7mm-08 questions (compared to .243 and .308 for small and medium game)

The 7mm-08 is one of my favorite calibers. The 7mm offers the 175gn bullet as an option, with it's awesome sectional density. Using this bullet in the 7x57 mauser, hundreds, if not thousands of elephants were killed in Africa. Sectional density is a good thing. The 7mm bullet is also generally better aerodynamically than the 30 caliber, using bullets that are appropriate for the same game animals. I've covered this before, from the sniper perspective, you can search for it if it's important to you.
The 7mm-08 offers better ammo selection than the 260Rem, and the option of heavier bullets. The 6.5's are great rounds, but not widely available. This doesn't matter to me, since I handload for everything I own, but I guess if you don't it might matter.

As for the issue of 308 ammo being cheaper, well yes, some is, but it's all surplus stuff(almost invariably FMJ) that's good for punching paper and plinking. Hunting ammo is very similarly priced for 7-08 as compared to 308. I don't think you'd shoot enough ammo out of a hunting rifle for the difference to approach the $200 savings mentioned.
Handload 120gn V-max's for varmints and push 'em to about 3100fps, and watch the critters blow up. I've had good luck with these bullets. Assuming you start handloading:)
I just did a quick look for 7-08 factory ammo and it's almost all 140's, which is fine for the little piggies, but is a bit much for 'yotes. I keep forgetting there are people who don't handload. Semper Fidelis..Ken M
 
With a good hollowpoint bullet that stays together reasonably well, are the 140gr factory loads enough sectional density for 250lb Mule deer? That seems to be the most popular bullet weight offered in 7mm'08. I can get Remington Core-Lokt or Winchester Super X's for around $12 a box (I don't think those bullet styles will stay together quick as well as a Partition bullet, but they are about half the price). Hopefully a 140gr Core Lokt or Super X will to the trick on large deer, because due to the price it is what I will be practicing with. It would be nice to use one type of ammo for practice and hunting.

Also,
Is it pretty much a rule that Ballistic tips are used for smaller game because they expand so fast? I found some Ballistic tips (I think they were Winchester in the silver box) for a really good price, but I assumed I should save those for small game because they expand and fragment???



I am sure I will handload 7mm'08 someday, but not for a while.
 
Shoot whatever 140 grain 7-08 you want at the biggest deer in North America. If you make a decent hit, that deer is yours. And that includes ballistic tips. Personally I favor Sierra GameKings but know plenty of folks who favor the ballistic tips. Silvertips have also taken tons of deer and core-lokts are classics. You sure don't need to be shooting "premium" bullets i.e. partitions, barnes X, fail-safe etc at deer. Those will do the job on deer for sure but are generally considered more appropriate for heavier game such as elk and on up from there. I guess you could find a 140 grain 7mm bullet that would not be a good choice for deer hunting (hollow point target bullet for example) but you would have to try. Were I given the choices you named, I would pop for the 7-08 and be certain in the knowledge it would do the job.
 
To answer the outstanding question

Yes, I have heard of people taking mulies with .243. It's not the first choice, but maybe the choice of people in your situation.

As previously mentioned, get the .243, then you'll have an excuse to get another gun.:)
 
the ballistic tips are what kenney jarret of jarret rifle uses to hunt all big game.he ways they are by far the most accurate hunting bullets on the planet.i have found that the ballistic silvertips from win shoot on par with federal match in my rifle.i have excellent results with this on whitetail deer.
 
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