Author Topic: 708 or 308 Encore (Read 1371 times)

Duffy · « **on:** April 18, 2003, 10:01:58 PM »

When I purchaced my Encore I asked around about good hunting calibers and received many good comments on the 708. Now I'm thinking about going on a Elk hunt and wondering if it is going to be enough! Looking at the books the 308 seems to have a bit of a velocity edge but I would like to hear from those of you that acutually have one to see if there is really that much difference. I would be using a premium bullet and would keep my shots within 150 yards.
Thanks.

bigbore442001 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2003, 01:06:26 AM »

What rifle calibers do you hunt with? If you have a 7mm of some type and you are set up to reload for it, then go and get the 7-08. If you have a 30 caliber rifle and set up to load for it then go with the 308. This will cut down on the components a bit on the reloading bench. That is my logic anyways.

Duffy · « **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2003, 07:54:34 AM »

It's already too late to cut down on components. (insert emoticon of choice here) I have the 708 bbl and also have dies ect. for 308 from loading my inlaws rifles. From the info that I had gathered it appeared that the 708 was more efficient in the 15" bbl than the 308 but haven't seen any hard evidence of it yet. So far I'm getting 2550-2600 fps with a 140g NBT out of my 708 but haven't checked the 160 gr NPT yet. Just gathering more info.

xphunter · « **Reply #3 on:** April 20, 2003, 05:52:35 PM »

Duffy I have killed 2 bull elk with a 140 grain partition (7mm bullet) traveling at speeds of 2270 fps and a little slower (which is my velocity @ 300 yards in my 284 Win. XP). Your 7-08 will do just fine if you keep your ranges at or below what you said in your post and make sure your bullet placement is good. My bullet @ elk elevations is going 2503 @ 150 yards and @ 300 yards is @ 2270. One shot kill laser ranged @353 yards. Shot the bull while bedded down. At impact switched directions, went about 10 feet and never got back up. I was a happy camper. Then the hard work began; Quartering/deboneing and packing him on our frame packs. At 350 yards my 140 grain is moving at 2196 fps. Hope this helps you in your decision making process.

Ernie

Duffy · « **Reply #4 on:** April 20, 2003, 07:06:04 PM »

XPHunter Thanks for the spec's, that gives me a idea of what I need. I've been sort of figuring on the 1500 ftlbs minimum and that would keep me under 200 yards. Tested some 160g partitions today and the best was 2430 so far. I think with a different powder and a little witchcraft I can coax a consistant 2450-2500 out of them. That would give me a solid 1600+ ftlbs energy at 200 yards and I plan to stay under that yardage. Might split the difference and go with the 150's too.
BTW where on the body did you shoot your elk and how did the bullet perform?
Thanks

Ryan

xphunter · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2003, 03:36:01 AM »

Ryan,
I always go for the heart/lung area. On the 353 yard bull I put the 140 pill through both lungs. I recovered the bullet just under the hide on the opposing side. The bullet would have made a typical Nosler Partition picture.

Duffy · « **Reply #6 on:** April 21, 2003, 05:40:34 PM »

Ernie,
Thank you very much for the info! It really helps to know some of the specifics to help eliminate as many variables as possable. I wasn't a boy scout but I like to be prepared.

Ryan

Zachary · « **Reply #7 on:** April 23, 2003, 05:26:48 AM »

I would go with the 708 personally.

Zachary

Hcliff · « **Reply #8 on:** April 23, 2003, 08:44:57 AM »

Both are great. My dad went crazy too on which one :eek: . He went with the 308 because of the bullet weight issue. It is so close that shot placement is more important than the extra energy, fps, or weight. Pick the one you think is cute or you have more bullets in the cabnet for.

Hcliff

The Pistoleer · « **Reply #9 on:** April 23, 2003, 04:53:28 PM »

XPHunter, what powder do you use?

xphunter · « **Reply #10 on:** April 24, 2003, 06:28:23 AM »

Pistoleer,
For my 284 Win. XP I use H-4831. For my 7-08 XP I used H-4895. With both XP's I used the 140 NBT from PD's to deer size and the 140 partition for elk.

xphunter

fennell · « **Reply #11 on:** June 21, 2003, 06:56:27 PM »

I have both and my vote goes with the 708. I Seem to be able to shoot the 708 bettet because for the lighter recoil. I cannot see any difference in the effect of game on either caliber if the correct bullet is chosen. I seem to get a littel more velocity from the 708 than the 308 and it has a little better ranging. I like it better because I can shoot it better and it is more comfortable to shoot with less recoil, less noise, and a little flatter. It is my choice ( for whatever that is worth).

Good luck

fennell

Duffy · « **Reply #12 on:** June 22, 2003, 11:06:21 PM »

Thanks for the info fennell; since I posted this I have had the chance to try quite a few combo's. As of right now my powder of choice is VV N550. It gives great accuracy and good vel without a lot of pressure. The 140 BT's are at 2625. the 150 Par @ 2555 and the 160 Par are around 2450 and I'm still working on them. Might drop the 140's down a few tenths as they are a bit warm with the hot temps but I did get a .73 group from that load. I am doing some penetration tests now and will post the results when I get them done. Trying to get equipment ready too!