Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Do I need a 7mag??

YUP!

Same can be said of the seven! If you have a 7mm mag you do not need that rest.

7mm-08 and 35 may suit for Va. whitetails, but in my country there are lots better calibers.. My step grandkids like the 08, and I find it fun for shooting target and woodland whitetails..
but as someone said a got 7 mm Mag. will do both of the jobs of the 08 and 35, and probably better at that..

Boils down to distance. Past 500, I'd be schlepping a 7RM. Under 500, take your pick. All you're doing is moving the energy dump further down range. 300 yard shot with a 708 is 475ish with a 7mag. Trick is knowing distance and wind. In VA, all you need is a slingshot thats over 23 cal. Since 500 is all I practice, it's all im worried about. And that's just for showing off. The reality of where I hunt is 100 yards and under, hence the 6x45. Just to be a dick........

Then there is the weight of the rig, which I give more thought to. Ill pass on 9# of rifle for a 100 yard shot. Faux Ti 6x45 pea shooter will put a little challenge in it....

Do you need a 7mag? Well, given that you already have it, I'd say keep it and USE it.

As 16bore mentioned, it's all a matter of distance to the target and the performance you need to have at that distance.

Since bolt guns are generally most used for more open hunting grounds given their usually longer barrels. So, if you're hunting more open country where you can use the extra horsepower, a 7mmRM strikes a great balance between power delivered (to the target) and power received (on your shoulder!!!).

Besides, if felt recoil is on the hefty side a competent gunsmith can easily install a muzzle break to lighten the load.

Otherwise, keep those you have 2x 7-08's (to be given to your kids), a very useful .35 Whelen and a hugely 'in-between' .280 (which could prove difficult to source ammo for).

Sell the 280. Keep the rest.