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Twist rate on Howa?

11K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  Chucknbach 
#1 ·
Anyone know the twist rate on a Howa youth 7mm-08. Has anyone work up a load for this particular rifle? What works and what doesn't? Thanks
 
#2 · (Edited)
Standard on most 7mm-08s is 1:9 or 1:9.5. It's my understanding that Howa makes the Vanguard for Weatherby. I have to think that they are using the same barrels for both, and both the 7mm-08 and 7mm Rem Mag in the Vanguard have a 1:9.5" twist. See here: http://www.weatherby.com/product/rifles/vanguard_2/sporter. I haven't worked up a load specifically for a Howa, but I have loaded extensively for my 15" encore. The 20" barrel on your rifle is about midway between standard 24" and my 15". Either way, my barrel with the 1:9 twist is enough to stabilize up to and including 150gr bullets even out of the short barrel. Assuming you're loading your "youth" rifle for a "youth," you might try anywhere from 41.5g to 46g of Varget behind the TTSX 120g. Recoil won't be bad with the lighter bullet, even with max loads, and you can probably expect velocities around 2700fps. Lots of folks use Varget and H4895. I'd look at Hodgdon's website for their data, as well as the load data by both the powder manufacturers and bullet makers you want to use. Good luck.
 
#4 ·
I've had several 7-08's over time, and a 1:9 twist will shoot a 175gr Hornady SP accurately out to 300yds, just as well as any other weight for accuracy.

The 7-08 is one of the best balanced rounds available for medium game, and lots of good shooters believe in it for elk. My thought is it's at it's best with 139-154gr bullets. Past 160gr accuracy is fine, but velocities are on the slow side. Useable, but slow.

1:9.5 will be just fine.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the reply's Yes this is for my son this year to use on antelope, deer and elk. Was kinda hoping someone with the same rifle would comment after my last years experience with my daughters .243 that didn't like the things normal .243's liked. I attribute it to the 16.5" barrel. The 20" on th '08 should be closer to the norm so may not give me as much grief.

dcamm current plan is 140's and either Varget or H4895 to start, have both.
 
#6 ·
A friend of mine has the Vanguard version, and he got the best results with 140gr TTSX bullets. He just couldn't get the 160's and 175's to shoot as well and didn't get the FPS he wanted. Good luck though! I haven't ever had a problem getting Howa/Vanguards to shoot well, I think I have loaded for 4 of themnow
 
#7 ·
I'll agree on the 160's not shooting so well, had a bunch left over from testing for a 7mm mag so loaded a bunch so my son would have something to shoot till the bullet order came in.

140gr Berger VLD's with Varget right at 1" only thing I've tested so far. I'm thinking it can do better.
 
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