So I have a NH Model 70 in 270 WSM that has a bad barrel. I'm going to have it built into a nice lightweight all purpose hunting rig. Instead of having all sorts of different rifles, I'm going to consolidate down to one or to great rifles and focus on applying in more states for different tags.

I'm not a big reloader anymore as I just don't have time. Over the counter availability is important. My goal is a total scoped weight no more than 7.5 pounds. Main game will be coues deer, mule deer, occasional Elk, and some black bear. Max shot would be 400 yards and even then it had better be a damn perfect set up.

It seems that the 7mm-08 and 308 are damn near identical ballistically with the 308 being able to run heavier bullets and the 7mm-08 shooting slightly flatter. Any help or advice would be great.

Since over the counter availability is important to you, I would go with the 308. Otherwise I would go 7mm-08 for no other reason than to be a little different!

If you mean having that 70 built into a 308, you've got a bolt face and feed rail problem.

That was my first thought also...

I think you're stuck with either direction you go: barreling in something .473= bolt and other$. Barreling back to any WSM= ammo cost or going back to loading.

New rifle seems easier and likely cheaper, short or long term. ??

Sell the WSM and buy a Featherweight in .308. Muddy

Either would work just fine! I have both calibers. I have always been partial to a 30 caliber hole in an animal though, my thinking is a little better blood trail possibly but haven't had any proof of this notion? Something about a modern 7x57 makes me go "heee heee"!

I ended up getting a 7mm-08 as my primary hunting rifle but will never be without a .30 caliber in the rack.

Flip a coin...........

WSM to .473 is going to be problems you don't need.

I'd take the 7 over the 30 any day.



Travis

Swap the WSM for a .308. You mentioned factory ammo availability. That puts the .308 at the top of your wish list.

A WSM won't make into .308 easily. Not worth the trouble and expense. Starting over is the way to go.

IMHO,

DF

that solves that, I'll just sell and start over.

STS -

IF you are going mostly factory ammo, I'd get the 7-08 and stock up the ammo the rifle likes best. My .02 FWIW.

I'm partial to the 7-08, but honestly inside of 300 it matters not, beyond that the 7-08 pulls away (depending on loads). The 7-08 is a little easier all around IMO...although the 308 is a bit better in my area for ammo selection on the shelf. If you reload the opportunities are vast with the 7-08. Many take elk with a well made 140 gr pill and if that isn't enough for you it'll push the 150s and 160s well enough.

If I was starting over, either cartridge would do nicely on anything I've shot in my lifetime. Up to and including Elk. I know, no help.

Or, take up reloading...

DF

I have about come to the conclusion that a person can't shoot anymore if he/she doesn't reload.

It sure makes sense.

The only way one can custom tailor a load for max performance from a rifle is to reload. With factory ammo, one size fits all. Most factory stuff is pretty good, better than in the past. But to see what a rifle can really do, one must spend some time with it, trying different combos.

And, it's a lot of fun, really rewarding when you find that optimal load.

DF

Yep. Everytime I read some knucklehead asking questions about LR shooting and they reply that "I don't wanna reload", that they aren't really serious about it and don't have a clue what is involved. Ditto for getting gun with a handgun or shotgun.

In 100% agreement.

Somebody might gobble that 270 WSM "donor" pretty quick. If I were to quit reloading or not fool with it, it'd be 308 all the way. Cheap ball for dinking around with and plenty of good factory to be had.

You didn't say what was bad about the barrel. Could it just be really fouled? Personally, I would have a hard time selling it to someone without explaining the problem.

On the other hand, I wouldn't mind trading it in at a big chain store, as they will lowball you anyway and that price will be closer to what this rifle is worth with a bad barrel.

This. Black Hills, Buff Bore, Fed GM are all available cheaper than ANY 270wsm load.

Yeah, someone will run with that one, for sure.

DF

This thread sound familiar


Is it time for fishing pics yet?

The OP states the reason he's looking at factory ammo.

I completely agree about the advantagES of reloading but.......

Midway lists 169 varieties of 308Win and 27 7mm-08. It only takes one, but if a fella wants a pile of options........

Yeah, for OTC ammo, it's hard to beat the .308.

End of story...

DF

Bingo!

Sell it and buy a Tikka in 7 mag, plenty of ammo and it'll drop everything you listed

I believe you have come to the right conclusion sell and start over.

Amen.

.308 vs. 7mm-08...

7RM...?

DF

Options, my man...options (grin)

Factory 140 grain Fusion 7mm-08

www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7J35iNLXec



P

Post your load.

Don't start at max......
Always work up.

Nice...she didn't look too far when she shot. Do you know the distance of the shot by chance?

I favor the .308. Something nice and effective about a .30 caliber hole. I've owned two 7-08's and have parted with both because I just wanted something else.

.308 has more knock-down power

BS.

Crack me up, that's perfect

......and we're off

The 308 is UBER.

? popcorn time...

DF

Go with the .308� The 7-08 is like a chick wearing a strap on.

Its not a REAL pissing contest without the ballistical skullpfhuk. Drop, Drift, MV, FPE. 100-500yds. Now its a "numbers don't matter, look at the pile of chit I've killed, you can't shoot, your momma has a mustache" battle.....

Your momma has a mustache? (Grin)

when it comes to hunting rat-sized alaskan brown bear, I think that we can all agree that the increased frontal diameter of a .30 cal bullet over a phaggy european 7mm gives the extra edge in DRT performance.

Handlebars...

Have you seen 'Slaves mom?

Nope. Full beard?

Just put another bag in the microwave....

DF

Dump that rifle and buy a new one.

Both 7-08 and 308 are good however availability wise the 308 is easier to find plus it's a US military cartridge.

You did buy a WSM magnum however! Are you still going to want the extra range?

A 270 Featherweight would work.

I'd go with a 9 twist 7mm08 slinging 162 A Max cause that will kick the crap outta the 308 at 400 yds. Kick the crap....Kick the crap.....Kick the crap outta the 308. Grin

Shodd

Let's all be clear. There are obvious differences. One shoots so much flatter and the other has much more knockdown power. It is obvious. You can poll hunters. They will tell you why one is better than the other. The differences are vast. The killing power between the two is totally different. And the ranging differences...wow. Night and day, those two cartridges. It is even hard to compare them. Like apples and...and apples.

That said, it is obvious which one is better.

OTC will probably always favor the 308. That'd be my choice in your situation.

From a practical accuracy standpoint there is not the proverbial �un+ hairs difference between the .308 and 7-08 shooting from field positions at any reasonable hunting range with a Model 70 Featherweight.

let's get back to 'slave's mom and not let this thread be derailed by a .308 vs .284 discussion.

Nope.


P

After seeing that chart I'll have to try the LRX in my 7-08:) Looks like it will out shoot my 120 tsx load in the 7-08 and my 150 tsx load in the 308.

I have several of both and don't care who wins!! They are both great rounds!!!



Its not a REAL pissing contest without the ballistical skullpfhuk. Drop, Drift, MV, FPE. 100-500yds. Now its a "numbers don't matter, look at the pile of chit I've killed, you can't shoot, your momma has a mustache" battle.....

[/quote]

I chose 308 primarily because ammo is everywhere and cheaper. Even though I handload I sometimes find deals on loaded ammo I can't pass up.

While I've not loaded any, some of the heavier 190-210 gr 308 bullets look darn good in a 308. At least on paper. Don't know how you answer that with a 7-08.

sasquatch beard......



P.S. it rides pretty low....but what a ride.......I hear.

That's funny right there.

The down side there is increased recoil.

Didn't think there were still people out there that actually believe that.

Me too, that's why I thought it was funny.

The 308 is UBER, it'll knock wooly mammoth off their feet.

By wooly mammoth I don't mean Mom 'slave.

Good.
She does not prefer short actions.......
Sorry.

Yeah, and what do they bring to the table that a 7/08/175gr Partition doesn't? That's like arguing how a 165 BT is vastly superior to a 150 BT.

SquatToPee,

The only thing you can "bring" to ANY table is Imagination,unless you of course count Pretend,too.

Do tell................

Maybe, but at least I can SEE the top of the table without standing on my tippy-toes. Maybe you need some fuggin' head-vise time Uncle Fester.

SquatToPee,

It's your Imagination,Pretend with it...as you must.

Now was it a 7-08 or 308 Montana that TOTALLY whipped your ass,I can't remember?

Hey wait...maybe I do.

Laughing................

Why not have another, non-defective .270 WSM barrel screwed on?

How was it determined to be a bad barrel?

Mike

SquatToPee used herself as a "barometer" of "evaluation".................

you mean sarcastic people? (grin)

I've owned guns in both chamberings and - honest to God - it's hard to tell any difference between them at practical hunting ranges (350 yards and in). Even if you're limiting yourself to factory loads, you can find lots of options with the 7-08. Get whatever turns your crank. You'll be equally pleased.

Have some familiarity myself...................

After looking closer, not much. You are right.