7mm-08

[Head416]

I posted a couple weeks ago for some rifle advice on a .243 I was looking at. Somebody suggested I look into the 7mm-08, so I did.

In reading online about the 7mm-08, the consensus seems to be it performs like a .270 but kicks like a .243 - that sounds great, but I don't understand how that's possible!

I'd like to hear from anybody with personal experience with the 7mm-08, especially if you can compare the kick to a .270 (my wife says the .270 kicks too hard!). Oh, and I've read similar things about the .260 as well, so comments appreciated on that as well.

'preciate it!

[targa911S]

The 7mm 08 is a great low recoil round. Will drop a deer in it's tracks too. Very nice beginners or girl round. You should also look at .257 roberts for the best of everything. Low recoil, good range, good dropping impact. Ammo is a bit hard to find at places like The walmart though. I would go with either but prefer the .257 roberts.

[targa911S]

7mm-08 Remington - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
.257 Roberts
7mm-08 Rem.

[Head416]

ChuckHawks.com is where I had been doing most of my reading, I love that site!

I still don't understand how the 7mm-08 can hurl a heavier bullet than a .270 at similar velocities with so much less recoil, but I'll just accept it and enjoy it.

Would you agree that it's appropriate for elk?

And a total newb question... how do you pronounce this cartridge name? Seven-ought-eight? Seven-o-eight? Seven-millimeter-o-eight?

Thanks!

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by targa911S

The 7mm 08 is a great low recoil round. Will drop a deer in it's tracks too. Very nice beginners or girl round. You should also look at .257 roberts for the best of everything. Low recoil, good range, good dropping impact. Ammo is a bit hard to find at places like The walmart though. I would go with either but prefer the .257 roberts.

HOORAH! Love my old Remington in .257 Roberts. It's good to see this popular in the 1950's caliber making a comeback.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Head416

ChuckHawks.com is where I had been doing most of my reading, I love that site!

I still don't understand how the 7mm-08 can hurl a heavier bullet than a .270 at similar velocities with so much less recoil, but I'll just accept it and enjoy it.

Would you agree that it's appropriate for elk?

And a total newb question... how do you pronounce this cartridge name? Seven-ought-eight? Seven-o-eight? Seven-millimeter-o-eight?

Thanks!

My thinking is that the 7mm-08 may be legal for elk, but on the lightweight side. I'd strongly suggest you move up to a magnum round for elk.

[RPKESQ]

Which caliber is suitable for which animal must be determined by skill level. Nothing else.

Are you capable of the skill at shot placement regardless of target orientation? Meaning can you place the bullet in the correct position to hit the vitals on the animal from any presentation (animal walking/running toward you, away from you, quartering away, quartering toward, side, lying down, up hill, down hill, etc.)?

If not you have two good choices and one common choice.

Good #1 - Only shoot at animals within your ability (range and aspect) to kill cleanly . This take self discipline.

Good #2 - Practice until you can place the shot where you want at any presentation. This takes an enormous amount of proper practice.

Bad #3 - Blast away (pray and spray) and hope for the best.

All of the cartridges you have mentioned are more than capable of killing elk with the proper bullet and placement.

[tabs]

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

Which caliber is suitable for which animal must be determined by skill level. Nothing else.

Are you capable of the skill at shot placement regardless of target orientation? Meaning can you place the bullet in the correct position to hit the vitals on the animal from any presentation (animal walking/running toward you, away from you, quartering away, quartering toward, side, lying down, up hill, down hill, etc.)?

If not you have two good choices and one common choice.

Good #1 - Only shoot at animals within your ability (range and aspect) to kill cleanly . This take self discipline.

Good #2 - Practice until you can place the shot where you want at any presentation. This takes an enormous amount of proper practice.

Bad #3 - Blast away (pray and spray) and hope for the best.

All of the cartridges you have mentioned are more than capable of killing elk with the proper bullet and placement.

I do wana see you out in the Bush stalking an Elepahnt with a 6.5 X 54....

[Head416]

Well, I'm sure there are people out there who can drop an elk with a .22LR, but I still don't think many people would call it an elk cartridge.

I've spent a lot of time researching online while I've been waiting to purchase my first hunting rifle. I have no experience to speak of. I can hit a paper plate at 100 yards sitting at a comfortable bench rest. After I get my rifle, I plan to spend a lot of time with it so I can make realistic shots from unsupported positions. Prior to that, I need to get that first rifle. That's what I'm doing here asking questions.

From what I've read it seems the .270 is a great elk round, assuming you actually get the bullet in the heart/lung area. I hear the 7mm-08 is as well, but since I read it kicks like a .243 I just want to get more assurance that it does indeed hit like a .270.

(My gut tells me this just can't be possible, but I'm used to being wrong.)

[tabs]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

HOORAH! Love my old Remington in .257 Roberts. It's good to see this popular in the 1950's caliber making a comeback.

You should read the inventor of that cartridge's book..one Ned Roberts..."The Muzzleloading Caplock Rifle"

[tabs]

Originally Posted by Head416

Well, I'm sure there are people out there who can drop an elk with a .22LR, but I still don't think many people would call it an elk cartridge.

I've spent a lot of time researching online while I've been waiting to purchase my first hunting rifle. I have no experience to speak of. I can hit a paper plate at 100 yards sitting at a comfortable bench rest. After I get my rifle, I plan to spend a lot of time with it so I can make realistic shots from unsupported positions. Prior to that, I need to get that first rifle. That's what I'm doing here asking questions.

From what I've read it seems the .270 is a great elk round, assuming you actually get the bullet in the heart/lung area. I hear the 7mm-08 is as well, but since I read it kicks like a .243 I just want to get more assurance that it does indeed hit like a .270.

(My gut tells me this just can't be possible, but I'm used to being wrong.)

Why don't you look at a 30/06...over the past century it has proved to be one of the most versatile cartridges ever developed.

[Superman]

.270 and 30/30 are good deer rifles, but I wouldn't hunt elk with them. For that, my strong preference has been 30/06.

[RPKESQ]

Originally Posted by Head416

Well, I'm sure there are people out there who can drop an elk with a .22LR, but I still don't think many people would call it an elk cartridge.

I've spent a lot of time researching online while I've been waiting to purchase my first hunting rifle. I have no experience to speak of. I can hit a paper plate at 100 yards sitting at a comfortable bench rest. After I get my rifle, I plan to spend a lot of time with it so I can make realistic shots from unsupported positions. Prior to that, I need to get that first rifle. That's what I'm doing here asking questions.

From what I've read it seems the .270 is a great elk round, assuming you actually get the bullet in the heart/lung area. I hear the 7mm-08 is as well, but since I read it kicks like a .243 I just want to get more assurance that it does indeed hit like a .270.

(My gut tells me this just can't be possible, but I'm used to being wrong.)

Kudos for the willingness to practice and learning.

It is the difference between a high pressure and low pressure cartridge. A good example is the H&H .375 magnum and a Win .338 magnum. The H&H .375 is far more pleasant to shoot than the .338 in most cases. look up the ballistics and compare them. They are pretty close. The difference in comfort is amazing and due to the pressure developed. Typically, newer cartridges are shorter and fatter than the older designs. This is what is mostly responsible for the pressure difference. Powder burn rates are another.

[RPKESQ]

Originally Posted by tabs

I do wana see you out in the Bush stalking an Elepahnt with a 6.5 X 54....

I have used a very similar cartridge for many years. I have used a 6.5 x 55 for everything between a Roe Buck to Derby Eland. No problems. It has great sectional density and therefore the ability to penetrate much better than many popular calibers.

I would love to try it on a Elephant. Unfortunately it is not legal anywhere in Africa for that purpose. But Bell had little problem with small calibers on Elephant so it is quite possible.

[Head416]

I have every intention of adding a .30-06 to my battery... someday.

Right now I'm looking for rifle #1 (well, in addition to my 10/22). My wife is interested in shooting, so I want something she won't shy away from. Her parents hunt elk, so ideally I'm thinking deer/elk cartridge on the smaller end. I was planning on a .270 until she shot it and didn't like the recoil. That means she won't want to shoot it enough to get proficient.

I gave up on the elk angle and had my eyes on the .243, but then a Pelican recommend the 7mm-08 and it seems a deer/elk cartridge may be back on the table. That's the thought process that's gotten to where I am right now. Being new to shooting, the 7mm-08 isn't something I'd ever heard of before, so I'm just trying to gather as much information as I can. I plan on going with the more "common" cartridges for numerous reasons.

Funny you mention the .375 H&H... my 80 year old neighbor that got me into shooting trap has a 375 H&H rifle that he bought in Rhodesia in the 60s. His son isn't interested in shooting and he's made comments that he "might as well leave it to [me]". I don't know if it would really happen but that is something I would treasure forever. He's a neat guy. It's kinda like hanging out with grandpa, which is something I never really did. Anyway, I've been intimidated about how that sucker would kick, so it's good to hear it's relatively gentle!

[MT930]

7mm-08, 243, 270, 308. Great Deer & Antelope cartridges.

7MM Mag & 300 Win Mag are good Elk & Moose cartridges
270 Works but can fall short if off on shot placement by a little. It's still very popular here in MT for Elk. I think it's a little light myself.

My Barber shoots Elk every year with 243. Poor choice, asking for a long walk in the woods.

Go big you'll go home faster.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by MT930

7mm-08, 243, 270, 308. Great Deer & Antelope cartridges.

7MM Mag & 300 Win Mag are good Elk & Moose cartridges
270 Works but can fall short if off on shot placement by a little. It's still very popular here in MT for Elk. I think it's a little light myself.

My Barber shoots Elk every year with 243. Poor choice, asking for a long walk in the woods.

Go big you'll go home faster.

Exactly! I can say that my .257 Roberts HAS taken both elk and deer...

But as soon as I could afford my Ruger M-77 in 7mm Rem. Mag., the 257 and Winchester 30-30 came on elk hunts only as backup guns.

As far as being "expert" in shot placement is concerned? I'd suggest following my deceased buddy's advice. When I asked him the best shot placement for Elk, he responded: "Shoot the summabich in the shoulder...then shuck in another shell, and shoot him in the shoulder again....and again!" Folks who live near and work in the Oregon woods may not have studied all the science of ballistics, but they do seem to know what works!

"Bigger Club theory"...Magnum rifles...it works!

[ODDJOB UNO]

i didnt know rocky mtn/rooselvelt/merriam ELK INHABITED FRANCE! hmmmmm???WTF!




heres the drill for all you NON HUNTERS!



1) 30.06/.300 win mag/.338 win mag......................all with heavy bullets..........PERIOD! or 45.70 if yer not a wimp and yer shoulder can handle it!

dont like the win mag's kick.....................MUZZLE BREAK IT! a .338 braked feels less than a .270. and when adrenalin is pumping you aint gonna feel a damn thing.

2) .308 and its entire family are very light and lack the UMMMPPPH to penetrate thick hides bones. .308 with a heavy bullet would be ok for say 200yds at the most. that is unless YA WANNA TRACK THE SOB a FEW MILES TRUDGING ACROSS THE TUNDRA MILE AFTER MILE PLAYING NANOOK OF THE NORTH AT DARK! oh boy ask me how the FEEK I KNOW!

3) why in hells name buy a bastid round unless yer gonna reload? and even then material(bullets/cases) will be spendy due to lack of general sales.


4) cant tell you how many times i have heard "yeah i shot it with a 7mm "MAGNUM" and nailed it! "so ahhh where is it?" " ahhhh it ran off!"


5) close in work.................45/70 hands down. 6.5 pound rifle.

6) reach out and touch them................30.06(heavy bullet)/300 win mag/.338 win mag/.375 H&H with damn good optics. leupold/zeiss/swarvorski.


7) if you get drawn for a bull elk, and you use some piss ant caliber................you should have yer huevos cut off and nailed to a tree, for not bringing ENOUGH UMMMPPHH TO KNOCK THE LIVING HELL OUT OF THEM AND PUT THEM DOWN!


8) my .308's were used by me over the years and i was damn lucky to recover my elk. close or long range. cuz each and every damn time NO MATTER HOW ACCURATE THE TEXTBOOK SHOT......................THEY RAN! and it really really REALLY SUCKS when its 5pm and ITS SNOWING! so i got edumacated and read those books called "BALLISTICS" and spoke to real live honest to gawd rifle builders. and we built a 26" barrel WINCHESTER M-70 at MCMILLIAN FIREARMS w/leupold 4.5 x 14x 50 mil-dot reticle and it shoots .559 groups all day every day,with custom black moly 250gr bullets.

9) 45/70 and .338 win mag.............................they dont move very far if AT ALL!ask me how i know. i have ANCHORED(1-shot-1-kill) quite a few over my years.

10) we hunt elk in some damn nasty country here, and the last thing ya want is to have to chase them.

11) yer ELK TAG FOR AIRY-ZONEY IS DUE FEB. 8th 2011......................BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!



AND BRING E-NUFF GUN!

[RPKESQ]

[QUOTE=ODDJOB UNO;5751371]i didnt know rocky mtn/rooselvelt/merriam ELK INHABITED FRANCE! hmmmmm???WTF![QUOTE]

Who ever said they did? WTF?

But unlike you, I have hunted in more places than the USA. All through Africa, Europe, Canada and the US. So I have shot species that make an Elk/Wapiti look pretty small. All with a 6.5x55 or a 7x57 except where those calibers are illegal.

In Sweden and Finland the majority of Moose are shot with the 6.5 x 55. Funny how lots of other people manage to kill large animals with small calibers just fine, but 'mericans need canons.

I guess that is the difference between hunters and shooters.

[tabs]

[QUOTE=RPKESQ;5751484][QUOTE=ODDJOB UNO;5751371]i didnt know rocky mtn/rooselvelt/merriam ELK INHABITED FRANCE! hmmmmm???WTF!

Who ever said they did? WTF?

But unlike you, I have hunted in more places than the USA. All through Africa, Europe, Canada and the US. So I have shot species that make an Elk/Wapiti look pretty small. All with a 6.5x55 or a 7x57 except where those calibers are illegal.

In Sweden and Finland the majority of Moose are shot with the 6.5 x 55. Funny how lots of other people manage to kill large animals with small calibers just fine, but 'mericans need canons.

I guess that is the difference between hunters and shooters.

OHHH GEEZUS Daniel Boone ESQ