7mm08 questions

[tobnpr]

the 7mm08 is capable of reaching out there and touching something if the person behind the trigger is up to the challenge.

Which is exactly why I chose it for my 600-1000 yard target gun I'm building.
It's not just an effective whitetail choice.

I handload, but to get a few rounds down the barrel (and some brass as well), I picked up some Prvi 140 grain, SPBT's for $15 a box- that's certainly not expensive as ammo goes. Not match grade by any means, but I'm sure it would get the job done.

 

[bailey bud]

LGS says that beyond a used rifle, Savage offers the best bang for the buck. I'm convinced it's more than simple hype.

If you're going to hand load, I think a 270 would be more versatile than a 7-08 --- but the 7mm-08 offers fantastic performance - with less kick (one of the things that makes it popular around here - particularly for youth).

Here in Colorado, I have absolutely no problem finding 7mm-08 ammo. You have at least a half dozen options over at Wally world.

Buds has a wood stock Savage in 7mm-08 right now for $470
(including accutrigger!)

 

[jimbob86]

If you're going to hand load, I think a 270 would be more versatile than a 7-08 --- but the 7mm-08 offers fantastic performance

I think you have that exactly backwards, b-bud-

There are far more bullets of more weights and types in .284 diameter than .277 ....... particularly target bullets.

The .270 offers more case capacity, and can drive a 140gr bullet to 3,000 f/sec.... I have not seen any 7-08 book loads that will do that....

 

[Saltydog235]

My 7mm08 Project

Remington 700 SPS Varmint is the base platform.

On the way is a Wyatt Extended box magazine to allow for the longer seated bullets of my handloads. Still trying to decide on the final glass to grace the top but leaning towards saving the pennies and opting for a higher end product. May still replace the trigger but the B&C stock changed the hand position over the factory stock enough to where the adjustment screw is no longer in the way and is decent enough right now.

I nixed the Wyatt Det Mag system after learning that its dimensions were the same as the factory mag well.

Looking hard at the Meopta Meostar, Ziess Conquest and Trijicon lines of scopes.

All metal will recieve an Earth Brown Cerakote when all the parts are together.

 

[BigMikey76]

Cool. Sounds like my questions and concerns have been addressed pretty well. The major issue for me was the cost of feeding it, but once I get into handloading, it appears that cost will not be an issue. I do believe I am going to pull the trigger on this one. Gonna go with Bud's layaway plan so I can lock it in and pay it off with the tax return... I just don't feel like I can count on this price being available for too long.

 

[joe45c]

7mm-08

like everyone else has said you will really be happy with the 7mm-08. I bought a browning a-bolt in the mid 90's and it's been my go to rifle every since. I started reloading for it last year because i got tired of going into stores and them being out of ammo for it. There are a lot of great deer calibers out there, but this one is hard to beat.

 

[bailey bud]

jimbob says I got it wrong - and he might be right on that (I've only been shooting centerfire rifles for a year).

I shoot a .30-06 - and will likely be picking up a .270 for my son. However, I did look very long and hard at 7mm-08.

My conclusion was that that the 7mm-08 is efficient in delivering performance (less recoil, slight degredation in ballistics) -- but offers fewer options in ammo.

For example:
cheaperthandirt.com has 124 options in .270 (ranging from $16 to $45)
by comparison - they have 49 options in 7mm-08. (ranging from $22 to $43)

From the ballistic table - I see the 7mm-08 delivers gives you about 33% less recoil, but only has a slight degradation in performance (speed and energy) compared to the .270. Seems like a reasonable tradeoff.

My son (13) seems to be fine with recoil, so I'm sticking with .270.

Buds shows up with those great prices a couple of times a year. (ask me how I know....)

 

[BigMikey76]

B Bud - I think the difference between what you are seeing and what Jimbob86 was talking about is that you are looking at factory loads, and he is referring to handloading options. Two different animals.

 

[Doyle]

My conclusion was that that the 7mm-08 is efficient in delivering performance (less recoil, slight degredation in ballistics) -- but offers fewer options in ammo.

Bud, if you are talking factory ammo then you are correct. The 7mm-08 isn't going to have the availability and variety that an "old" cartridge like 30-06 or .308 will have. Now,if you are talking handloading then a world of opportunity opens up. There is a plethera of 7mm bullets available for handloading.

 

[BigMikey76]

It's official. Order is placed, down payment made. I'll post some pics when I have it in hand, and first range results to follow after that.

 

[FISHNFRANK]

7mm-08 freak

So I just took deer up hunting about 4 years ago at 42 years old. I really didn't care for the recoil of most big game calibers. Being the analytical type, I researched the "perfect" caliber. Chuck Hawks recoil table puts the 7-08 at 12 lbs vs 15.8 for the .270 and over 18 for the 30-06. Yet the trajectory is similar to the .270 and the retained energy is better than a .308 (140 gr vs 150 gr) at 300 yards...

I mean seriously why wouldn't that be the choice of every deer hunter? I also started reloading for it and can replicate the best factory loads. I have a Sako Hunter and Browning X-bolt which are both better than MOA accurate

Frank

 

[gak]

Fishnfrank said:
"I mean seriously why wouldn't that be the choice of every deer hunter?"
Congratulations, you've unearthed one of those little known secrets! There is no "real" reason why not! Only ultra-long ranges where the standard (longer) actions excel...and those with terminal magnumitis, and rags catering to them with reverence paid to RUM this WSM that, it's how they sell mags...All of which means the -08 would "do it" for most hunters for most encountered shots/field-hunting conditions--if only they knew it. And yet, interview 5 out of 10 hunters but for especially wannabes and weekend warriors, the -08 is vrtually unknown. The .243, while admittedly recoiling less yet (as it should), is a less capable and versatile round rendering the small increment of recoil less relevant IMO, and the vaunted .308--as good as it is--has been pumped/propped up by the fact of military application and related "cheap" surplus ammo available (same as .30-06 over .270/.280, etc, but to a lesser degree).