Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Montana 243 VS 7mm-08?

Going to buy one or the other in a few months. I'm not interested in discussing the effectiveness of either on Whitetails. I'm not a reloader "yet" but will be as soon as a shop is completed and space is available.

What I want to know is, does either lend itself more easily to load development or bullet choices. I don't think in terms of throat length and mag confines or bullet choices, so I need to ask you guys. I would just like to pick the one that would more easily lend itself to the things a reloader does to achieve better accuracy. Does either the 243 Montana or 7mm-08 excel in that area?


If it's a wash, I'll likely pick the 243 since Whitetails will be the only game hunted and the kids or wife may use it at times, so recoil is a concern.

Wash, but given your last sentence, 243.

I have the Kimber in .243, and it is one of my favorite rifles, ever.

The .243 shot Federal Fusion 95gr. so well I never even tried any handloads. I have the dies and components on the shelf if the Fusions run out.

In 7.08 I went a little heavier. Simply because I have had a detached retina.

Either will be good, but a 7-08 shooting 120s or less is a 243 for all intents and purposes, including recoil. I'd go with a 7-08 because it is more flexible in reloading for game. It will go down to 100gr bullets and shoot up to about the 168 grainers. If you don't care about more flexibility, the 243 will do the job.

+1. Mine (and it seems a lot of them) really shoots the 120 NBTs well.

I disagree.

Having owned both a Kimber Montana 7mm-08 and a 243, the 7mm-08 with full power 120s is a considerable step up in recoil from a 243, especially in a light rifle like the Kimber. A Kimber 7mm-08 will come back at you pretty fast, and it wouldn't be tough to scope oneself with a light hold while firing full power loads.

In comparison A 243 can be loaded with a bullet like the 80 grain TTSX at around 3000 fps, and be a real pussycat to shoot, while still maintaining a nice trajectory.

The 7-08 will take reloading better than the 243, which has a tendancy to stretch brass. The 7-08 , on the other hand, is a jewel to load for, is not picky, and can be loaded to meet any recoil requirement (within reason) you may have.

The additional recoil of a well fitted rifle will be minimal.

good luck in your choices.

My wife and son never had any problem handling the 7mm-08. I only used Remington factory 140's in it. The 7mm-08 gives the reloader a whole heck of a lot of options.

My brother-in-law loads both equally well and both seem very accurate. He doesnt reload alot so neither must be too hard. I know his loads are mainly lighter loads for his wife and son and they seem to always kill deer. He doesn't have any issues. I know my next rifle is going to be a Montana in either 243 or 223 to replace a heavier predator rig I have. The weigh or (lack of it) is addicting. Too bad they are always on back order.

Take recoil and versatility for different game out of the equation. Is either designed so that it can more easily be loaded for accuracy?

I would say both cartridges are a wash as far as intrinsic accuracy.

The 243 will have a stiffer barrel than the 7mm-08 due to the smaller diameter bore, which certainly lends itself to better accuracy.

An oft overlooked part of shooting for accuracy is recoil. With a light recoiling rifle, one can concentrate on firing more easily without worry. Light recoil also means being able to hold the rifle without a death grip, which generally helps usable accuracy.

With the 243, it wouldn't be tough to start the kids on 55s loaded to 223 velocities, then work the loads up as they see fit, transitioning to a deer bullet when the time comes.

Does the chamber in either facilitate easier kissing of the lands? Am I right that the magic is to short on both?

I'd say 243 but I can't get myself to purchase one with a 1-10" twist, so it'd be 7mm08 all the way.

Actually, the 223 would be a good way to roll.

What would be your load of choice in 223 for Whitetails, and do you have as much confidence in it as something like an 80grn TTSX or 85grn Game king in a 243?

This...^^^^^
I took a large mature Doe this years with a 223 Barnes 55gr TSX. 130yrd broadside shot and had a total pass through with a textbook wound channel. I typically would have taken a neck or head shot but wanted to see what the monolithic bullet would do. I'm impressed.
These modern bullets has really made these smaller calibers competent deer killers. This will probably be my sons first center fire rifle. No recoil, not loud, accurate, and cheap to shoot.

I'm still hesitant on the 223 in a Montana if for no other reason than I own a Colt 6720 set up with light scope and mounts that can take care of my 223 needs, especially if the kids are involved.

I'm leaning 243 since I have a nice Sako L579 in 243, so I would kill two birds with the reloading components. I know the same could be said for the 223 but I still give the edge to the 243 for deer, even though I know the 223 will get the job done.

I like your thinking on this and you can load reduced-loads if needed. Felt recoil in many guns can be a problem for those learning to shoot. The .243 is an excellence deer/predator caliber.

And I am wrestling with the same thing. I have a good but heavy 223 and really want a light weight Montana in a predator caliber. The 243 could pull double duty and give me another caliber. It would also make a idea rifle for my son. My only problem is with the Montana is no dealers in my area can ever get enough of them. They are always back ordered. Is it like that everywhere???

The 243 will be better in this regard.

I have both, not in Montana's. I tend to go with prairie goat.. The .243 seems to fit your needs.. I shoot my .243 far more than the 7mm-08, although it is very accurate..