Thread: Help with 2208 or Varget load 130gn Speer SPBT in 7-08

Any one running 130gn Speer SPBT in 7mm08 w 2208 or Varget ? Also have some CFE223 that I might consider.
In this world where reload components are scarce I managed to score of box of the Speer 130gn pills to run in a short bbl (16in) 7mm08 as bush load.
Struggling to find reload data, any advice or any one who can run some numbers thru QL would be much appreciated.
By triangulating from other loads I've got for 120gn NBTs and 139 gn IL's & SSTs I'm thinking somewhere around 43 - 44gn ? (I realise this is likely to be close to top end, so will work up from lower)

I use 44.5 grns 2206 and 130 speers from an 18" tube. Good load.

Gordon's Reloading Tool reckons 43gr of 2208/Varget is getting up there, and should give about 2560fps. 44gr is starting to get into the red zone using the default values.
45.5gr of CFE223 should give you similar pressure and speed.

Originally Posted by Tahr

I use 44.5 grns 2206 and 130 speers from an 18" tube. Good load.

That load is really hot using the defaults in GRT, but having actual case capacity and COAL can make a big difference.
It predicts a muzzle velocity of 2826fps

Originally Posted by Cigar

That load is really hot using the defaults in GRT, but having actual case capacity and COAL can make a big difference.
It predicts a muzzle velocity of 2826fps

Could be but no pressure signs in my gun.

I'll go check down in the dungeon, I have a load for that with a 20" tikka barrel

The book shows 130gr Speer Spitzer boat tail #1624, ar2208 @ 44gr with av2844 "very accurate ragged hole". I can't remember if it was a 20" or 22" barrel.
Hope it helps, I'm in the process of doing it again for my 18" model 7 with the same ingredients

Thanks for the info

Greetings @chainsaw,
I recently chronographed the 140 grain Remington Coreloked projectile with 42.5 grains of AR2208 in a 19" 7mm-08 barrel at 2,710. Hodgdon lists a max of 43.5 grains of AR2208/ Varget with the Hornady 139 grain Interlok for 2,877 fps which is right on the money with my results once charge and barrel length adjustments are made. Interestingly Hodgdon lists the same max of 43.5 grains of AR2208/ Varget with the 130 grain Sierra HPBT so this would be a usefil max to work to. Pressure was just over 50,000 CUP.
Regards Grandpamac.