DECIDED TO BUY A NEW RIFLE FOR WHITETAILS AND AM CONSIDERING THE BROWNING BLR WITH THE PISTAL GRIP. EITHER IN A 308 OR 7MM-08. I DONT KNOW ANYONE WHO HAS ONE OF THESE GUNS AND WOULD LIKE TO HEAR OPINIONS ON THE GUN. MAYBE SOME PERSONAL EXPERIENCES ON PERFORMANCE. ALSO WOULD LIKE SOME ADVISE ON WHICH CALIBER WOULD WORK BEST IN THE BLR BETWEEN THE 7MM-08 OR THE 308. I THINK THE GUN HAS A 20 INCH BARREL, BUT NOT CERTAIN. I HUNT IN NORTH LOUISIANA AND MOST OF MY SHOTS WILL BE UNDER 100YDS, BUT COULD BE OUT TO 300.
Dont have one a BLR so no help to you there. As far as cartridges for Whitetails flip a coin.The 308 and the 7-08 will both perform the same on deer out to 300 yards.Some might say the 308 will be more available on the store shelves but currently in my area you are far more likely to find 7-08 ammo sitting on the shelf.
Flip a coin between the 2. I personally would go with the 7-08. The BLR is a fast handling quick pointing rifle. Mine was a .358 Win and it was an accurate little rifle.
I like my BLR. It's a 243, which I absolutely hate, but the rifle is terrific. Very quick-handling, super-smooth lever action, fits great, and well-finished (whether you like the finish or not, Browning does a good job).
My father, me and one of my sons have all used the .308 Browning BLR that Dad bought long ago.
It's been 100% reliable, accurate enough, and just a good-all around rifle. The only drawback I see is a somewhat long & heavy trigger pull.
I'm a fan of the .308, but see no reason why a 7-08 wouldn't work just as well.
Regards, Guy
I've had experience with BLR's, both my brother's and some close friends. I've loaded for them, shot them and taken them apart and fixed them when they've been put out of action by debris. IME they have proven to be accurate rifles. The short action ones like you're talking about are handy rifles for carrying or horseback. You could probably use one a long time without a problem, but on the other hand, it doesn't seem to take much to shut down that rack and pinion system. The long action ones are awkward. My brother had a 7mm mag for a while, got rid of it. Cosmetically speaking, they always put me in mind of a collaboration between a Japanese director of cowboy movies and a French Canadian interior decorator.
The BLR that I had was in 308 and would shoot three shots in an inch with Hornady 150 grain factory ammo.
Can't remember what I traded it for,but I would like it back.
The 7mm-08 and 308 are both perfect choices for the hunting you describe. Flip a coin,buy the rifle with the best wood,or the best trigger,which ever you like most.
Had two BLR's in .358, great handling gun and still kick myself for selling them.
I would grab a pistol grip in 7mm-08 if I had the extra $$$$, that would make a great whitetail gun!
KIND OF LEANING THAT WAY.
A BLR .308 has been my primary rifle for 25 years. I own many other rifles and always go back to the BLR after brief flings with other guns. It is fairly accurate and carries very well. The trigger is long and not very smooth. I shoot it ok in spite of that.
As to caliber if you shot the two side by side I would bet you could not tell the difference.
-Z