I cannot imagine the 7-08 would recoil much less than the 308 win, was wondering if there was enough difference in the two to justify a 7-08 over the 308 in a Kimber Montana. I reload so bullets of even 110 grains are available in 30 cal.
I've run 3 or 4 Kimber MT 308's and currently have a 7-08 Kimber MT. They kick the same with equal bullet weights.
I use "standard" (non-monolithic) bullets in all my rifles, and all of them are loaded to tackle elk... for elk I like an SD of at least 0.248, so I run 165's in the 308 MT and 140's+ in the 7-08.
With any powder, the 140's and 150's in the 7-08 kick noticeably less than the 165's in the 308.
But 160's in the 7-08 MT get your attention like the 165's do in the 308. Etc., etc.
For me, 150's don't bother me in the 308 MT, but 165's are starchy. I'd certainly not hesitate to run lighter 125-130 grain bullets in the 308 for deer and you'll find them more enjoyable than heavier bullets.
A far as their effectiveness on elk sized game, the 7-08 and 308 are two peas in a pod when running similar bullets. This year I used 150 NBT's in the 7-08 and had great performance on a mature bull. Definitely similar performance to a 168 NBT from the 308.
Aside, 308 brass and loaded ammo are substantially easier to find in this part of the world than 7-08. Not that that should be any surprise.
Best,
Brad
