Is the 7-08 a good choice on deer if the range will not exceed 400 yards? Will it have the energy to take a mule deer at that range? What about elk, inside 300 yards. Has anyone on this site shot an elk with that cartridge? I am looking at lighter weight rifles with 22" barrel for hunting. The 308 and 7-08 both come chambered in the Kimber Classic Stainless, it rains a lot here. The rifle has to be light, accurate out to 400 yards and be able to kill deer at that range. I know both cartridges are very accurate, just a little hard to make up ones mind when you only get to pick one. If you have a better rifle in mind then let me hear it.
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7-08 as a hunting cartridge
- Thread starter GlennGTR1
- Start date
The 7-08 is a good deer rifle, the boy harvested a WT at 300 last season.
As with all guns, the accuracy/skill of the shooter is what makes the rifle deadly or not,,I know a gent who's wife took an elk cow at 200,,it was a heart shot.
The .284 being pushed by 308 case volume is a nice combination, but in my opinion anything more than 155grns in the projectile is pushing the limits of this round.
As with all guns, the accuracy/skill of the shooter is what makes the rifle deadly or not,,I know a gent who's wife took an elk cow at 200,,it was a heart shot.
The .284 being pushed by 308 case volume is a nice combination, but in my opinion anything more than 155grns in the projectile is pushing the limits of this round.
The 7-08 is one of the best, yet under-used and under-rated, deer rounds in existence, especially now with the plethora of great 7mm bullets to be had. It combines the best attributes of the short action .308, with the high BC and high sectional density of the 7mm.
It should make a great deer round to at least 400yds, and maybe even farther if you have the necessary skill to put the bullet where it needs to be. But I think for the "average" medium range hunter, 400yds is a good practical maximum with this round.
http://www.nosler.com/Bullets/Accubond.aspxsx
If you go to the link I pasted above, you can see the 140gr 7mm Accu-Bond has superior BC and sectional density to all but the 200gr .308 bullets. BC and SD are constant and don't dissipate on the way to the target like velocity and energy. They actually help retain energy downrange and deliver it on target.
Is the .270 a better round? Maybe, and it could be debated all day long as each round has much to recommend it. I feel the .280 is a much better round than the .270, yet it is largely unknown compared to the .270. They are both designed around the same parent case, the 30-06. Yet the .280 has a larger bullet selection, and also carries a larger bullet and delivers slightly superior velocity with a 140gr bullet.
Will the 7-08 kill Elk? Probably. Is it ideal for Elk out to 300yds? Not in my opinion, and it's not what I would carry on an Elk hunt if the ranges were expected to stretch past 200yds. But I do feel it will get the job done as long as ranges are kept sensible, probably 200yds and under. Yet it may even do the job out to 300, but it's not a shot I would take with either the .308 or 7-08.
Elk are rugged and the best way to stop one is to blow out both front shoulders. This takes a lot of horsepower, more than the 7-08 can deliver at much over maybe 100yds. I would carry something larger for Elk, even at short range. For 150yds and under, I would go .338 Federal. Anything over 150, and I would want a fast moving mag throwing heavy for caliber bullets. But I like to have a little extra HP on tap at all times, and I usually like larger bores and more power for most game than a lot of other guys. So my opinion on elk is just that, an opinion.
But if you want a combination rifle and will be careful o the shots you take on elk, than the 7-08 will be an excellent choice. It has enough for deer to 400yds, and will do the job on Elk to maybe 200. It's one of the better rounds to be had for a general purpose rifle, and only the .280 and 30-06 would be above it on my list of general use calibers.
It should make a great deer round to at least 400yds, and maybe even farther if you have the necessary skill to put the bullet where it needs to be. But I think for the "average" medium range hunter, 400yds is a good practical maximum with this round.
http://www.nosler.com/Bullets/Accubond.aspxsx
If you go to the link I pasted above, you can see the 140gr 7mm Accu-Bond has superior BC and sectional density to all but the 200gr .308 bullets. BC and SD are constant and don't dissipate on the way to the target like velocity and energy. They actually help retain energy downrange and deliver it on target.
Is the .270 a better round? Maybe, and it could be debated all day long as each round has much to recommend it. I feel the .280 is a much better round than the .270, yet it is largely unknown compared to the .270. They are both designed around the same parent case, the 30-06. Yet the .280 has a larger bullet selection, and also carries a larger bullet and delivers slightly superior velocity with a 140gr bullet.
Will the 7-08 kill Elk? Probably. Is it ideal for Elk out to 300yds? Not in my opinion, and it's not what I would carry on an Elk hunt if the ranges were expected to stretch past 200yds. But I do feel it will get the job done as long as ranges are kept sensible, probably 200yds and under. Yet it may even do the job out to 300, but it's not a shot I would take with either the .308 or 7-08.
Elk are rugged and the best way to stop one is to blow out both front shoulders. This takes a lot of horsepower, more than the 7-08 can deliver at much over maybe 100yds. I would carry something larger for Elk, even at short range. For 150yds and under, I would go .338 Federal. Anything over 150, and I would want a fast moving mag throwing heavy for caliber bullets. But I like to have a little extra HP on tap at all times, and I usually like larger bores and more power for most game than a lot of other guys. So my opinion on elk is just that, an opinion.
But if you want a combination rifle and will be careful o the shots you take on elk, than the 7-08 will be an excellent choice. It has enough for deer to 400yds, and will do the job on Elk to maybe 200. It's one of the better rounds to be had for a general purpose rifle, and only the .280 and 30-06 would be above it on my list of general use calibers.
alf
Silver $$ Contributor
GlennGTR1 said:Is the 7-08 a good choice on deer if the range will not exceed 400 yards? Will it have the energy to take a mule deer at that range? What about elk, inside 300 yards. Has anyone on this site shot an elk with that cartridge? I am looking at lighter weight rifles with 22" barrel for hunting. The 308 and 7-08 both come chambered in the Kimber Classic Stainless, it rains a lot here. The rifle has to be light, accurate out to 400 yards and be able to kill deer at that range. I know both cartridges are very accurate, just a little hard to make up ones mind when you only get to pick one. If you have a better rifle in mind then let me hear it.
Go get the one in 7-08 and go hunting. The 7-08 gives up very little to a 270 or 280 at sane ranges.
Don't let opinions get in the way of facts.......
DCRYDER
Silver $$ Contributor
I killed a WT doe at 400 yards with a 7mm/08 Remington model 7 about 3 years ago. I was using 140gr sierra prohunters. Luckily i hit her right through the heart, she only ran 30 yards. I say luckily because during dressing i noticed that the bullet made little to no expansion. With a lung shot she could have ran a mile. It looked like someone drilled completely through her with a 5/16" drill bit. At that distance the bullet was only traveling around 1800 fps.
I have switched to the 280 Ackley Imp. With a 27" barrel I get 3100 fps. Handloaders will appreciate the long action for extra magazine room.
I would advise you to look at the 7mm short mags. I know the 7mm SAUM was available in the Rem model 7.
I have switched to the 280 Ackley Imp. With a 27" barrel I get 3100 fps. Handloaders will appreciate the long action for extra magazine room.
I would advise you to look at the 7mm short mags. I know the 7mm SAUM was available in the Rem model 7.
Down at 1600-1800 fps, the bullet may expand very little or not at all. It's worthwhile to look at those 300 & 400 yard velocity figures when considering a cartridge for that use.
I sure do like the 7-08, but never shot an elk with one though. Mule deer shouldn't be any problem, I've taken them out at 400 yards with just a little 115 gr bullet from my .25-06 rifle.
I sure do like the 7-08, but never shot an elk with one though. Mule deer shouldn't be any problem, I've taken them out at 400 yards with just a little 115 gr bullet from my .25-06 rifle.
Yeah, I did just read that article. Thoroughly enjoyed it. He used several different small bore rifles for his elephant hunting - with amazing results... I understand he mostly used very long, heavy bullets to get the penetration through those elephant skulls and that he was an uncommonly cool shot.
I used a 7-08 on an elk cow once. the shot was only 150-175yds. used a 150sbt gameking. complete pass thru. I shot and she kind of jumped, took a few steps forward, then, when she realized she was hit, turned around, tried to go back up the hill about 10 yds and fell over. I think she jumped at the noise more than anything. I have never shot a deer with one, but wouldn't hesitate. I think very long shots on big bulls would be up to the shooter's ability. I do think you should be careful on deer not to use too heavy of a bullet, as some of the heavier bullets are made for bigger game, and won't open up well on a deer. you might want to stick with the 140 and 120 grain bullets for that. they will shoot flatter any way.
It is said that 1,500 ft lbs of energy is the minimum you want to hit an elk with for a reliable kill. Using a standard ballistic table, you will see the 7mm-08 goes below that at around 250 yards. Most ballistic tables are based on 24 inch barrels, so you need to reduce those distances a little with a 22 inch barrel. You can extend these ranges by using high velocity ammo, such as that offered by Hornady.
The .308 with heavier bullets can carry 1,500 ft lbs of energy out to 300 yards. Again, a shorter barrel reduces that and high velocity ammo can increase it. Of the two calibers mentioned, the .308 is what I would select, although I still consider it a little light for big branch bulls.
Considering what you intend to hunt and at those distances, I think a .30-06 is a better choice. With 150 grain soft point bullets you have a great deer rifle with decent recoil. Load some 180 Partition bullets and you have an excellent elk rifle.
The .308 with heavier bullets can carry 1,500 ft lbs of energy out to 300 yards. Again, a shorter barrel reduces that and high velocity ammo can increase it. Of the two calibers mentioned, the .308 is what I would select, although I still consider it a little light for big branch bulls.
Considering what you intend to hunt and at those distances, I think a .30-06 is a better choice. With 150 grain soft point bullets you have a great deer rifle with decent recoil. Load some 180 Partition bullets and you have an excellent elk rifle.
I never hunted elk, but I've shot antelope, wt deer, and hogs with mine. 140 SGK at 250 yds went through a 200+lb boar's shoulder and killed him instantly. This pig was fired up before being shot so he didn't just get sleepy. My rifle and that round seemed very forgiving and put meat on the table. I think your idea of a short, light, all weather 7mm-08 rifle is a very good one. I don't know about ballistic needs for elk. A 7mm-08 configured how you described will be a pleasure to carry and shoot, and those alone should aid your shot placement/facilitate a successful hunt.
The Nosler website publishes the 7mm-08 140 grain accubond to deliver 1618 ft pounds of energy at 300 yards and 1390 at 400 yards. Hardly anemic, but not what I want to hunt elk with. I would also factor in that those numbers are a ballistic measurement out of a 24 inch barrel, so there would be reduction w/ a 22 inch barrel.
Nosler pulbishes the .308 165 grain accubond to deliver 1913 ft pounds of energy at 300 yards and 1620 at 400 yards. Still marginal as an elk caliber at those distances, but enough advantage that in my opinion it would be a better choice over the 7mm-08. If I were choosing ammo for a target as large as an elk, I would go with the Hornady Superformance ammo and not worry about one inch groups. I would want the extra velocity and knock down power over accuracy, and would then consider the .308 more than an adequate choice. (Still favor something bigger for elk though.)
Nosler pulbishes the .308 165 grain accubond to deliver 1913 ft pounds of energy at 300 yards and 1620 at 400 yards. Still marginal as an elk caliber at those distances, but enough advantage that in my opinion it would be a better choice over the 7mm-08. If I were choosing ammo for a target as large as an elk, I would go with the Hornady Superformance ammo and not worry about one inch groups. I would want the extra velocity and knock down power over accuracy, and would then consider the .308 more than an adequate choice. (Still favor something bigger for elk though.)
alf
Silver $$ Contributor
0 - 0 - 0 2950 2705
25 -0.3 5 2901 2616
50 0.6 -4 2853 2530
75 1.2 -6 2805 2446
100 1.5 -6 2758 2364
125 1.6 -5 2711 2285
150 1.4 -4 2665 2207
175 0.8 -2 2619 2132
200 0.0 0 2574 2059
225 -1.2 2 2529 1988
250 -2.7 4 2485 1919
275 -4.6 6 2441 1852
300 -6.8 9 2398 1787
325 -9.4 11 2355 1724
350 -12.4 14 2313 1663
375 -15.8 16 2271 1603
400 -19.7 19 2230 1545
425 -23.9 21 2189 1489
450 -28.6 24 2148 1434
475 -33.8 27 2107 1381
500 -39.5 30 2067 1329
Range, drop,clicks, velocity, energy.
Mine has a 23" barrel and run's 140's at at 2976 ave.
Obviously the opponents of the 7-08 don't shoot one......
25 -0.3 5 2901 2616
50 0.6 -4 2853 2530
75 1.2 -6 2805 2446
100 1.5 -6 2758 2364
125 1.6 -5 2711 2285
150 1.4 -4 2665 2207
175 0.8 -2 2619 2132
200 0.0 0 2574 2059
225 -1.2 2 2529 1988
250 -2.7 4 2485 1919
275 -4.6 6 2441 1852
300 -6.8 9 2398 1787
325 -9.4 11 2355 1724
350 -12.4 14 2313 1663
375 -15.8 16 2271 1603
400 -19.7 19 2230 1545
425 -23.9 21 2189 1489
450 -28.6 24 2148 1434
475 -33.8 27 2107 1381
500 -39.5 30 2067 1329
Range, drop,clicks, velocity, energy.
Mine has a 23" barrel and run's 140's at at 2976 ave.
Obviously the opponents of the 7-08 don't shoot one......
alf said:Obviously the opponents of the 7-08 don't shoot one......
That's my guess also,,And,, I don't think the 7-08 was ment for anything but a hunting cartridge,,
A great deer gun with much better bullet selection than a .270. You can load it up or down for kids. It's a great choice in my opinion.
GlennGTR1 said:Is the 7-08 a good choice on deer if the range will not exceed 400 yards? Will it have the energy to take a mule deer at that range?
Yes. I shoot a 6,5x55 due to availability here so the 7-08 would work just as well.
GlennGTR1 said:What about elk, inside 300 yards.
The bullet will go in and expand at said ranges. But the elk is a big animal with a lot of vitals to destroy/ bleed empty before the animal dies.
Beware that Kimber rifles can have accuracy issues. That would hamper you a lot more than cartridge selection. Tikka T3 Light is in the same price range and usually shoots very well.
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