Author Topic: 7-08 or .270 (Read 1897 times)

Bowjack · « **on:** August 17, 2005, 01:33:45 PM »

Hi,
I'm new to this forum, but I've been reading the threads for several months now. I'm interested in purchasing a "perfect deer rifle," if there is such a thing. I'm leaning towards the Remington LSS that comes so highly recommended especially from Graybeard himself.

However, I know there is plenty of support for the 7-08, but why not the .270 which seems to be deer lightning. I have a friend who shoots one and swears nothing is more dramatic. From what I have seen, it does appear that this is Thor's hammer.

Would the .270 be as accurate in the LSS as the 7-08? If so, what would you pick, the 7-08 or the .270?

Thank You and I appreciate everyone's advice and input.

ps - recoil for these calibers is not a significant factor since I consider them to be both mild.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #1 on:** August 17, 2005, 02:19:46 PM »

The .270 has a large and faithful following. And their allegiance is justified. The .270 is a fine cartridge.

However, if you want to have the most nearly perfect deer rifle, go with the 7-08. You can have it in a lighter, quicker action which means a lighter, quicker handling rifle. Its broad selection of bullets means it can be tailored to fit any hunting situation. I have been using one since back when it was still a wildcat and they can flat get the job done.

RaySendero · « **Reply #2 on:** August 17, 2005, 03:03:22 PM »

Read this - Will save all of us a lot of posting time!

http://forums.accuratereloading.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/3221043/m/430103303

PS: You may need to join to open thread - Don't know?

jhm · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2005, 03:05:51 PM »

George I happen to own both calibers, and if for some reason I had to only have one it would be the 7-08 over the 270, I enjoy shooting it over the 270, have taken more deer with it than the 270, like has already been stated it comes in a short action rifle which just seems to swing, and handle better for me, good luck in your decision both cal. are great its just that touch decision you are faced with you can only make, be proud when you decide on the 7-08 :-D

JIM

SeaBass · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2005, 07:51:53 PM »

One thing on the 270's side is that anywhere that sells ammo has .270win in stock. A friend of mine just bought a 7mm08 and most of the time Dicks sporting goods or Walmart do not have any in stock and when you find it you have no selection what so ever. If you what to pay top dollar most of the gun shops have it in stock. On the otherhand many bait shops and mom + pop stores have 270win 30/30win and 30-06 on the shelves.

Its really personal preference. The 7mm08 is an excellent deer cartridge. I went with the .270 for its flatter trajectory and greater energy. I use this rifle when my shot opportunities are likey to be 150-300yds. In the woods I carry my model 94 in .30/.30 Win.

Slamfire · « **Reply #5 on:** August 17, 2005, 08:22:12 PM »

The .270s been around for 80 years now, and still ranks #3 in sales accordin' to most ammo companies. :wink:

biglmbass · « **Reply #6 on:** August 18, 2005, 04:45:31 AM »

Basically it boils down to whether you want a short or long action rifle. There simply isn't much real world difference between the two calibers. Both would make a fine deer gun, but to my minds way of thinking the "prefect deer rifle" as you menitoned would have to be a short action.

Dave in WV · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2005, 04:51:21 AM »

The .270 has an ammo advantage since everyone makes it and there is a variety to choose from. The 7mm-08 has the advantage of a short action and to me the best thing about a short action is it's easier to mount a scope on to my liking. The 7mm-08 ammo situation for availability and choice is spotty. I used Remington 140gr Core-Lokt factory ammo last year and was pleased with it. I reload so I'm using my loads this year.

Grubbs · « **Reply #8 on:** August 18, 2005, 04:55:20 AM »

At the ranges where 99% of the deer are shot (less than 250 yards) it makes absolutely no difference. The 7-08 kicks a little less if that matters.

Bowjack · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2005, 05:02:04 AM »

Just one more thing...........

The reason for this question is that I was at the local gunshop and I was checking out the Rem LSS, but it was chambered for the .270. Therefore, the LSS is not necessarily a short action, but the rifle felt ... oh so sweet.

However, the dilemma was a result of looking for it in 7-08 and finding it in .270.

Apparently, I can't go wrong with either, but since it is a long action already I might be better served to go with the .270.

What a good life I must have if this is my problem!

lilabner · « **Reply #10 on:** August 18, 2005, 05:15:40 AM »

It depends on what kind of deer you are hunting. Big mulies and heavy northern whitetails should respond better to the more powerful .270. It also depends on shooting conditions where you hunt. Prairie deer offer chances at 300 yards or more and the .270 is a bit flatter. If I had to use my deer rifle for elk or caribou, I would prefer the .270 as it has a bit more punch. On the negative side, it would probably be heavier and longer than the 7-08 and will kick more. For most deer hunting in most places, the 7-08 is plenty of rifle.

PEPAW · « **Reply #11 on:** August 18, 2005, 05:36:21 AM »

I compared the energy ballistics on the Remington tables. With the same 140's, they look pretty much the same. Any edge goes to '08.

It is an easy decision. Pick the .260.

My last gun was a .270. :?

pepaw

Grubbs · « **Reply #12 on:** August 19, 2005, 04:48:24 AM »

lilabner......Big mulies and BIG whitetails respond the same way with either the 7-08 or .270 when shot is good......Stone Dead. My son shot a mulie on ground next to Jicarilla. Buck field dressed 252 lbs. 7-08 = stone dead mulie at 150 yards, 1 shot. He has also shot two cow elk with it using 140 gr fail safes.

SuperstitionCoues · « **Reply #13 on:** August 19, 2005, 11:20:26 AM »

At risk of further confusing the situation, have you thought about the 25-06? Trust me, it will do the same job as a .270 or 7mm-08, the recoil is reduced a little (IMHO), and you will also have a great varmit round that is perfect for antelope, whitetail, mule deer, and will handle elk if the proper load is used.

Think about it before you make your purchase. A 100 - 117 gr. bullet flying at ~3300fps(100 gr) to 2990 fps (117 gr) is going to fly a little flatter, and your shoulder will feel a whole lot better at the end of the day. 400 yd targets are no problem with this caliber, and you can stretch that if needed, depending on your skills.

Bart Solo · « **Reply #14 on:** August 21, 2005, 02:55:49 PM »

George,

If the 270 felt sweet in your hands and fit you like a glove, buy it and don't give the rest of the discussion a second thought. You can't go wrong with either. Both are outstanding. In selecting a rifle personal preference is very important, because if the gun feels right, you will feel more confident and comfortable shooting it. You will probably shoot quicker and better, too.

You are right, your life is good if choosing between two outstanding deer cartridges is your problem. :wink:

Big Tom · « **Reply #15 on:** August 21, 2005, 05:07:26 PM »

Lots of poor reasoning going on such as the 7-08 has a better bullet selection, may by one or two but both have plenty of available bullets....

Bottom line is the 270 is more powerful, shoots flatter and just out classes the little 708, not to say the 7-08 is not a fine caliber it is, but even so I would opt for a 7x57 that holds more powder and is a better round..but even the 7x57 won't out do a .270, Jack O Conner told me so....

kenjs1 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 23, 2005, 05:18:43 AM »

I think Ron Byers summed it up perfectly. If you were to pass on that rifle after it felt that good you would regret it and if you are like most of us would just be shopping for it next year -am I right guys? Oh - and I agree with Pepaw...again!

Bowjack · « **Reply #17 on:** August 23, 2005, 05:30:55 AM »

Thank you all for your informative replies. As many have stated, both calibers are excellent, but it is the rifle that has me sold. So, therefore I don't think I can go wrong with the LSS in .270. I appreciate everyone's replies. Thanks again!

GJ

Essex County · « **Reply #18 on:** August 23, 2005, 09:27:50 AM »

Would you be happy with a great blonde wife or a great brunette wife? Same-Same.......Essex

Slamfire · « **Reply #19 on:** August 23, 2005, 06:43:28 PM »

Quote from: Essex County

Would you be happy with a great blonde wife or a great brunette wife? Same-Same.......Essex

Some folks prefer redheads. :roll:

clearcut · « **Reply #20 on:** September 04, 2005, 05:34:49 PM »

Someone should give the 270 wsm a look. It is the best deer rifle I own, PERIOD. I have a 243, 25 wssm, 300 wsm. The 270 short out performs the straight 270 night and day. I have a browning a bolt with a stoney creek target knob on top of a nice simmons scope. I have been lucky enough to shot out to 600 yards. One shot a 400 and 500yds gave me bullseye's and 2 in high at 600. I shot 130gr bollistics with 65.0 H 4831. Last year I took a whitetale a 475yds. He went 30yds. I recommend looking into the 270 wsm, just my opion.

poncaguy · « **Reply #21 on:** September 05, 2005, 04:56:22 AM »

I agree with clearcut, the 270WSM is one great round. Shot a 270 for years, and the WSM seems to be more deadly on deer. Of course, dead is dead, but give one a try, bet you can't just shoot one!

Got my 6 point at 351 steps last year, using Winchester 130 grain Ballistic Tips, never knew what hit him. I have got a 7mm-08, 25-06 and a 260 Rem I will use this year for the first time. But, if I could have just one caliber for North American game....the 270 WSM would be it.

WW1 · « **Reply #22 on:** September 26, 2005, 06:05:52 PM »

they all look good to me...am looking forward to trying the 7mm-08 this years...not sure why when everyone is talking rifles they always leave out my favorite the 280 Rem..I wouldnt trade either of mine for a 270..have lots better bullet choices with the 7mm..yes you do have to plane a bit in case you are hunting away from home..most shops here stock the 280 and the 7mm-08...I always make it a practice to take enough ammo with me so I dont need to shop on the road..buy a Ruger #1 and you dont need to take many rounds...hahaha...anyway as in everything pick what you want and not what someone wants ya to buy..if the rifle feels like a fine woman in your hands then by all means go with it....hahaha...just my thoughts

Brithunter · « **Reply #23 on:** September 26, 2005, 11:08:08 PM »

Hi All,

Yessir, if the rifle feels right and the price is right walk away with it :grin: and jusy enjoy :wink:

bear8mm · « **Reply #24 on:** September 28, 2005, 05:57:47 PM »

I agree with whoever voted .280! The .280 is everything the .270 is, but with a way better bullet selection. I own a 25-06, 6.5-06, .270, .280, 30-06, 8mm-06, and .338-06. Can you tell I like that -06 case? :-D I only need 1 shellholder! For whitetail or mulies, I favor the 25-06 or 6.5-06, but if elk is on the menu, out comes the .280 with Speer 175 gr MagTips. Pretty impressive for bustin' rocks, too!

HHI #4694 · « **Reply #25 on:** September 29, 2005, 05:57:10 PM »

I believe the 270 is more versatile and can be used to hunt any North American game, excepting the large coastal Brown bears. It will easily out power and out distance the 7mm-08 in every respect. Case capacity and basic physics still count for something. That said I do like the 7mm-08 a great deal for deer sized game.

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #26 on:** September 30, 2005, 03:58:24 AM »

George J

Let us know if you find the perfect deer rifle! The problem is there are so many excellent choices but some are better suited to some situations than others.

What kind of country do you hunt? Do you need a beanfield rifle, a deep woods rifle or a rifle to hump the mountains with?

While my primary rifle has been a Ruger 7mm Mag since 1981, I have to admit the Marlins are better suited for the deep woods and are more fun at the range. Cheaper to shoot, too, unless you reload. The .30-30, .444, 450, and .45-70 are all good and ammo is readily available most places.

Sounds like you have narrowed it down to 7mm-08 and .270 Win in the bolt guns but the .308 and .30-06 parent cartridges are always good too.

I will throw in another vote for the .25-06 as a contender. With a 75g V-MAX or Ballistic Tip it makes a great varmint rifle. Chamber 120g Partitions, A-Frames, Trophy Bonded, Grand Slams or 115g TSX and you have a very capable deer rifle.

brasskeeper · « **Reply #27 on:** September 30, 2005, 10:24:47 AM »

I have a 7mm-08 so I naturally would prefer it over the 270. I do however admit the 270 does have more to offer on larger animals. If I were to advise the most versitale round I would have to pass them both up and go with 7mm rem mag. It can be handloaded to near 7mm-08 velocity or past 270 velocity. For big animals it can carry a 175gr bullet. Just my opinion. Good luck with whatever you choose.

jakes10mm · « **Reply #28 on:** September 30, 2005, 10:40:28 AM »

Love the defense "better bullet weight selection". That's fine if you find a rifle that has a "user settable twist rate". The twist rate of the rifle's barrel will place some limitations on your bullet selection if you intend to be accurate with your rifle. I have a fairly new (used) Winchester 243 I picked up....hey, the 243/6mm has a good bullet selection from the 60gr to 107gr range. Testing time.....85-87gr bullets printed a nice 1/2" grouping at 100 yards. 70gr - opened to about 3/4", 60gr - opened a bit more - but could usually keep it about 1", on the other side - 100gr was very difficult to keep under 1". Although I have a good bullet selection, my barrel twist dictates what bullet weights will be stabilized for flight.

I'd recommend the 270...namely because I'm in the same debate, but between 270 and 30-06. I already have the short action covered with 243 and 308.

Buckeye · « **Reply #29 on:** September 30, 2005, 11:38:23 AM »

The 270 is more cartridge than the 7-08 ,My big draw back for the 7-08 is that the 175gr. bullets take up to much space in the short case, and your heaviest bullet that you can realisticly use is the 140gr. bullet.,And the 150gr. .277 bullet has much better sectional denisity,and can be pushed faster to boot.
I perfer the 7X57 hands down over the 7mm-08,and the 270 winny over both.
If a fellow wants a flat shooting ,short action cartride I'd go with the 260 Rem. over the 7mm-08.