Always been a fan boy of the 7mm-08. I actually bought my son a Model 110 Hunter in 7mm-08 that now wears a Boyd's stock. Max load of Varget over a 120 Nosler Ballistic Tip is deadly!
7mm-08 is my go to for whitetails. It never let's me down. In a Winchester Model 70 Ultimate Shadow stainless, which is a very reliable, and very light weight rig, it is very accurate and easy to shoot. That rifle is easily my favorite in my modest arsenal.
I bought a 700BDL in about 1985, 22" bbl. Put a B&C stock on it , 2-7x33 Leupold in Weaver rings, had it tefloned, which was an option back in the day, used it like that for 4-5 years, then put a McMillan Fibregrain on it. Ran 140gr Partitions @2850 for hunting, Ballistic Tips for rest of year, 168gr Sierra Matchking when wanting to shoot targets. Used 140br Ballistic tips and 168gr Sierra Matchking on Silos. Shot lots of deer with it, few moose, few elk over the years, out to 350yds approx. Love that gun, does what is needed, nice to carry, had no real need for amything else, never felt a need for a brake, can't use suppressors in Cda. Hauled it all over Cariboo srea and N side of Prince George area of BC, along Easrern slopes of Alberta. Put a Triggertech in it 2-3 yrs ago. It has served me very well.
I bought my son a 7mm-08 All Weather Ruger American stainless steel rifle with a 22 inch long barrel. I had him pick a custom stock from Bell and Carlson and got him a 2 x 7 Leopold scope. He loves it!!!
In build back better/post Covid America I’m becoming more appreciative of budget content. I kinda wish Winchester would make 284 win chambered rifles since their actions are already like 3.050. Would be a great fit
I’ve had a couple 7mm-08s over the last ten years. Has became one of my favorite calibers. I have taken elk out to 450yards with it. Don’t over look 160gr bullets. Hunting wise I’ve settled on 154gr Hornady SSTs.
A few years ago I purchased a Tikka all stainless in 7mm-08 for my granddaughter. I had the stock cut down to fit her. She grew up within a year, so I put a B&C fiber stock on it. It has taken mule deer, antelope, a couple of Texas exotics, and a black bear ahead of dogs. Sadly we haven’t gotten her an elk yet. She is booked for another Texas hunt early 2025 for Aoudad and whitetail buck. Apparently the Tikka has a “slow” barrel because I haven’t been able to achieve the book velocities, but it works and shoots accurately. She has used Barnes 120 TTSX on the exotics (full penetration), Hornady factory American Whitetail 139 on the antelope, and Nosler 150 partition on the bear. Looking at either the Nosler 140 Accubond or possibly the Barnes 139 LRX for the Aoudad/whitetail hunt.
I was pleased to finally see you work with a 7MM08. However, what you’ve done isn’t exactly what I would do with my 24” barreled Remington 7MM08, but your gun, your choice. If I remember correctly the discontinued Rem 788 was offered with an 18” barrel. I didn’t see the point with the short barrel in a 7MM cartridge then or now. It would have been interesting to have chronographed the load of choice both at 22” and again at 18”. Did clipping the barrel to 18” make it into a gelding? The 7MM08 was/is a high power silhouette cartridge. It was developed to knock 50 lb. steel rams over at 547 yards. It’s not a brush cartridge and there are better short range calibers. I’d like what you’ve done much more if the rifle were chambered in 338 Federal or 358 Win. Regardless, I look forward to seeing what you’ll do with this rifle.
Savage Axis is a great rifle and very accurate. I have to change the spring with an MCARBO pro spring kit and it will bring the trigger pull weight down to around 2 pounds with the 2.5 pound spring. It also comes with a 3.5 pound spring if you don't won't to go that low. The 7mm08 to me is one of the best picks for any deer-sized game.
My first bolt action rifle was for PA, tree stand, close range deer hunting, was a Savage 110 Storm in 7mm-08. I recently tossed the 1:9.5 barrel and stock and spun a 22" 1:8" barrel (0.900" diameter) that I am currently working up for a 1,000yd class using 150 and/or 175 ELD-X. A bit slower velocity that the FGMM 175gr 308 gold standard, but with the improved BC, getting better down range performance. Due to the LRP shortage, I bought some Starline 308 Match SRP brass and necked it down. So far so good.
Thank you for mentioning the trigger… we got my sons down to 3 lbs there’s a company that makes a kit… we had trouble shooting it before hand it was 6lbs.
Glad you're finally playing with more Savage rifles. I'm definitely a fan, I've built a 6.5 grendel from a cheap model 12. I also have a 223 elite precision and a 6.5cm in a Woox stock.
@Ultimatereloader Savage is great for those of us who don't have a lathe or the ability to make our own barrels. We can buy a pre-fit and the associated go-nogo gage and build a semi custom rifle.
Built my wife a 7mm-08 and it loves the 150 ABLR. It shot amazing. Have tried the 150 ELDX and shoots just as well. I have since built a custom 700 in 708 and it shoots like a dream. Very underrated round and one of my favorite rifles to shoot
I bought my first in 1985/86. It was a Ruger 77. Not great accuracy but it killed a truck bed full of critters. 7-8 years ago I bought a Savage Axis for my wife. Its a 20" 7/08. Its SCARRY accurate! I load it with a 139 Hornady W/4895 @ 2760 fps and sub 1" groups. Mine also has a Boyds Classic Hunter in Shadow camo.
My 7.08 is a Marlin and it's a fantastic little rifle ‼️ I put a Ruger M77 25.06 in a Boyds about 25 years ago and it's a shooter. This past weekend, I put my Winchester mod 70, 300 WinMag in a Boyds At-One with PTG bottom metal and detachable magazine. It turned out SAWEEET 😎. Going to the range in two weeks to see if she shoots.
My Dad, my Son, my Daughter, my Daughter inlaw and my Wife all shoot a 7-08. I would have bought a 7-08 for my first gun if I had not ran into an amazing deal on a model 70 in 280rem. The 7-08 is an awesome cartridge that will kill anything in the lower 48. P.s. my Daughter in laws rifle is a savage with a purple spike camp stock.
I had a Savage Axis chambered in 30.06. I had the barrel cut to 20”, an MCarbo trigger set at about 1 1/2 lbs, and a Boyds Pro Varminter stock. Subsonic 3006 is so much fun
Got an axis 30-06 recently went with the boyds at one. Currently put a lift kit in, mcarbo trigger kit, also changed the plastic mag retainer for aluminum, pillar bedded and glass bedded.
There are alot of videos on modifying the existing trigger on the Savage Axis non accutrigger. It's easy to do and you definitely have the equipment to do it. I've done 6 so far and I've been able to get every one down to 3 lbs safely, with one exception which was one I adjusted down to 1.5 lbs. It's still safe just lower weight than most hunters like.
Im so frigin glad your getting back to your roots and doing blue collar builds. Full blown custom builds are cool, but most of us smucks are running a Savage Axis or Ruger American.
The cool part about savage rifles is that you buy a good scope. Buy once cry once on glass. Put a good stock, pillar and glass bed. Now you have the makings of a really good switch barrel. I have one that I hogged the area out for the nut to come off with the barrel. It used lock tite on the nut when setting the headspace. Now you can buy prefit barrels from GunShack with a new nut and change calibers anytime with a barrel vice and action wrench. I have 8 barrels for one action with the .473 bolt face.
We run a Savage model 10 youth 7-08 with 101 grain monolithic bullet and it is awesome. We had it cut to 20" so we could put a muzzle brake on it (originally used a suppressor but we didn't like the extra weight and length). We are pushing that 101 grain mono at 3150 fps and it will shoot sub MOA all day long if the shooter does their part. It is a super lightweight fun rifle that we use for sub 300 yard hunting on deer and bear. 7-08 is a pretty amazing cartridge....especially if you handload.
I have a 1984 Remington 700 in 7mmO8. The rifle is a full camo set-up, including the scope. This rifle loves Barnes 140 grain TTSX bullets. This is probably my most favorite rifle out of many. I live on the Treasure Coast of Florida, so I don't need a 300 Winchester Magnum . My Weatherby 30-06 and my Remington 7mm Magnum are plenty enough for me.
I’ve had a Savage Axis in .308 for years, that just sits in my safe. I bought it used for about $300 thinking that one of my kids may want to go hunting with me sometime. Never happened! It’s the XP version with a cheap Weaver scope, and the only time I shot it, was to sight it in. With factory ammo, it was a 1.5” to 2” shooter, never tried reloading for it. Might be a good candidate for the U.R. treatment!
I love 7mm-08 as a cartridge. I have one in a Tikka T3X Lite, and a Ruger American action with a 26" Douglas barrel. I run 140gr Ballistic Silvertips over RL 16 out of the Tikka, and 180gr Berger VLD Hunting over Ramshot Hunter out of the Ruger. Both are phenomonally accurate rifles. I'm getting 2850 or so out of the 140gr, and 2680 out of the the 180gr. 7mm-08 is awesome for hand loaders!
The 7mm-08 Remington is my favorite cartridge for whitetails! I bought my first one in 2001.. it was a Remington 700 LSS. It's favorite ammo was Winchester Ballistic Silver Tips. Which consistency group 1/2 MOA in the rifle. My second one was a Tikka T3x Hunter. It loves the Winchester Ballistic Silver Tips as well! I also get 1/2 MOA with this rifle! I tried Norma Whitetail and got .67 inches at 100 yards and Hornady Whitetail.. which was 1.37 inches at 100 yards! Love your set-up Gavin! I have a Savage Axis ii with a Boyds stock! It's chambered in the 350 legend! It has an 18 inch barrel.. so it is short lightweight points fast too! I get half inch groups using Winchester 180 grain loads!
Axis ,223 bought used as a cheaper coyote rifle for on a snowmobile . after selling the ranch, put a spike camp on it .has a Timney trigger as it is a pre accu-trigger gun. Has a 4x 14 Leupold vx-3 with a TMR . Shoots with any other varmint rifle I have,probably keep it forever. Only downside it does not like to feed hallow points unless seated pretty deep in the case.
I have the browning blr in 7-08. Have an old school leupold 2-7 (before the vx series was released. Great, fast rifle. 145 speer hotcor is amazing in it.
MCARBO makes a trigger kit with light springs and a shim kit to keep the trigger in line and ensure all of the force goes backward rather than side to side for about $20, seems to get the trigger down to about 3lbs. Theyre also the only ones on the market offering a flat-face trigger for the Savage Axis that Im aware of. Savage are my favorite platform!
You basically covered what I would do for a budget shooter. Boyds laminate, pricey- but worth it or Hogue glass molded cheaper- does the job, Timney and proper bedding. Used a Jewel trigger on a MkX n was glass, but hard to beat a Timney.
Definitely a fan of these more “budget friendly” builds. They are right up my alley and pocket book. I have always wanted to do one. Since I now live in Ohio, I may get a left handed Savage or Winchester XPR since Ruger doesn’t have a lefty available and add a Boyd’s stock. Either in Forest or Pepper. Probably the Agility or thumbhole At One.
Would definitely look at the MCARBO trigger spring and shim kit if looking to lighten the trigger up and keep with the theme of a budget build. Pretty sure they are at or around 20 bucks.
I would have loved to see you test shoot the stock rifle. Then shoot it with the Boyd's stock stock. Then the barrel cut down and threading. Then the bedding. Doing so would show the benefits and cons, if any, of each step. Kind of like what Eric Cortina did with the "Needsmoor" videos.
Has anyone here every dealt with a 7mm-08 with a 14" barrel bolt action in a pistol with a Pachmeyer pistol grip? Damn thing is a beast! Especially if you load your own ammo and give it the maximum charge! It blows through steel like nobody's business.
I have a axis 2 in 6ARC, my only complaint is the bolt is lacking in the smoothness department but I guess that’s to be expected in a budget rig. It’s a good shooter but it ain’t a ruger American which in my opinion is the budget king
I own 2 XPs - 223 and 308. The first I bought out the abundance of range pickup brass and the 308 was purchased after a friend gave me 300 pieces of once fired brass and I already have 30 cal bullets. I think you nailed it - what are you trying to do? I'm a hunter and a plinker, so I shoot as-is. Both fun to play around with, especially the 223.
Referencing the 150 ELDX, 41.0 of Varget or 40.3 of IMR-4064 will put 5 under 1/2" from my 6.5lb kimber (scoped weight, not bare rifle). H4350 and RL-16 are also great (around 45.5ish), but they are compressed loads and I doubt you will get full powder burn with that neutered barrel. Becoming proficient with a light weight rifle will make you even better shooting a 17lb PRS rig 😜
Been looking at Boyds Stocks for my Christianson Mesa 6.5 PRC, but after helping a friend try to fit his Remington 770 in an At One stock, which required a lot of fitting and several trips to the random screw drawer, I've been a little leery. Would not reliably cycle from the magazine after the install either. Bought an Eres ETR 3-18x50 a few months ago because I could not pass it up for $450 new. It's a bit on the heavy side and the eye box is a little tight at higher magnification, but it seems like a solid scope with clear glass, good tracking and a nice reticle.
I got the original Ruger American with a 1 in 9 1/4 twist and recently got the Ruger Go Wild because it comes with a 1 in 8 1/2. I am loading 150 grain ELDX with StaBall 6.5. My first one likes the 139 grain Interlock with H4895.
It would be great for you to revisit the 308 subsonic load development with powders that are more commonly available. Trail Boss unfortunately is no longer manufactured...
Running a side cam stock on my Parker hale action 308 love it for hiking in the hills light and the grip is great for standing offhand shots as this is most of my shooting.
Look into Desh Industries. He makes a few upgrades to savage axis rifles. His bolt lift kit is awesome. For the trigger, I have the upgrade kit from M*Carbo. Their kit can drop it down to a 3.5 lb or 2.5 lb trigger pull.
At last, something we can afford! Lol. I love Boyd's laminated stocks. Put a gray ambidextrous one on my 10/22 some years ago, along with a good stainless fluted barrel. Very nice. I sm okanning to get a 7mm-08 soon, most likely a Cerakoted Vanguard (or Howa equivalent) or a Tikja T3x Lite Stainless. I will leave it stock, but i have ideas for other rifles, like if i get something to rebarrel to 338 Federal. As it happens, i have an Edge in 223 that I didn't get around to firing for years (on sale $300 back when at a large chain, with the cheap scope). Didn't extract the 5th round i fired, so i set it aside. This was probably 3 yrs ago at least. I need to work with it some more. If i can get it to extract, i may put a grey/pepper laminate stock on it, tune the trigger, and eventually get a better scope. Would be a nice walking varminter/coyote rifle. Keep up the great content
I have a Savage axis in 3006 using Boyds featherweight thumbhole and the Original name Savage Edge in a 22-250 in a Boyds featherweight thumbhole. Both are shooters but like you said the triggers are awful. I cut down spring but still at 5.0 and 5.2 Lbs. I have two Ruger American Gen II one standard one predator. both in 7mm-08 and I think that's my favorite cartridge's now . Both shoot at or under 1/2" MOA and fully adjustable triggers I have both set at 3.2 lbs. which I like Thanks for the video and sharing your knowledge on guns folks can afford
Have thw axis(non accutrigger) and bought bulk apring pack. Found one that fit and had a 3lb trigger before cleaning up gritty feel. I like the stock shape but color a lil off for me. Love the channel.
Try some Berger VLD Hunt…140gr Also some Barnes TTSX 120gr. Both work so well for me at higher charge weights using good ole’ Varget. Thank you for the video. Enjoyed it.
Howa 7-08 love it I like the precision 150 for factory load I don’t think you can beat it. Hand load vaget behind 139grn Sst dime size groups. I’ve been thinking of putting it on a Boyd’s thumb hole stock now I’m sure I will.
I am running a savage left hand 110 in 7prc boydes spike camp 40 moa rail with atholon ares 4.5-27×50 Salmon river arca rail caldwell bipod Ordered a prefit barrel Using for long range target and big game hunting Going to shoot a mile with it also
What was the velocity difference from break to silencers be neat to see and that gun is way more capable than a hundred yard gun for sure take and stretch it out it hand load it and you will be surprised what it can do
Hi Gavin i learn more From your nice videos i have question it’s passable to modify barrel of machine gun MG42 cal7.62x51 install in rem700 or savage action Please make one project will be nice we need see the accuracy for that heavy barrel .
The savage axis is about as cheap as they get (and I mean CHEAP). A boyds gunstock is about 200-300$. I don't know what kind of budget you're on but this is really affordable
7mm-08 is my favorite cartridge for hunting. Easily takes whitetail, mule deer, black bear and elk. If you're a hand loader, 7mm is a dream!
Love my 7mm 08
Seems like a great cartridge!
@@Ultimatereloader I've dropped deer in their tracks with it. I need to load for it now!
Yes to loading! Perhaps I will too :)
7mm08 is great. Staball 6.5 really wakes up the cartilage.
7mm-08 is a sweet spot for me. Underrated cartridge
savage axis xp bolt lift kit and trigger kit cheap and easy to install makes a world of difference
Always been a fan boy of the 7mm-08. I actually bought my son a Model 110 Hunter in 7mm-08 that now wears a Boyd's stock. Max load of Varget over a 120 Nosler Ballistic Tip is deadly!
7mm-08 is my go to for whitetails. It never let's me down. In a Winchester Model 70 Ultimate Shadow stainless, which is a very reliable, and very light weight rig, it is very accurate and easy to shoot. That rifle is easily my favorite in my modest arsenal.
7mm-08 my favorite deer rifle!!! Boyds stocks bam!! You hit it out of the park!
Thanks, this was a fun one!
I bought a 700BDL in about 1985, 22" bbl. Put a B&C stock on it , 2-7x33 Leupold in Weaver rings, had it tefloned, which was an option back in the day, used it like that for 4-5 years, then put a McMillan Fibregrain on it. Ran 140gr Partitions @2850 for hunting, Ballistic Tips for rest of year, 168gr Sierra Matchking when wanting to shoot targets. Used 140br Ballistic tips and 168gr Sierra Matchking on Silos. Shot lots of deer with it, few moose, few elk over the years, out to 350yds approx. Love that gun, does what is needed, nice to carry, had no real need for amything else, never felt a need for a brake, can't use suppressors in Cda. Hauled it all over Cariboo srea and N side of Prince George area of BC, along Easrern slopes of Alberta. Put a Triggertech in it 2-3 yrs ago. It has served me very well.
Awesome
I bought my son a 7mm-08 All Weather Ruger American stainless steel rifle with a 22 inch long barrel. I had him pick a custom stock from Bell and Carlson and got him a 2 x 7 Leopold scope. He loves it!!!
In build back better/post Covid America I’m becoming more appreciative of budget content. I kinda wish Winchester would make 284 win chambered rifles since their actions are already like 3.050. Would be a great fit
I’ve had a couple 7mm-08s over the last ten years. Has became one of my favorite calibers. I have taken elk out to 450yards with it. Don’t over look 160gr bullets. Hunting wise I’ve settled on 154gr Hornady SSTs.
A few years ago I purchased a Tikka all stainless in 7mm-08 for my granddaughter. I had the stock cut down to fit her. She grew up within a year, so I put a B&C fiber stock on it. It has taken mule deer, antelope, a couple of Texas exotics, and a black bear ahead of dogs. Sadly we haven’t gotten her an elk yet. She is booked for another Texas hunt early 2025 for Aoudad and whitetail buck.
Apparently the Tikka has a “slow” barrel because I haven’t been able to achieve the book velocities, but it works and shoots accurately. She has used Barnes 120 TTSX on the exotics (full penetration), Hornady factory American Whitetail 139 on the antelope, and Nosler 150 partition on the bear. Looking at either the Nosler 140 Accubond or possibly the Barnes 139 LRX for the Aoudad/whitetail hunt.
I was pleased to finally see you work with a 7MM08. However, what you’ve done isn’t exactly what I would do with my 24” barreled Remington 7MM08, but your gun, your choice. If I remember correctly the discontinued Rem 788 was offered with an 18” barrel. I didn’t see the point with the short barrel in a 7MM cartridge then or now. It would have been interesting to have chronographed the load of choice both at 22” and again at 18”. Did clipping the barrel to 18” make it into a gelding?
The 7MM08 was/is a high power silhouette cartridge. It was developed to knock 50 lb. steel rams over at 547 yards. It’s not a brush cartridge and there are better short range calibers. I’d like what you’ve done much more if the rifle were chambered in 338 Federal or 358 Win. Regardless, I look forward to seeing what you’ll do with this rifle.
Savage Axis is a great rifle and very accurate. I have to change the spring with an MCARBO pro spring kit and it will bring the trigger pull weight down to around 2 pounds with the 2.5 pound spring. It also comes with a 3.5 pound spring if you don't won't to go that low. The 7mm08 to me is one of the best picks for any deer-sized game.
My first bolt action rifle was for PA, tree stand, close range deer hunting, was a Savage 110 Storm in 7mm-08. I recently tossed the 1:9.5 barrel and stock and spun a 22" 1:8" barrel (0.900" diameter) that I am currently working up for a 1,000yd class using 150 and/or 175 ELD-X. A bit slower velocity that the FGMM 175gr 308 gold standard, but with the improved BC, getting better down range performance. Due to the LRP shortage, I bought some Starline 308 Match SRP brass and necked it down. So far so good.
Looking into 7mm-08 specifically to be able to use small rifle primers. Good info here thnx for the post!
Nice ! and excellent choice 7-08, one of the best caliber
Thank you for mentioning the trigger… we got my sons down to 3 lbs there’s a company that makes a kit… we had trouble shooting it before hand it was 6lbs.
Glad you're finally playing with more Savage rifles. I'm definitely a fan, I've built a 6.5 grendel from a cheap model 12. I also have a 223 elite precision and a 6.5cm in a Woox stock.
Nice! Yes, it's fun to do some things that are different, including 7mm-08!
@Ultimatereloader Savage is great for those of us who don't have a lathe or the ability to make our own barrels. We can buy a pre-fit and the associated go-nogo gage and build a semi custom rifle.
Boyds stocks are amazing are they perfect no do I modify everything yes. Best stock upgrade that's cost effective
Built my wife a 7mm-08 and it loves the 150 ABLR. It shot amazing. Have tried the 150 ELDX and shoots just as well. I have since built a custom 700 in 708 and it shoots like a dream. Very underrated round and one of my favorite rifles to shoot
I bought my first in 1985/86. It was a Ruger 77. Not great accuracy but it killed a truck bed full of critters.
7-8 years ago I bought a Savage Axis for my wife. Its a 20" 7/08. Its SCARRY accurate! I load it with a 139 Hornady W/4895 @ 2760 fps and sub 1" groups.
Mine also has a Boyds Classic Hunter in Shadow camo.
I am surprised you dig not shoot the rifle in it’s original length and stock before you modded it, for a comparison.
Im running a Steyr Pro Hunter II in 7mm-08, i love it. It absolutely loves 139gr interlocks over some canister powder from American Reloading.
My 7.08 is a Marlin and it's a fantastic little rifle ‼️ I put a Ruger M77 25.06 in a Boyds about 25 years ago and it's a shooter. This past weekend, I put my Winchester mod 70, 300 WinMag in a Boyds At-One with PTG bottom metal and detachable magazine. It turned out SAWEEET 😎. Going to the range in two weeks to see if she shoots.
My Dad, my Son, my Daughter, my Daughter inlaw and my Wife all shoot a 7-08. I would have bought a 7-08 for my first gun if I had not ran into an amazing deal on a model 70 in 280rem. The 7-08 is an awesome cartridge that will kill anything in the lower 48.
P.s. my Daughter in laws rifle is a savage with a purple spike camp stock.
I had a Savage Axis chambered in 30.06. I had the barrel cut to 20”, an MCarbo trigger set at about 1 1/2 lbs, and a Boyds Pro Varminter stock.
Subsonic 3006 is so much fun
Got an axis 30-06 recently went with the boyds at one. Currently put a lift kit in, mcarbo trigger kit, also changed the plastic mag retainer for aluminum, pillar bedded and glass bedded.
That mag retainer upgrade sounds legit!
There are alot of videos on modifying the existing trigger on the Savage Axis non accutrigger. It's easy to do and you definitely have the equipment to do it. I've done 6 so far and I've been able to get every one down to 3 lbs safely, with one exception which was one I adjusted down to 1.5 lbs. It's still safe just lower weight than most hunters like.
Im so frigin glad your getting back to your roots and doing blue collar builds.
Full blown custom builds are cool, but most of us smucks are running a Savage Axis or Ruger American.
We strive to do a spectrum of different projects at different price-points.
The cool part about savage rifles is that you buy a good scope. Buy once cry once on glass. Put a good stock, pillar and glass bed. Now you have the makings of a really good switch barrel. I have one that I hogged the area out for the nut to come off with the barrel. It used lock tite on the nut when setting the headspace. Now you can buy prefit barrels from GunShack with a new nut and change calibers anytime with a barrel vice and action wrench. I have 8 barrels for one action with the .473 bolt face.
We run a Savage model 10 youth 7-08 with 101 grain monolithic bullet and it is awesome. We had it cut to 20" so we could put a muzzle brake on it (originally used a suppressor but we didn't like the extra weight and length). We are pushing that 101 grain mono at 3150 fps and it will shoot sub MOA all day long if the shooter does their part. It is a super lightweight fun rifle that we use for sub 300 yard hunting on deer and bear. 7-08 is a pretty amazing cartridge....especially if you handload.
Can’t believe you cut the barrel so short! 22” would already have been my minimum.
:) mixing it up, I have so many rifles that are mostly-the-same
Hard to beat the 7mm-08 in the SE USA deer woods! 120gr Hammer Hunter pushed by Varget achieving 3000+fps out of a 22” barrel. Nasty on whitetails!
Classic cartridge with ballistics similar to the hot 6.5 cm with typically higher velocity and heavier projectiles
I have a 1984 Remington 700 in 7mmO8. The rifle is a full camo set-up, including the scope. This rifle loves Barnes 140 grain TTSX bullets. This is probably my most favorite rifle out of many. I live on the Treasure Coast of Florida, so I don't need a 300 Winchester Magnum . My Weatherby 30-06 and my Remington 7mm Magnum are plenty enough for me.
I’ve had a Savage Axis in .308 for years, that just sits in my safe. I bought it used for about $300 thinking that one of my kids may want to go hunting with me sometime. Never happened! It’s the XP version with a cheap Weaver scope, and the only time I shot it, was to sight it in. With factory ammo, it was a 1.5” to 2” shooter, never tried reloading for it. Might be a good candidate for the U.R. treatment!
I love 7mm-08 as a cartridge. I have one in a Tikka T3X Lite, and a Ruger American action with a 26" Douglas barrel. I run 140gr Ballistic Silvertips over RL 16 out of the Tikka, and 180gr Berger VLD Hunting over Ramshot Hunter out of the Ruger. Both are phenomonally accurate rifles. I'm getting 2850 or so out of the 140gr, and 2680 out of the the 180gr. 7mm-08 is awesome for hand loaders!
The 7mm-08 Remington is my favorite cartridge for whitetails!
I bought my first one in 2001.. it was a Remington 700 LSS. It's favorite ammo was Winchester Ballistic Silver Tips. Which consistency group 1/2 MOA in the rifle.
My second one was a Tikka T3x Hunter. It loves the Winchester Ballistic Silver Tips as well!
I also get 1/2 MOA with this rifle! I tried Norma Whitetail and got .67 inches at 100 yards and Hornady Whitetail.. which was 1.37 inches at 100 yards!
Love your set-up Gavin!
I have a Savage Axis ii with a Boyds stock! It's chambered in the 350 legend! It has an 18 inch barrel.. so it is short lightweight points fast too!
I get half inch groups using Winchester 180 grain loads!
7-08 shooters love the back country
Love my Remington 700 in 7mm-08. Has never let me down on elk, even at some extended range.
I love my 7mm08 custom built on a Savage 112J.
I love this caliber and have taken many deer with it. I shoot the 140 gr accubond bullet. Like how the build turned out to. Looks great!
Thanks! I like this rifle.
Axis ,223 bought used as a cheaper coyote rifle for on a snowmobile . after selling the ranch, put a spike camp on it .has a Timney trigger as it is a pre accu-trigger gun. Has a 4x 14 Leupold vx-3 with a TMR . Shoots with any other varmint rifle I have,probably keep it forever. Only downside it does not like to feed hallow points unless seated pretty deep in the case.
I have the browning blr in 7-08. Have an old school leupold 2-7 (before the vx series was released. Great, fast rifle. 145 speer hotcor is amazing in it.
I found putting a Timney trigger was a big game changer for my savage axis.
Gun looks great on top of the Tripod!
MCARBO makes a trigger kit with light springs and a shim kit to keep the trigger in line and ensure all of the force goes backward rather than side to side for about $20, seems to get the trigger down to about 3lbs. Theyre also the only ones on the market offering a flat-face trigger for the Savage Axis that Im aware of. Savage are my favorite platform!
Mcarbo trigger spring to keep it budget. Maybe even a prefit barrel
My set up is exactly like your set up without the suppressor. I'm using staball 6.5 and 120gr nosler ttsx it's a deer and pig slaying machine.
You basically covered what I would do for a budget shooter. Boyds laminate, pricey- but worth it or Hogue glass molded cheaper- does the job, Timney and proper bedding. Used a Jewel trigger on a MkX n was glass, but hard to beat a Timney.
Definitely a fan of these more “budget friendly” builds. They are right up my alley and pocket book. I have always wanted to do one. Since I now live in Ohio, I may get a left handed Savage or Winchester XPR since Ruger doesn’t have a lefty available and add a Boyd’s stock. Either in Forest or Pepper. Probably the Agility or thumbhole At One.
Awesome, glad you like these projects!
I'd be interested in seeing you run the 7mm-08 cartridge pressures up to replicate 7mm mag velocities....kinda like you did with the 308 win.
Would definitely look at the MCARBO trigger spring and shim kit if looking to lighten the trigger up and keep with the theme of a budget build. Pretty sure they are at or around 20 bucks.
Awesome, I'll look into it!
I would have loved to see you test shoot the stock rifle. Then shoot it with the Boyd's stock stock. Then the barrel cut down and threading. Then the bedding. Doing so would show the benefits and cons, if any, of each step. Kind of like what Eric Cortina did with the "Needsmoor" videos.
Has anyone here every dealt with a 7mm-08 with a 14" barrel bolt action in a pistol with a Pachmeyer pistol grip? Damn thing is a beast! Especially if you load your own ammo and give it the maximum charge! It blows through steel like nobody's business.
I have a axis 2 in 6ARC, my only complaint is the bolt is lacking in the smoothness department but I guess that’s to be expected in a budget rig. It’s a good shooter but it ain’t a ruger American which in my opinion is the budget king
I have an original A-Bolt. Light, and far more accurate than it needs to be. Really an all-round cartridge.
I own 2 XPs - 223 and 308. The first I bought out the abundance of range pickup brass and the 308 was purchased after a friend gave me 300 pieces of once fired brass and I already have 30 cal bullets. I think you nailed it - what are you trying to do? I'm a hunter and a plinker, so I shoot as-is. Both fun to play around with, especially the 223.
Referencing the 150 ELDX, 41.0 of Varget or 40.3 of IMR-4064 will put 5 under 1/2" from my 6.5lb kimber (scoped weight, not bare rifle). H4350 and RL-16 are also great (around 45.5ish), but they are compressed loads and I doubt you will get full powder burn with that neutered barrel. Becoming proficient with a light weight rifle will make you even better shooting a 17lb PRS rig 😜
Love my Begara 7mm-08 it's my go to woods gun and also love bith of my boyds stocks
Been looking at Boyds Stocks for my Christianson Mesa 6.5 PRC, but after helping a friend try to fit his Remington 770 in an At One stock, which required a lot of fitting and several trips to the random screw drawer, I've been a little leery. Would not reliably cycle from the magazine after the install either.
Bought an Eres ETR 3-18x50 a few months ago because I could not pass it up for $450 new. It's a bit on the heavy side and the eye box is a little tight at higher magnification, but it seems like a solid scope with clear glass, good tracking and a nice reticle.
I got the original Ruger American with a 1 in 9 1/4 twist and recently got the Ruger Go Wild because it comes with a 1 in 8 1/2. I am loading 150 grain ELDX with StaBall 6.5. My first one likes the 139 grain Interlock with H4895.
It would be great for you to revisit the 308 subsonic load development with powders that are more commonly available. Trail Boss unfortunately is no longer manufactured...
M-Carbo makes a kit for the trigger for not much more than $20. It’s a worthwhile mod.
Running a side cam stock on my Parker hale action 308 love it for hiking in the hills light and the grip is great for standing offhand shots as this is most of my shooting.
Nice work. I really like the work on the bbl threads
Thanks, those sporter barrel threading jobs are fun.
Look into Desh Industries. He makes a few upgrades to savage axis rifles. His bolt lift kit is awesome. For the trigger, I have the upgrade kit from M*Carbo. Their kit can drop it down to a 3.5 lb or 2.5 lb trigger pull.
At last, something we can afford! Lol. I love Boyd's laminated stocks. Put a gray ambidextrous one on my 10/22 some years ago, along with a good stainless fluted barrel. Very nice. I sm okanning to get a 7mm-08 soon, most likely a Cerakoted Vanguard (or Howa equivalent) or a Tikja T3x Lite Stainless. I will leave it stock, but i have ideas for other rifles, like if i get something to rebarrel to 338 Federal. As it happens, i have an Edge in 223 that I didn't get around to firing for years (on sale $300 back when at a large chain, with the cheap scope). Didn't extract the 5th round i fired, so i set it aside. This was probably 3 yrs ago at least. I need to work with it some more. If i can get it to extract, i may put a grey/pepper laminate stock on it, tune the trigger, and eventually get a better scope. Would be a nice walking varminter/coyote rifle. Keep up the great content
People saying 7 m m gives me the ick 7mil08 all day
😂
Please do a tested video on ramshot lrt!!
Great looking rifle
Thanks for sharing man 😁
I have a Savage axis in 3006 using Boyds featherweight thumbhole and the Original name Savage Edge in a 22-250 in a Boyds featherweight thumbhole. Both are shooters but like you said the triggers are awful. I cut down spring but still at 5.0 and 5.2 Lbs. I have two Ruger American Gen II one standard one predator. both in 7mm-08 and I think that's my favorite cartridge's now . Both shoot at or under 1/2" MOA and fully adjustable triggers I have both set at 3.2 lbs. which I like Thanks for the video and sharing your knowledge on guns folks can afford
I just purchased the boyds heritages for my sons savage axis 7 08.. what timing
Way better caliber than a 6.5 cm for hunting
Hits above its weight way closer to a .270win class than the 6.5 creed
Have thw axis(non accutrigger) and bought bulk apring pack. Found one that fit and had a 3lb trigger before cleaning up gritty feel.
I like the stock shape but color a lil off for me.
Love the channel.
Try some Berger VLD Hunt…140gr
Also some Barnes TTSX 120gr.
Both work so well for me at higher charge weights using good ole’
Varget.
Thank you for the video. Enjoyed it.
Howa 7-08 love it I like the precision 150 for factory load I don’t think you can beat it. Hand load vaget behind 139grn Sst dime size groups. I’ve been thinking of putting it on a Boyd’s thumb hole stock now I’m sure I will.
Like my Rem 700 in 7mm08. Bushnell 4x12 scope.
I am running a savage left hand 110 in 7prc boydes spike camp 40 moa rail with atholon ares 4.5-27×50
Salmon river arca rail caldwell bipod
Ordered a prefit barrel
Using for long range target and big game hunting
Going to shoot a mile with it also
Love the caliber love the concept not my choice of rifle.
Drove me crazy to hear you say “ehm ehm” every time. It’s 7 millimeter-08
I almost got a timney, but i also like the elftmann trigger in my model 110. Better than the accutrigger.
What was the velocity difference from break to silencers be neat to see and that gun is way more capable than a hundred yard gun for sure take and stretch it out it hand load it and you will be surprised what it can do
Let’s see load development
7mm08 tikka, short action bolt stop removed, and a 3006 magazine. Shooting 162 Eld-m
Could also go mag length in the short action
Nice
Really like your content. Thanks for the info.
Thanks for watching! Glad you like the content, it's a lot of fun to put together!
Savage has the easiest trigger to make lighter with a DIY job at home, all it takes is a good pair of wire cutters lol
Good review. Good deer rifle
Thanks!
Not bad seed for a 18" barrel
I want to see a long range 270 Winchester build
Yes me too
I want to take my tikka 270 and put different twist barrel and see what it will do
Me too
Love my 7mm-08 mine like 140gr-160,gr bullets
Hi Gavin i learn more From your nice videos i have question
it’s passable to modify barrel of machine gun MG42 cal7.62x51 install in rem700 or savage action
Please make one project will be nice we need see the accuracy for that heavy barrel .
4064 120 nosler BT it hammers deer and groups real well
Got one on 308, same. Walmart 388$ plus tax.
Nice I need one
When I see someone call this a budget build I realize I need to make more money 😅
What are you buying cheaper than a Savage Axis?
The savage axis is about as cheap as they get (and I mean CHEAP). A boyds gunstock is about 200-300$. I don't know what kind of budget you're on but this is really affordable
Gaven what thread diameter would you put on a 44cal barrel for a muzzle device?
Anyhow I got it apart (hammering in background). I've had those kind of bedding jobs lol.