7mm SAW vs 7mm-08 Improved

7mm-08 Freak · Jan 19, 2025

So other than a 30 degree shoulder or the 40 degree shoulder whats the difference? I cant find any good drawings on the SAW to compare. I love a 7mm-08 and want to build a new one in SAW or Improved configuration but need some input from people that have messed with them before I pull the trigger (play on words intended)

HMRamateur · Jan 19, 2025

Never played with a 7-08AI, but I have a 7saw. Only reason I chose one over the other was because of factory brass. I doubt there's any difference over performance though, or at least not discernable.

FuhQ · Jan 20, 2025

If you're building on a short action, go 7 SAW.

Chris1972 · Jan 20, 2025

I have the AI and am very pleased with it. I think the SAW gets its speed from increased pressure.

My load

2750 FPS
42.85g Varget
166 A-Tip
2.170” BTO
2.9xx oal
24” Bartlien

Honest sub .5 moa at 500 for ten consecutive shots. Not saying I can do it every time but I have done it.

Less trimming (they say)
There was more speed on the table but I chose accuracy and 8.2 mils to 1000

Negative: you do have to fireform. Was not a big deal for me because I love to shoot. For some who worry about such things it may be an issue.

One extended range session formed 150 pieces. Next day started load development.

Ronin22 · Jan 20, 2025

Chris1972 said:
I have the AI and am very pleased with it. I think the SAW gets its speed from increased pressure.

My load

2750 FPS
42.85g Varget
166 A-Tip
2.170” BTO
2.9xx oal
24” Bartlien

Honest sub .5 moa at 500 for ten consecutive shots. Not saying I can do it every time but I have done it.

Less trimming (they say)
There was more speed on the table but I chose accuracy and 8.2 mils to 1000

Negative: you do have to fireform. Was not a big deal for me because I love to shoot. For some who worry about such things it may be an issue.

One extended range session formed 150 pieces. Next day started load development.

I'm getting 2750 with 162ELDM and 46gr W760. 2775 in Summer temps. 24"
When I started with this 708AI I had such good precision with the loads I just ran it like I had a 708. Then the day came where I had a few hundred cases fireformed and I tweaked the load a grain. Gained 50fps before hitting unwanted pressures. Hits 1000yds with ease.

7mm-08 Freak · Jan 20, 2025

JR1200W3 said:
SAW is Texan for Robert Whitleys "SLR". All it does is give a longer neck and steeper shoulder angle than a conventional 308 case style(243,260,7-08 etc). From back in the day when people got hot and bothered about shoulder angle. The SAW will have slightly less case capacity than the Ackley'ized 7-08 and a slightly shorter OAL to fit AICS mags due the neck shoulder junction sitting lower. It's like the difference between 243 and 6.5 Creedmoor. Arguable geometry on paper but when both are chambered in a modern rifle and barrel not a lot of practical difference shooting them.

Well, I noticed the original 708 has a 20° shoulder. The Saul has a 30 and the improved version has a 40° shoulder. That’s all I know as far as the difference between a 243 and a 6.5 I don’t know that that’s a very good analogy because there’s a hell of a lot of difference in 24 and 26 caliber.

7mm-08 Freak · Jan 20, 2025

I definitely agree with that analogy there’s not a gnats ass difference.

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