7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

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C Cape

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Jan 2, 2008
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#1
I want to build a rifle to hunt with and target shoot some to. I would like it to be in the 9 lb range scoped up. I can get a deal on a Bartlein .284 barrel so that is why I included the 7mm-08 in this. What would you want the finished barrel length and what stocks would you recommend for under $300. This will be somewhat of a budget build using a Remington 700 .243 action. Thanks guys!

-Chris
 
#4
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

Chris,
I also like the 308, but wanted to try something different. I have a 7-08 on the way. I'm not getting a very long barrel, as my shooting / hunting will be South of 700, and more like South of 600. I am getting a 1-9 twist, wanting to shoot the 162 Amax or the 168 Bergers. I've got a 7-08 barrel coming to put on a Savage to play around with. Hope to get it in the next month or so, as I want to get in some shooting before deer season. I had a 7mag, but for the outside of my shooting with this rifle being 600-700 yards, the 7-08 should work out fine. My Savage is in an A5, but the new rifle will have a Manners.
 
#5
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

708 is a no brainer ballistically it is far superior. the one i am shooting now is pushing 168 berger vld at 2775fps with my 26" barrel. for all intensive purposes if i were to do it again i might go 24" don't think you would lose much velocity.

I would say on a budget for an all around stock i would use remington ltr or bell and carlson light tactical both are lightweight and pretty comfortable particularly the ltr.

with either or those stocks and a reasonable countour barrel you should be able to get possibly under 8lb if you wanted.
 
#8
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

7mm-08 all the way, here's my tactical Comp rig:

DSCF0706-2.jpg


This one comes in just under 13 lbs. with bipod and 5 round mag.

Cutting a barrel to 22" and fluting it can cut a full lb off, and good scopes can be had that weigh under 24 oz.
 
#9
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

Any and every time I hear somebody say "ultimate" I laugh to myself--especially if "budget" is used in the same sentence. There is no "ultimate" cartridge. Each and every decision is a compromise. In the case of 7mm-08, you compromise logistics and a slight amount of barrel life. Other than that, the 7mm-08 is a GREAT performer.

Don't skimp on your stock. Your stock is an essential part of the system. You will wear many, many barrels, but one stock will ride your action for a lifetime.
 
#10
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

Chiller,

I am pushing the 155s at 2900 but the 7-08 at the velocity given above (2775 with a 168 VLD) will be 26 inches flatter and drift 26 inches less in a 10 mph wind from 3 o'clock at 1K.

Josh
 
#14
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">7mm-08 all the way, here's my tactical Comp rig:

DSCF0706-2.jpg


This one comes in just under 13 lbs. with bipod and 5 round mag.

Cutting a barrel to 22" and fluting it can cut a full lb off, and good scopes can be had that weigh under 24 oz. </div></div>

Kinda off topic, but this rig is awesome. My checking account is shaking in its boots. (if my checking account wore boots of course)
 
#16
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

I'm running the 162s at 2775 currently. My rig easily holds under .5 all day everyday with handloads. For hunting my load is holding 1000ft/lbs at 700 and only has 6.7min of wind drift with a 10mph 90degree cross wind. I usually take a 308 wind call and cut it in half and I'm right on the money. They 7mm-08 is by far a superior caliber.

Good luck,
Merritt
 
#18
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

For me, .308 because data is everywhere for pretty much any load and the amount of match ammo is endless.Plus if i run out while blasting away, most likely someone will have some more to play with.It's just more practical imho.

~R
 
#19
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

Ok, I dont want to hi-jack this thread but ive been deciding on the same two calibers for hunting (and eventually target shooting) as well. Im just Curious are there any guns out there chambered in 7mm-08 that come from the factory with bull barrels? Any 700's or savages?
 
#20
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> for all intensive purposes </div></div>

Sorry TSI, "for all intents and purposes".

I'm moving my 308 shooting 155s at 2950 to a 7-08. You just cant compare the two. The 308 is old technology and old hat. It really doesn't get the job done anymore unless it's in the most competent of hands. There are so many better and ballistically superior options out there it's a no brainer.

And if you run out of ammo, it's your own fault. If you're at a comp or a range you're not going to use someone else's ammo unless you both happen to be shooting the same match ammo. Two things I've never forgot in all of my years of shooting; my rifle and too much ammo.

So get the 708 and don't look back.
 
#21
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> for all intensive purposes </div></div>

Sorry TSI, "for all intents and purposes".

</div></div>

fucking auto correct on my phone is crap! smart phones need smart operators damn it.
 
#22
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

I am leaning more and more to building my comp gun as a 7-08. If I can get 162 Amaxs to run 2800fps reliably I think it will be the best of all worlds for me.

I'm trying a 6XC very soon, but I have seen the little pills not knock down reactive steel targets at distance with all hits, and I'm not fond of having hits scored as misses. The 162 Amax at 2800 is the best combination of energy and wind bucking I have found yet in my research, but the 6.5 Super LR is on the table too.

I did the 308 long enough sipping the "available data and ammo" koolaid, but I have never used anyone else's data or ammo to date. Its 2011, reloading modeling projections are available for anything you want to build.

All that typed, I will admit that there will always be a 308 rig ready to go in my safe with enough 175SMKs on hand for anything I need do.
 
#23
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

7MM08 has my vote.
I have been a 7MM08 convert for many years. My Remington Model 7 has taken a ton of deer at varying ranges. I once killed four raccoons with one shot at 85 yards (they were lined up on a corn pile). My son and I took very nice antelope with them too.
My tactical gun is a GAP built on Badger M2008 action, Bartlien 1 in 8.7 twist (fluted) old style R700 trigger tuned by GAP, AICS 2.0 with a NF scope. I run the 168 SMK at 2780 FPS. It shoots tight and, IMHO, is superior to the 308 with even 175 match bullets. I've taken it to 1000 yards and was very impressed with how it holds up against wind at the longer distances.
 
#24
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> "for all intents and purposes".
</div></div>

Check out the brain on that dude!!
 
#25
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It</div><div class="ubbcode-body">fucking auto correct on my phone is crap! smart phones need smart operators damn it. </div></div>Did your phone tell you to go with .308 over 7-08, too?
grin.gif
laugh.gif


The 7 will kick a .308 all over the map, and then some.
 
#26
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: the noobie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok, I dont want to hi-jack this thread but ive been deciding on the same two calibers for hunting (and eventually target shooting) as well. Im just Curious are there any guns out there chambered in 7mm-08 that come from the factory with bull barrels? Any 700's or savages?

</div></div>

Varmint barrel 700's?? Yes, there are, but hard to find:

Remington7001.jpg
 
#27
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chris Cape</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hunting deer, hogs, coyotes....Punching steel and paper out to 600 yards. </div></div>

If you're shooting only to 600, I'd say the .308 Would be adequate. Logistics are better for it.
 
#28
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It</div><div class="ubbcode-body">fucking auto correct on my phone is crap! smart phones need smart operators damn it. </div></div>Did your phone tell you to go with .308 over 7-08, too?
grin.gif
laugh.gif


The 7 will kick a .308 all over the map, and then some.</div></div>

if it did i wasn't listening because my sako trg is wearing a 7mm08 barrel currently.
 
#31
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> for all intensive purposes </div></div>

Sorry TSI, "for all intents and purposes".

I'm moving my 308 shooting 155s at 2950 to a 7-08. You just cant compare the two. The 308 is old technology and old hat. It really doesn't get the job done anymore unless it's in the most competent of hands. There are so many better and ballistically superior options out there it's a no brainer.

And if you run out of ammo, it's your own fault. If you're at a comp or a range you're not going to use someone else's ammo unless you both happen to be shooting the same match ammo. Two things I've never forgot in all of my years of shooting; my rifle and too much ammo.

So get the 708 and don't look back. </div></div>

...who.......what....???

say it is not so.....
 
#32
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

Well I dropped my action off to my rifle builder Friday. He has a Bartlein 5R 7MM 1:9" barrel that has not been chambered yet so it has helped my decision to go with a 7mm-08. We're going to keep barrel length at 22" and it will be set in a HS Precision 5R takeoff stock. What grain bullets should perform well with this combo for hunting and what will be the best match grade also. Thanks guys!

-Chris
 
#33
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chris Cape</div><div class="ubbcode-body">... What grain bullets should perform well with this combo for hunting and what will be the best match grade also. Thanks guys!

-Chris </div></div>

with the 7mm-08 I would start with some 162 AMax or 168 VLDs. There were some previous posts with guys getting upwards of 2800 fps with these. Not sure how much you might loose with a 22" barrel.

My 2 cents.
 
#35
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

7-08 is a better ballistic round, I like the 308 since there are FTR class where I shoot and like it when everyone has the same caliber to compete with and the shooter is a larger impact on the outcome. Other then that I'd say go with the 7-08.
 
#36
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

Either cal is good really, but the 7-08 definitely has it advantages over the 308...but IMO neither can be listed as the ultimate. There will never be agreement on the ultimate caliber since it varies by shooter...but the 260 IMO is the best caliber to come out of the 308 parent case and is a great hunting round and target round.

to me the ultimate target and hunting gun is the 7 short actions (WSM or SAUM)...very versatile, great BC on the bullets, some of the best ballistics and huge variety of bullet weights. But the 7-08 is a good round too it will just lack the ballistics of the other ywo especailly with the heavier bullets like the 175s and up

 
#37
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">708 is a no brainer ballistically it is far superior. the one i am shooting now is pushing 168 berger vld at 2775fps with my 26" barrel. for all intensive purposes if i were to do it again i might go 24" don't think you would lose much velocity.

I would say on a budget for an all around stock i would use remington ltr or bell and carlson light tactical both are lightweight and pretty comfortable particularly the ltr.

with either or those stocks and a reasonable countour barrel you should be able to get possibly under 8lb if you wanted.</div></div>

If you don't mind whats your load?
 
#38
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chris Cape</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hunting deer, hogs, coyotes....Punching steel and paper out to 600 yards. </div></div>

First you are going to need a barrel heavier than a sport barrel, but the 7-08 has much better ballistics. It also has much more energy past 250 yards. For hunting, a 22" barrel is good. But if you can bear with a 24" that will be much better on the range.

-S
 
#40
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

I just built a 7-08 on a Mega MA-10 receiver. Logistically, the 308 has more ammo readily available. But when it comes to handloading components when everyone is sold out of the 30 caliber SMK's and A-max's they still have the 7mm's. I found that out with the recent blemish bullet sale at Midway.
 
#41
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

I really like my 308s, and because I'm set up and loading to shoot F-TR that's what reload for hunting too, but if I was not set up I'd do a 7-08 in a heart beat. My varmint barreled 308 is still like new but when I get around to getting it rebarreled I'll probably make it into a 7-08. Today the BCs on 7mm bullets are sick, and for hunting a 7-08 will do anything a 308 will do but a little bit faster and flatter.
 
#42
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TimResin</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">708 is a no brainer ballistically it is far superior. the one i am shooting now is pushing 168 berger vld at 2775fps with my 26" barrel. for all intensive purposes if i were to do it again i might go 24" don't think you would lose much velocity.

I would say on a budget for an all around stock i would use remington ltr or bell and carlson light tactical both are lightweight and pretty comfortable particularly the ltr.

with either or those stocks and a reasonable countour barrel you should be able to get possibly under 8lb if you wanted.</div></div>

If you don't mind whats your load?</div></div>

br2, winchester 708 brass, 46.6grains H4350 2.92 oal with berger 168 vld
 
#43
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

br2, winchester 708 brass, 46.6grains H4350 2.92 oal with berger 168 vld </div></div>

That load looks familiar
smile.gif
and close to mine:

WW 7mm-08 brass
46.6 grains H4350
Fed 210M
2.920" OAL
Hornady 162 Gr A-Max
2726 FPS


 
#44
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That load looks familiar
smile.gif
and close to mine:

WW 7mm-08 brass
46.6 grains H4350
Fed 210M
2.920" OAL
Hornady 162 Gr A-Max
2726 FPS </div></div>

That's a pretty nice all-around-load. God for hunting and out to 1k. How's the recoil? Usng a DBM and if so which one?
 
#45
Re: 7-08 Vs .308 for ultimate hunting/target rifle?

Overflow,

Recoil is mild. Using a original Seekins DBM (as opposed to his newer one that takes AI Mags) w/Seekins mags.

Bob
 
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