Weatherby Vanguard 7mm-08 Review: What Do You Think?

Firearm Reviews & Recommendations
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Overview

I’ve been eyeing the Weatherby Vanguard in 7mm-08 for a while now and am seriously considering adding it to my collection. I’ve heard a lot of good things, but I’d love to get some real-world feedback from those who have experience using it.

Performance

How does the Vanguard handle in various shooting conditions? I’m particularly interested in:

  • Recoil: Is it manageable for extended shooting sessions?
  • Accuracy: What distances have you shot effectively with it?
  • Reliability: Have you experienced any jams or misfires?

Specifications

As someone looking to understand its technical side, any insights on the following would be appreciated:

  • Barrel length options
  • Trigger pull weight
  • Overall weight of the rifle

Suitability for Hunting

For those who’ve taken this rifle out in the field, how does it perform on game? Is it a good choice for deer hunting in particular? What types of terrain have you found it to excel in?

Recommended Ammunition

Lastly, if you have recommendations for ammunition or reloading tips specifically catered towards the 7mm-08, I’d love to hear them! What brands and grain weights have worked best for you?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!

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I’ve been using the Weatherby Vanguard in 7mm-08 for deer hunting, and I must say, its accuracy at 100 yards is impressive. I’ve consistently grouped under an inch with handloads using 140-grain bullets.

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That’s fantastic! Have you noticed any shift in accuracy at longer distances, say 300 yards?

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I’ve shot at 300 yards with mine too, and while it performs admirably, I did notice I need to adjust for wind. Overall, it’s very reliable! I used hornady SST 139-grain bullets, which worked well.

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I’ve heard great things about Hornady bullets. I’m curious what others think about their performance compared to other brands.

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In my experience, the Nosler AccuBond bullets have given me excellent results with minimal drop at distance. I do feel bad for the critters, though! It’s almost too easy!

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Haha! It’s great to have confidence in your rifle. Have you tried it on both small and large game?

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I used it for elk hunting last season, and it didn’t disappoint. The accuracy and knockdown power were definitely there, even at 200 yards!

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That’s reassuring! I’m looking to use it for both deer and elk. Any struggles with recoil?

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The recoil is quite manageable for me. I’ve had no issue after a full day at the range. Plus, the overall build quality of the rifle helps mitigate it too.

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Good to know! It’s always nice when comfort and performance go hand in hand. Any recommendations for scope pairing?

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I’ve had my Weatherby Vanguard 7mm-08 for over a year, and the construction quality really impressed me. The fit and finish are top-notch, and it feels sturdy without being too heavy.

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I completely agree! The overall design is sleek, and the ergonomics fit my hands really well. I don’t find myself fatigued during long periods of use.

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What do you all think about the weight? It isn’t the lightest rifle, but it balances well when aiming. No complaints on that front!

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Exactly! A little weight actually helps with stability. I’ve had rifles that are too light, and they feel awkward at longer ranges.

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The special features on the Vanguard, like the 3-position safety and adjustable trigger, really enhance usability. They’re intuitive and work smoothly!

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I agree with you, sanchezstacy! The adjustable trigger is a game changer. Makes a significant difference in accuracy and control.

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I’m curious about the finish. Mine came with a matte finish which has held up pretty well. Have others experienced any wear?

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Mine also has the matte finish, kvaughn. It’s holding up nicely but I’d be cautious in rough conditions. Do any of you use a case for extra protection?

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I often joke that my rifle is tougher than I am! But seriously, I have seen some wear on the bolt. Anyone else notice that?

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