Author Topic: 308 or 7mm-08 (Read 2687 times)

357mag · « **on:** March 16, 2004, 04:02:07 PM »

I am helping my a friend look for their first deer rifle and have narrowed it down to either the Win M70 or Browning A-bolt both in the compact model since the shooter is fairly short. Both are offered in 308 and 7mm-08. I do not know in which direction to point them. The 7mm-08 is slightly better in the wind and drop is slightly less ballistically, but not enough to be significant at the distances it will used at. It will be mainly whitetail deer with the possibilty of caribou, wild boar, and a remote chance of moose. Is either caliber better than the other or does one have an advantage over the other. Thanks in advance.

longwinters · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2004, 04:18:57 PM »

Hmmm, I have both calibers (talk about overlap in rifles). I think for an all around caliber, between these 2, I would go with the .308. I tend to see the average bullet for the 7m-08 as a 140 gn and the average bullet for the 308 as a 150 gn. As far as 30 cal vs. 284 I really dont think there is enough difference to worry about insofar as "wound channel". Accuracy is probably about the same. Probably another point would be that the heavy bullet for the 7m-08 is 170 gn and for the 308 it would be 180 gn. If recoil is of concern then the 7m-08 may be a little lighter. But this can be made up with reloading, rifle weight etc... What caliber appeals to him? It probably would come down to is he really going to hunt the big animals like moose? If so then go with the 308.

long

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2004, 06:07:57 PM »

357mag -

Since moose are a possibility, I would recommend the .308. For everything smaller, it won't make any difference. I've been hunting elk wiht a 7mm Rem Mag for 20+ years and can tell you that a 160g 7mm Grand Slam bullet will put them down reliably. The difference between a 7mm Rem Mag and a 7mm-08 is in the trajectory - a game animal won't notice the difference.

Zachary · « **Reply #3 on:** March 16, 2004, 06:10:04 PM »

Yup, I have both rifles too. In fact, I have 2 308s and 2 7mm-08s

Yea...Life is good!!!! :-D

Keep in mind that the .308 and the 7mm-08 are very (read that VERY) similar. The 708 is essentially a .308 with a 7mm bullet.

My personal favorite (for a deer rifle) is the 7mm-08, and I strongly recommend it!

Zachary

PA-Joe · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2004, 02:16:08 AM »

Question here is do you reload? If you reload then go with the 7mm08. If not go with the 308 because ammo is cheaper.

shoot'n hogs · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2004, 04:43:28 AM »

For years I have used a 25-06. I do not understand why people like yourself seem to think they need such a big cal. For white tail and hog, to much meat is destroyed. Lets say you shoot for the head or neck to preserve your meat, the smaller cal. will still make that kill any day. It is just overkill.

shoot'n hogs · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2004, 05:08:54 AM »

With the reasoning list above, I guess I should use my 243 on squirrels.

357mag · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2004, 08:18:54 AM »

Hogs:
I agree that many of the calibers used on deer in the last several years are way overkill and do too much meat damage. I don't see the need for a 300 Rem Ultra Mag when a .243 Win will kill a deer. But with reloading for the cartridge I don't see a .308 being excessive. With controlled expansion bullets you won't get more than a two inch exit and that is on the large side. With the bloodshot meat you lose a 5 inch or six in circle of rib meat on the exit side and maybe a two in circle on the entrance side. So we're talking about roughly two or three pounds of ground meat is lost. That is more than acceptable to me. In fact the 25-06 is shooting just as fast or faster and the two deer I saw shot with one had more damage done than that of a 35 Remington.

shoot'n hogs · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2004, 10:35:09 AM »

Thanks for the response....... I have been waiting. I agree about down loading a 308, but if down loading for only one purpose (deer, hogs) why not just going with the smaller cal. Different loads have different zero's. To me it just sounds like to much trouble. I would rather have the small and larger cal for the versatility (sp) of hunting.

THE#1hunter · « **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2004, 11:49:12 AM »

I would go with the .308, I have one, and my buddy has a 7mm08 , and it may just be me, but I like the way the .308 shoots better. It seems to be a little more acurate, and the ammo is easy to find, thats always a plus.

Good luck

and
God Bless

stork · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2004, 05:21:42 PM »

I would buy the 7mm08 it is just as versitale as the 308. The problem with this is that both calibers are so similar. If you want a slightly bigger bullet buy the 308, and if you want a little bit smaller bullet buy the 7mm08.

Chuck White · « **Reply #11 on:** March 18, 2004, 05:12:54 AM »

I agree with Stork!

It's only a matter of personal preference!
The 7mm-08 & the .308 are so much alike that the average shooter couldn't tell which one he was shooting, if he was handed two identical rifles that were unmarked, already loaded and firing approximately the same weight bullets!
I own a Rem M-7 in each caliber! I've had the 7mm-08 for about 20 years and got the .308 about 3 years ago! I have used the 7mm-08 every since I got it and last hunting season, my wife decided to take up the sport and she uses the .308!

IMHO either one will do what ever the other one will!

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #12 on:** March 18, 2004, 05:29:49 AM »

The 7-08 would be the first choice-----BUT since you threw moose into the mix----the .308 would better in this situation and it might be good idea to take a REAL close look at a .300WSM. You'll be needin bigger bullets for those bigger critters.

tjf76 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 18, 2004, 12:56:53 PM »

Flip a coin! they over lap big time in their use. just my 2cents

stv · « **Reply #14 on:** March 18, 2004, 02:06:35 PM »

This thing about 7mm 08 vs 308 is the same old 270 vs 30 06 thing that has raged since 1925 at least. You really can't make a mistake, either will work fine. I picked a BLR 308 and the decision was slightly difficult because the store( Cabela's) had both plus a 358Win. I also have a very good 25-06 at home already to cover the smaller end of the specturm. If I had walked in to this store and they had only one or the other of them I would have bought it and not looked back. If the only choice had been a 358Win, I also might have bought that as well. Modern calibers are distinguished by the fact that they all work well given good bullet/ammo and effective shooting skills of the user. If necessary flip a coin and don't look back. By the way I peronally like bBrownings but Winchesters are OK also. Good luck stv

justice · « **Reply #15 on:** March 18, 2004, 03:00:21 PM »

Quote from: shoot'n hogs

For years I have used a 25-06. I do not understand why people like yourself seem to think they need such a big cal. For white tail and hog, to much meat is destroyed. Lets say you shoot for the head or neck to preserve your meat, the smaller cal. will still make that kill any day. It is just overkill.

are you out of your mind-what do you think a 25-06 is-it is a 30-06 necked down to 25 caliber-a 308 is a lighter version of a 30-06-only real difference is 25 or 30 caliber bullet-you definately arent talking about a 300 magnum or one of the other heavy weights-i think you should probably think about what you are talking about before you spout it out-made you look kind of stupid this time-i think most will agree.

justice

Fla Brian · « **Reply #16 on:** March 18, 2004, 04:42:16 PM »

Justice,

It's OK to have a disagreement with a feller, but you've got no call being insulting to shoot'n hogs. He's just as entitled to his preferences as you are to yours. I don't think he's stupid or out of his mind at all. Let's keep it civil, OK?

By the way, I have no irons in this fire as I have neither .308, 7-08 nor .25-06 in my battery.

shoot'n hogs · « **Reply #17 on:** March 19, 2004, 02:55:20 AM »

justice,

I guess you can use a cal. that is over matched for the game that your hunting. If you consistently shoot for the shoulder or gut, I wouldn't blame you. Check your shot . I like the clean meat with a hell of alot less blood clot and bone fragment. (this of course is talking about using the 25-06 for deer and hog)(I have taken down several mule deers with the said rifle also)

shoot'n hogs · « **Reply #18 on:** March 19, 2004, 03:13:08 AM »

justice,

and no a 25-06 is a necked down 270.
By the way, my mother shoots for the shoulder and uses a 243.

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #19 on:** March 19, 2004, 04:13:18 AM »

Ummmm----not to be picky----but the .25-06 is a necked down .30-06---hence----the -06 designation after the .25.

The .30-06 case is the parent case for the .30-06---.280----.270---.25-06---.35 Whelen----.338-06-----and probably others I'm forgetting.

357mag · « **Reply #20 on:** March 19, 2004, 04:37:38 AM »

In a way it is also the parent for the .222 and the 50 BMG. They are both taken from the 30-06 case and scaled up or down proportionately. Not a direct base for another caliber but in a way it is the parent case for those two.

Fla Brian · « **Reply #21 on:** March 19, 2004, 04:37:06 PM »

Quote from: 357mag

In a way it is also the parent for the .222 and the 50 BMG. They are both taken from the 30-06 case and scaled up or down proportionately. Not a direct base for another caliber but in a way it is the parent case for those two.

If you want to look at it that way, then the 7.65X53 Mauser is the daddy of all of them.

BIG JAKE · « **Reply #22 on:** March 20, 2004, 11:56:23 AM »

Both are excellent rounds and both could do the job. But as others have stated since you through moose in the picture I'd go with the 308. Bullet selection is much better for the larger animal in the 308 factory loads then the 7mm-08. Factory loads for the 7mm-08 seem to be geared more for deer sized game. As for handloading the 308 can be loaded with bullets up to 180gr without taking up to much powder capacity where the heavier longer 7mm bullets would limit it to much. As for shoot'n hogs comment; a 22 long rifle with kill a deer but we don't use it. The 7mm-08 and the 308 are great rounds but latter is the better choice for the tasks in mind. :wink:

razmuz · « **Reply #23 on:** March 20, 2004, 12:57:41 PM »

Slow down fellows, how did the 25-06 get involved with the man's question. 308 vs 7m-08, HMMM, let me see. We're really talking Ford and Chev here. I've given the question considerable thought and have an answer. Buy a 6.5X55.

Fla Brian · « **Reply #24 on:** March 20, 2004, 04:37:51 PM »

Quote from: razmuz

Slow down fellows, how did the 25-06 get involved with the man's question. 308 vs 7m-08, HMMM, let me see. We're really talking Ford and Chev here. I've given the question considerable thought and have an answer. Buy a 6.5X55.

I'll second that motion. I figure the Swede is a better choice than either the .308 or the 7-08 myself. It's great for deer, and the Scandinavians use it quite successfully for elk size game with those wonderful 156 - 160 grain round noses. In fact, we got our common name for wapiti, elk, from their elg.

hatchetjack · « **Reply #25 on:** May 06, 2004, 06:39:52 PM »

Both rounds are very similar and both would work well on the animals you mention. As long as you match the bullet weight with the animal you plan to hunt. I would however, give a slight edge to the .308 with 180s on moose over the 7mm-08. Also if you are not a reloader the .308 is somewhat easier to find ammo for.

Big Paulie · « **Reply #26 on:** May 07, 2004, 08:52:35 AM »

In favor of the .308, when you buy the Federal Hi-Energy rounds with the 180 grain bullet, you get virtually indentical ballistics with the standard 30-06 round and 180 grain bullet. So again, the .308 is much more versatile on the high end than the 7-08, particularly if you do not hand load..

I have used the .308 on deer, with factory loaded 150 grain bullets, for many years. I have 13 one shot kills, and 2 two shot kills. No missed or wounded. It is a wonderfully efficient and accurate round.

But, if I were going to buy a carbine, with a 20 inch barrel, I might just go for the 7mm 08.

Big Paulie

redawg · « **Reply #27 on:** May 07, 2004, 10:31:37 AM »

357 mag- Has your friend picked out a rifle yet? If so, what did he end up choosing?

mcrae555 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 07, 2004, 04:26:40 PM »

Hey Fella's

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice! I live in Southern BC and use the 7mm-08 pretty much all the time for everything I hunt. I have a 7mm Mag but I always seem to have my 7mm-08(its lighter). I have taken whitetail deer,mule deer,black bear,elk,cougar,and a moose. I have never felt undergunned and all the above critters went down fast! I reload so ammo is not a problem but it definitely would be if I wasn't a reloader! Low recoil allows me to practice,practice,practice,and practice I have immense confidence in this rifle/caliber combination.

McRae

longwinters · « **Reply #29 on:** May 07, 2004, 07:24:23 PM »

Mcrae, are you using factory loads or do you reload? What bullet are you using? I have both calibers and actually like each about the same but seeing you favor the 7m-08 for everything up to moose (and I have no doubt that it can do the job if shot accurately at reasonable distances) I am curious about your bullet choice.

long