[Brian Pfleuger]

One thing to realize with a short barrel is that attempts to maximize velocity are likely to dramatically increase recoil. More velocity means maintaining pressure behind the bullet. More pressure equals more muzzle pressure, more muzzle pressure means more recoil, sometimes dramatically. These short barrels can easily be in the realm of 15,000psi muzzle pressure. The "rocket effect" is considerable with those pressures. This is an area where QuickLoad shines. You can find safe loads, sort them by muzzle pressure and find the highest speeds with the lowest pressure/recoil.

This is not to say that recoil is in any way unbearable with a short barreled 7-08. I can shoot all day even with full-power factory loads. The muzzle blast is substantial though. Plugs and muffs together is advised, for max loads especially.