I just acquired a used Sako 75 III in 7mm-08 for HP. It has a 1 in 9.5 twist. Will a 175 grain bullet be stable in it or do I need to stay with a 160 or 162 grain bullets for rams? Thanks Ken

Ken, Sierra recommends a 1-8.5 grist for that bullet. My 7-08 has a 1-8.5 twist and that bullet shoots real well in my gun. I'm my opinion that's the best ram bullet in our game.
If I were you I'd try them in your gun, they may work. You might also want to try the new TMK 160 Gr. plastic tipped MatchKings in your 7-08. I have been shooting the 6.5 130 Gr. TMK's in my 260 and haven't lost a ram yet in 5 matches. These bullets have a very high BC.

Al Foust

This might also be helpful:

http://www.bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/

I've had good results with the 168gr SMK on rams in my standard Sako 75 in 7-08. Optimum speed is @ 2500f/s.

cslcAl wrote:I have been shooting the 6.5 130 Gr. TMK's in my 260 and haven't lost a ram yet in 5 matches. These bullets have a very high BC.

Al Foust

Al, do you know what velocity you are launching them at?

2606 fps

Hey Al what powder and load? (inquiring minds you know.)

35.0 Gr Varget. Here's a 5 shot group I shot at 200 meters.
Al Foust

Is that out of your Tikka Al?

Al: That is a very nice group. I could just hope that my rifle can do that at 200 yards.

Mark, No that's out of a 700 with a Fouglas barrel. Haven't worked them up in the Tikka 260 yet. I have for the Tikka 6.5 X 55, and the shoot real well. I won our last hunter rifle match with that combo.

Al

My goodness Al! Brown and Sharp to measure groups! Now that's precision equipment! LOL

Yup! One big mark, that's one heck of a group!

Al Foust

Yes it is!

Al, no one likes a show off. Dam fine group though.