find the ideal load for your rifle and bullet. Because of the inherent dangers of providing load data, always consult reliable reloading manuals before starting. You will find data for different powders, and the recommended starting and maximum powder charges. Note the estimated velocities you might experience with each load. Always use the correct primer type. These tables are a starting point for load development, not a definitive answer.
The seating depth of the bullet is another critical factor. Experiment with different seating depths, adjusting the overall cartridge length (OAL) in small increments. The goal is to find the depth that yields the best accuracy for your rifle. Seating the bullet too deep can increase pressure. Seating it too shallow may not produce optimal accuracy.
Case preparation is an essential step. It is the process of getting the brass ready to load. Brass needs to be inspected and cleaned. Trimming cases to a consistent length is essential for accuracy. Deburring and chamfering the case mouth will make it easier to seat the bullet and prevent damage to the bullet’s profile.
Reloading involves several key steps. First, you must size the case. Sizing the case will restore it to its original dimensions, readying it for the next cycle. Then, you will trim the brass to the correct length. You need to prime the case, ensuring the primer is seated correctly. The powder is added to the case by using a powder dispenser. The final step is to seat the bullet and ensure the proper overall length for the cartridge.
Testing and Evaluation
The final step is testing and evaluation. After loading a batch of ammunition, it’s time to take it to the range. Safe testing is paramount. Always wear eye and hearing protection. Test your rounds in a safe and controlled environment. Use a chronograph to measure the velocity of your rounds. This will help to identify the proper range of powder for your rifle. At the shooting range, the groups will reveal which loads are accurate and which are not. Observe the brass for pressure signs.
Tuning for accuracy can be an iterative process. Fine-tune your loads by adjusting powder charges in small increments. Experiment with seating depth to find the depth that yields the tightest groups. Try different primer types to see if they improve consistency and accuracy. Record all data meticulously in a reloading log, including powder charge, bullet seating depth, primer type, velocity, and group size. This data will prove helpful.
Considerations and Troubleshooting
There can be potential challenges. The most important thing is to identify any pressure signs. Common signs include difficult bolt lift, flattened primers, or case head expansion. Any of these signs indicate excessive pressure, and you must immediately stop and decrease the powder charge. There are some common issues, such as poor accuracy, failure to feed or eject, and excessive recoil. Always troubleshoot and make adjustments. Consider environmental variations. Changes in altitude, temperature, and humidity can affect the performance of your ammunition. Be mindful of these environmental variables and adjust your loads accordingly.
Conclusion
The 7mm-08 Remington, when paired with the Hornady 139 Gr SST bullet, offers an exceptional combination of downrange performance, a flat trajectory, and manageable recoil. Reloading your own ammunition allows you to unlock the full potential of this pairing, providing you with the means to fine-tune your loads to your specific rifle, shooting style, and intended use.
Your final decisions and recommendations will depend on the specific data and experience. Remember, the key to safe and successful reloading is to follow all recommended guidelines, including starting with minimum powder charges and never exceeding maximum loads. Meticulous record keeping and careful observation will help you develop safe and accurate loads.
Resources and Further Reading
While this article provides valuable guidance, further resources may be beneficial. Consult reputable reloading manuals, which provide comprehensive data for various bullets, powders, and cartridges. Explore online forums and communities dedicated to reloading and the 7mm-08, where you can share your experiences and learn from other reloaders. A list of resources can include Hornady’s Reloading Handbook, Speer Reloading Manual, and Lyman Reloading Handbook.
Reloading for the 7mm-08 with the Hornady 139 Gr SST bullet is a rewarding endeavor. It provides you with the ability to customize your ammunition to meet your specific needs. By following these guidelines, you can develop accurate, reliable, and effective loads for this versatile cartridge. With care, attention, and a commitment to safety, you can achieve your reloading goals and enjoy the satisfaction of producing your own precision ammunition.
