Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 7mm-08 vs 308

I tried the search feature but can't find what I am looking for, so at the risk of being ridiculed, here goes.

I live in the deep south and am going to buy a new treestand/walking rifle, specifically the Remington Model 7. I can't decide which caliber to get even though I know both will be perfectly fine for my uses, deer hunting with an occasional hog. Shots range from 20 yards to the occassional 300 yards but average 75 - 150. I don't handload so I know that makes the 308 a better choice for factory selections. I'm just looking for some opinions as to why get one over the other. I had an Encore Pro Hunter in 7mm-08 and shot exactly one deer with it before I sold it. It shot good and was plenty mild but I wanted a repeater. That is the only firsthand experience I have with either round.

Take it easy on me! Thanks.

Flip a coin.

Sixpack,
You are not the only one having a tough time deciding between the two rounds.

I would say since you don't handload the 308 would be a slightly more practical choice.

Just my opinion.

Sixpack, I'm going over this in my head right now. I'm wanting to get my daughter a Weatherby Vanguard Compact this year, and have been trying to decide which of those two calibers to choose for her. I'm fond of both, and both have been accurate in my experience. Since I will be loading for .30-06 too, I may go ahead and get her the .308 to be able to use the same bullets for reloading that I do in my -06. That is, IF they both like the same ones:) I'd guess thats a toss up, until I try them in both rifles. I'd say just pick one, as both will work fine for your needs. I don't guess I've been too much help.

Sixpack,

I have a Tikka T-3 Lite 7mm-08. A lot of knowlegeable people think it is an ideal cartridge. If you look at the ballistic tables you will see that in factory loads there is not a dimes worth of difference between a 7mm-08 with 140 grain bullets and a .308 loaded with 150's. If I had it to do over again (and if my 7mm-08 weren't so darned accurate) I would go with a .308 because of the greater availabilty of factory ammo.

Hunt1

If you don't reload I would go with .308 hands down. At $25 a box for 7-08 you just won't shoot it much and guns are made for shootin!

+1.

BMT

Sixpack,

You didn't ask for advice on your choice of rifle. But, here is my 2 cents worth of advice. I sold my stainless Model 7 to fund the Tikka T-3 Light. IMHO the Tikka is a step up from the Model 7. Get a Tikka, add Talley Lightweight rings and you'll never regret it.

Hunt1

Or a Kimber for slightly more.

The old model 7's used to be light, I picked one up in 260 Rem the other day and it was pretty heavy. The Tikka, or Kimber for a light gun the Ruger Hawkeye for a 7.5 pound gun would be my choices. If you don't reload the 308 makes more sense. If you reload the 7-08 could compete effectivly and maybe provide a bit more penetration with premium 160 grain bullets than a 30 caliber with 165's.

I've had both and I don't know how you could go wrong with either. What would tip the scales for me, if I were you, would be the fact that you don't reload. The others have expressed this already and I would follow their opinions on this one. I would also go with the Tikka over the model 7. Easy adjust trigger, that you can do yourself, light and accurate.

Long

Sixpack,
Welcome to the 'fire!
My shot at it is since you already have some 7-08 ammo from your Encore days, buy a 7-08!

Model 7 Youths only weigh 6.25 lbs. The Model 7 CDLs only weigh 6.5 lbs in 7mm-08 and .308

308 all the way. There are just more choices in ammo.

Sixpack,

I own a Featherweight in .308 Win. However, a 7MM-08 Rem would have worked just as well. If there is a possibility you might call your rifle into battery on larger game, I'd recommend the .308 Win. Also, when I venture into areas where I might run into a big, mean critter, it is comforting to carry a half-dozen bonded, heavyweight cartridges.

Either way, I think you'll be well-suited to hunt the game you have indicated.



Take care,

Mando

It's kind of a 243 or 358 question; the only thing is you've brought it very close to the center.

I like the little 7. But then, I handload too. It has worked admirably on everything I've ever asked it to accomplish including several dozen caribou and a couple moose or three.

Wow! Thanks for all the responses guys! Gonna be a few months before I buy it so I might do little more checking on some of these other rifles. BTW, if I remember correctly, doesn't the Tikka have just one action length? If so, not interested.

Mando,
Thanks for the reply. I already have the following: Weatherby Vanguard in 25-06, Remington 700 in 30-06, Winchester 94 in 30-30, Ruger M77 MKII in 270 Win, Browning BAR in 270 Win, Remington 700 in 243 Win, and a NEF Handi Rifle in 45-70. Not to mention the shotguns and rimfires. This is a very deliberate attempt to make a lighter (not necessarily ultra-lite)and shorter overall - ie. 20" barrel - "specialty rifle". Have been out west 1 time and will hopefully get to go back but this is for my normal treestand hunting. Just wanting something shorter and a little lighter.

Thanks to all who responded and feel free to add anything else.

Six

Flip a coin, I tend to not be as long winded as most on here.....

I had a REM 600 in 308 for a while and eventually rebarreled it to 7mm-08. I have not regretted that decision one second. I handload though. As the senile one said (twice) - flip a coin, either choice is good.

RH

Tonight: .308 Winchester

Tomorrow: We'll see.