Serious ballistics + polite recoil + versatility = 7mm-08 Rem.
Why do you say a 7-08 has serious ballistics. Almost identical to a 308 Win. There are about 5 popular calibers that all shoot a 150 gr bullet at 2800-2850 fps.
Serious ballistics + polite recoil + versatility = 7mm-08 Rem.
I got it from someone here a while ago. It is a 5 layer laminate with 3 walnut layers and two thin layers of carbon fiber. The add here that sold it said is was something Stocky's or Boyd's (i forget which) cleared out several yrs ago. Seller said he paid a little extra for one with some figure in it. I think it's a pretty fair piece of wood for a hunting rifle.What stock is that?
It is my favorite for all the reasons you mentioned. If you were a one gun man, I'd recommend the dandy 7-08, but you have the 300 Mag if you need more power.The suggestion for the 7mm-08 caught my eye, and then after doing some research, realize I am leaning toward the 260 Remington. Although brass is less common, it can be created from 243 and 308 cases. Good bullet choices, and light recoil. Powerful enough for all game in Michigan. Can use lighter bullets for varmints, but probably at longer ranges if fur-friendly is important. Seems like a good choice. Any detractors?
Why do you say a 7-08 has serious ballistics. Almost identical to a 308 Win. There are about 5 popular calibers that all shoot a 150 gr bullet at 2800-2850 fps.
I have only been into shooting the last 3-4 years. I have a 17 FB and a 223. Shot a few coyotes and have been enjoying target practice. I want to get into big game hunting (primarily deer and possibly black bear; I live in Michigan) and my dad recently gave me his 300 win mag. He doesn't like shooting it anymore. I have shot it some and although it gets your attention, it's not worse than shooting 12 gauge, 1.25 oz slugs.
Although I could shoot 165 grain bullets through the 300 win mag and use it for deer, it is really more recoil and power than I need in Michigan. I'll keep this one for future elk and moose hunts. So, what I am looking for is a caliber between 223 and the 300 win mag that I can use for big game from deer to black bear. I don't mind if it is slightly light for black bear; I'll just pick my shots more carefully. Granted I could use the 300 win mag for black bear if needed, but I envision using my new rifle as my primary big game gun for Michigan size game.
Some considerations:
One caliber that comes to mind is a 308. It is another 30 caliber and closer to the 300 win mag than I would like. Plus it would be nice to get something lighter recoiling, although I can handle the recoil fine. It is the one caliber that seems like it fits my list the best. Another one is the 243. Granted it is a little light for black bear, but I would need to pick my shots more carefully.
- I reload and it is not critical that the caliber is commercially available, although that would be nice.
- Brass needs to be readily available and in good quality
- No complicated steps in reloading, e.g. shortening a parent case that requires thinning necks, fireforming (unless it can be done shooting regular reloads with a minimal loss of accuracy), etc.
- Has light recoil
Any other thoughts? I suspect this will be my last rifle a while. I am the type that likes a few really nice toys that are versatile and I use regularly.
Thanks much.
+10 on the 7-087-08
I get 2900FPS from a 24" barrel with 140SGKs or 140ABs.
- Short action
- Brass from WW and Lapua or you can make it from any 308s (never bothered myself)
- More bullet choices than you can ever try
- Lots of powders work (for a hunting rifle I like 2000MR, great velocity and in winter temperatures aren't an issue with the double based powder)
- Better ballistics than a comparable 30 with less recoil
- Availability of reloading components
Haven't met anyone who has not liked a 7-08 once they try it..
Compared to a 260, the 140gr bullet in a 7mm is right in the middle of it's weight range, whereas the 140 in a 260 is a heavy for class. You can take the 7mm up to much heavier bullets (175/180) and bigger game if you set up for it and keep the ranges reasonable.