Q: For deer hunting I am using a 7mm-08 loaded with the Barnes 140gn TSX over 47gn of W-760 sparked off with CCI primers. I don’t have a chronograph but using your handloading manual I’d estimate velocity to be around 2800fps. I wish to go down to a 120gn bullet like the Barnes TTSX for deer hunting, but for general hunting of pigs, can you recommend a good all-round 120gn projectile?
I have ordered a Sako Classic 7mm-08 for my son as he has commandeered my Remington 700CDL, and I thought of putting a Leupold Freedom 3-9×40 or 3-9×50 on it. What is your opinion of the Freedom range?
I am considering taking my boys on a hunt with an outfitter. Have you hunted with Raptor Ridge? Who would you recommend?
– Michael Bennett
A: Your guess about velocity was pretty close. A charge of 47gn of W-760 drives the Barnes 140gn TSX bullet at about 2820fps. Barnes lists a maximum charge of 50.5gn of W-760 to drive the 120gn TSX BT at 3132fps. That should put down a deer with a single bullet if you place it in a vital area.
For pigs I’d rather use the 130gn Speer in preference to the 120-grainer. I’ve used that bullet on chamois and tahr in the .284 Winchester with excellent results. A charge of 49gn of W-760 (or a compressed charge of 50gn of AR2209) lofts it out at 2980fps from a 24-inch barrel.
I haven’t seen the Leupold Freedom 3-9×40 riflescope, but it should be a good choice for a Sako 7mm-08.
Nor have I hunted with Raptor Ridge, but a friend of mine did and was satisfied with the game he got and the service. You didn’t say what game you are interested in or I could probably recommend someone less expensive.
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