7mm-08 AR close range hunting rifle

[stooxie]

Hello all,

Kinda surprised there isn't more activity in the 7mm-08 forum here, seems like it's a great cartridge for hunting.

I am planning on building a 7mm-08 AR for close-in (less than 200 yards) deer hunting. I am looking at semi-auto because, believe it or not, the place I hunt has great chances for multiple animals. I used 300BLK this year with good luck and, not being able to leave well enough alone, I am looking at using my favorite caliber in a semi. I plan to use this suppressed.

Here's the current plan:

MEGA MATEN Megalithic upper/lower receiver set
BHW 7mm-08 16" mid length gas
Syrac Gen II adjustable gas block
RCA BCG
Regular 308 carbine spring and buffer
Milspec buffer with Magpul CTR stock

Current questions/debates:

16" middy or 18" rifle? I am leaning toward 16" middy since I have the adjustable gas block. Anyone think that 18" rifle would be noticeably better? I don't think I'd ever miss the 100fps or so in velocity, sounds like the 3P rifling is pretty quick anyway.

Any thoughts on using something besides a 308 carbine buffer and spring? Reliability and simplicity are my primary concerns.

Finally, any thoughts on barrel finish? I am leaning towards the black oxide but would consider Cerakote as well. My concern with the Cerakote is scratching it up trying to get the gas block on. I believe BHW doesn't leave the barrel bare under the gas block. Looking for low maintenance and high durability.

Thanks!
-Stooxie

[bzikot]

I would go with at least the 18" barrel,  I know on a 308 most people will not go under 18 they say you lose to much velocity and energy, and I would bet the 7mm-08 is worse because of the smaller bore. I have not shot 16" or 18" barreled rifle in 308 but have shot a lot between 20" and 24' and their is a big jump down from 24" to 20" as low as 150fps to as much as 500fps depending on powder used, and some people may have found more than that. The Hornady Handbook of cartridge reloading 8th show a jump down of 400fps between the rifle load, that uses a 24" barrel and the pistol load, that uses a 15" barrel, on the 154gr bullet.

[GLSHOOTER]

I would go mid-lenght gas. 16" vs 18" is a preference. For you AO it will be a moot point. With a suppressor maybe the extra 2" would be a a bit problematic for you in comfort. Standard buffer and spring for the carbine stock if you go that route. No need to get fancy. The black finish is very nice looking and will wear like the hubs of Hades.

Sounds like a nice build. I'm looking forward to see how it turns out.

Greg

[stooxie]

Any thoughts on light weight profile vs standard? I wouldn't mind saving the weight but my thought is that the standard will be stiffer and less prone to stringing shots. I know, not really an issue for a hunting rifle, but I swear I've had lousy luck with thin, production, 20"+ barrels. I've had spectacular luck with short stubby ones.

-Stooxie

[GLSHOOTER]

Jan 8, 2015 19:09:23 GMT -8 stooxie said:

Any thoughts on light weight profile vs standard? I wouldn't mind saving the weight but my thought is that the standard will be stiffer and less prone to stringing shots. I know, not really an issue for a hunting rifle, but I swear I've had lousy luck with thin, production, 20"+ barrels. I've had spectacular luck with short stubby ones.

-Stooxie

Short and fat is where it's at.

Greg

[stooxie]

Got it, thanks!

Now I just need one of those 20% coupon codes to show up again and I'm good to go!

-Stooxie

[sil9mm]

Any luck with yours yet? I'm waiting for my barrel. Think I still have 10 weeks left to ship. Keep us posted with progress.

[stooxie]

Not yet. I ordered my barrel about 3.5 weeks ago so I would guess I have another 2-3 to wait.

It's going to be so awesome when I get it built! I can't wait to chrono various factory loads through the 16" barrel. 7mm-08 is supposed to develop it's velocity very quickly.

I will post the results.

-Stooxie