What barrel to buy

[Scotsman1886]

OK. I have a Ultra in 308 and a Handi in 47-70. the 45-70 frame is getting a Hornet bbl. Question is what to get for the other?
I like 7mm alot. Wish I could get a 7x57 bbl but I know they are gone for now. So its 280 or 7-08.
I wonder if the 7-08 is so close to a 308 that its redundant.
What are the opinions of each out there. I'll most likely shoot alot more paper than game but I do hunt deer and elk

[DanielWGriggs]

I would go 280.  the nonmagnum magnum of the gun world. It can also be had with a 26" barrel.

[Mitch in MI]

I like long barrels, and the .280 NEF tends to be a good shooter. 7-08 uses a little less powder and kicks a bit less, and the 22" barrel is a bit more compact. 7x57 and 7x64 were available in 24" up until 5-6 years ago, might find one on the used market. Really isn't much you can't do with a .308 that you can do with a 280 or 7-08. You could go for something a bit more different, like a .223, .22-250, .243, or 25-06.

[Scotsman1886]

Very good points. I am a reloader and that is a factor for my choice. I like something that's a little different.

[darat100]

If you really are a lover of the 7mm, follow your heart.  However, for versatility, in my opinion the 25-06 is hard to beat if you load.  Load it up for larger game, way down for varmints.  And most of the guys who have them say they are unbeatable.  Mine is by far the most accurate gun I have. 

[Mac11700]

If you really are a lover of the 7mm, follow your heart.  However, for versatility, in my opinion the 25-06 is hard to beat if you load.  Load it up for larger game, way down for varmints.  And most of the guys who have them say they are unbeatable.  Mine is by far the most accurate gun I have. 

I second what darat100 says...get a 25-06...You can always get it converted to something larger if you want..

Mac

[nomosendero]

If you really are a lover of the 7mm, follow your heart.  However, for versatility, in my opinion the 25-06 is hard to beat if you load.  Load it up for larger game, way down for varmints.  And most of the guys who have them say they are unbeatable.  Mine is by far the most accurate gun I have. 

Yep.