7mm/o8 v. 308

[Country Boy]

   
  Good or bad of each. What rifle ? need something something quick,short and fast enough for a repeat shot in timber. It doesn't have to be a new rifle ! Won"t be shooting beyond 300 yds, most of my shots are much closer. Rugar,Remington,A-bolt,Blr, any suggestions appreciated. I'm looking for that rifle that jumps to your shoulder and you are looking down the sights asnd a cartridge with enough pop to put them right down or reasxonably close. What ammo, just plain stuff, no fancy trick bullets. Thanks

[ringleboy]

MY WIFE AND I HAVE 2 RIFLES AND I HAVE A T/C ENCORE IN THE 7MM08 AND ITS A GREAT DEER RIFLE. RECOIL IS VERY GOOD TOO. CANT WAIT TO GET A DEER WITH THE T/C. I JUST STARTED TO RELOAD FOR THE 7MM08 ,ANYONE HAVE ANY PET LOADS THEY LIKE?

[charles p]

Sounds like you are describing a Rem Mod 7 to me.

[Cement Man]

I favor shorter, handier rifles for woods hunting.  There are a bunch of great choices out there.  I like Ruger 77 MKII's - and have a .308 International which is very nice handling, also a stainless/synthetic .308 with the barrel shortened about 2", and I'm looking to get a Frontier or Compact.  I think the Rem Model 7, and the Browning A-bolt Micros are great rifles as well, especially for what you're looking for.  Between a .308 and a 7/08 I think the choice is between fantastic and wonderful between the two.  They are both great rounds for shorter barrels and either will get the job done superbly.  A litttle less recoil with the 7/08.  Maybe a nice 2X7 scope...?

[handirifle]

I am currently building exactly what you described.  I had a Savage in 243.  Bought and swapped out a 308 barrel for it.  Shortened the stock 1" to add a recoil pad, cut the barrel to 20" for handling, and gave it a recessed target crown.  I will add some sort of durable non glare finish to the stock and most likely a 4X scope.

I had fewer options since CA had gone to a lead ban.  I felt overly limited with one non lead bullet weight available, 85gr, so I switched to a 308 for more options.

I'm going to try the Barnes Tipped TSX bullet in 130gr.  It will most likely have a laser like trajectory to 300yds, with about 3000fps at the muzzle, and hit with more than enought force for deer, black bear and pigs if I so desire.  Primary use is for deer.

If it were me, I'd choose the 308, primarily due to ammo availability and selection.

[thumbcocker]

I just bought this remington 7600 in 308. 18.5 inch barrel. I put a leupold 4X on it. Shots and handles great.

[kenscot]

I'd go with a rem model 7 or browning micro in 7mm -08 with 140 gr bullets

[Dave in WV]

Get a Rem 7600. If you can't find a .308 carbine, get the barrel cut to the length you want. I have a 7600 7mm-08 rifle. It was from a special run made for Grice Wholesale in PA.

[Country Boy]

 You know I never even thought of a pump. If I recall corectly they seemed  lighter than a semi about on par with an average bolt.
      I did feel a model 7 yesterday, sweet ! Also still looking for a semi-auto 20 gage.

[wncchester]

"I'm looking for that rifle that jumps to your shoulder and you are looking down the sights asnd a cartridge with enough pop to put them right down or reasxonably close."

Sounds like you need a Marlin 336/.35 Remington.  Stock fit is much like a wing shooting shotgun, modest recoil for fast follow-up shooting, very good accuracy and plenty of punch to 150-200 yards.

Don't expect anything to kill like lightning unless you make a central nervous system or shoulder crippling shot.  I have a hunting acquaintance who went from a .270 to a Rem 7mm mag  looking for instant drops, now he's looking for something bigger yet 'cause the big mag also doesn't have the "knock-down power" he's seeking.  I tell him a .458 won't either if he keeps shooting his deer in the guts.

[Muskie Hunter]

Country boy,
I recently bought a Browning Micro Hunter in 7mm-08 and I am having fun with it. It has proven to be a great shooter out of the box and I am still working on loads that will do even better. I had a 2x7 leupold on it but found it was not enough scope for my old eyes for target work so I stuck a 3x9 Leupold on it and that is the one scope that I am going to stay with for the micro. It still comes to shoulder quick and the trigger is great.The rifle comes glass bedded and free floated and I haven't done anything to it to try to improve it.I don't know what it would be anyhow.
I have handled the Remington model 7 also and that is a fine rifle  so it was a tough choice for me to make. I think I was looking for an excuse just to buy another rifle cause I already have a 30-30 and a 35 Remington ,both in Marlin 336's and they are hard to be for the thick woods rifle.

[billy]

I have a ruger hawkeye in 7mm-08 and like it alot ,also had rem. model 7 in 7mm-08 both are lite and great rifles. Marlin 336 is a good woods gun in 30-30 or 35 rem.

[Blackhawk44]

You can handle and swing all the bolts and pumps in the store but the BLR is what you described.  The .308 has a slight edge on versatility and a large edge on availability. 

[Mckie Hollow]

Remington Model 7, 308.   Used, If You can Find one. You won't in My area, Because anyone Whoever got one, will not part with it.

[banen]

308 Ruger Ultra Light would be my vote

[Country Boy]

 I bought the blr .308 sure appreciate all your help.

[SHOOTALL]

after owning  both and hunting with both , either will do the deed !
the 308 how ever has many more types of loaded bullets , componets and surplus ammo .
the 708 has less recoil in like guns .
i settled on the 308 . but never felt under gunned with the 708

[T.R.]

I'm certain you'll be pleased with your new .308 outfit.  This older carbine has never let me down.  It's fitted with a 2X-7X rifle scope.  I've hunted across North America with .308 rifles.

Remington core-lockt and FEDERAL Classic have been a favorites of mine.  Handloaded bullets that perform well include Hornady, Sierra, Speer, and Nosler.   

TR

[LONGTOM]

Any and all of the above answerer's are correct for all the reasons stated.
My self. I would get a standard HANDI in 45-70 with 300gr HPs and a 2x7 scope and not worry about the second shot.
You can reload a HANDI faster than most people would think, especially if it is a ejector style barrel.
I have such a gun and one shot so far has always got the job done!


LONGTOM

[T.R.]

Longtom:



I often hunt pheasants with an antique Iver Johnson break open single barrel in 16 gauge.  You're right about quick reloading.  The technique is easy to learn.

A few generations ago, mountain men roamed the river bottoms and foothills hunting a wide variety of big game. They had iron sighted muzzle-loaders.  Yet these men wandered in hostile Indian country.  Other threats included dangerous beasts such as grizzlies and cougars.  Yet careful hunters who placed their shots ate well and slept peacefully.   We've come along way in firearm development since then.  Sadly, many modern guys aren't very skilled in hunting or patience.

I'm certain your 45-70 is up to the task.  Typically the only adjustment required is the nut behind the buttplate.

Good hunting to you.
TR

[SuperstitionCoues]

T.R.,

Prosaic, prophetic and profound.  My compliments.

SC

[SHOOTALL]

but has little or nothing to do with the original post !
the 708 was developed to allow sales in countries that would not allow guns that used military rounds to be sold or used .

[gstewart44]

I have a Ruger 77 in 308, a Savage 110 in 3006, a Contender in 7/08 and a Remington 760 carbine in 3006.   My 760 goes out with me the most........it is short , easy to carry and mount, has an extremely fast follow up shot and has the range to reach out and touch.   

For what you were asking......look for a Remington 760/7600 in 308 or 3006.

[dpe.ahoy]

Thats a haard choice.  Have had 308's and the most accurate gun I've owned was a stock original Ruger in that caliber.  However, now I have gone nutty on 7mm bullets and have 3 7-08's and 2 280's.  7mm's seem to carry SLIGHTLY better and kick a little less.  Other than that, they are both great rounds and will get most any job done.  DP.

[Cabin4]

7mm 08. Lower recoil and better down range performance then the 308.

[LONGTOM]

I have not shot a 7mm-08 but I did just pick up a standard HANDI barrel in that caliber.
I can't comment on the difference between the two, YET.

An other good one to consider would be a WIN. model 88 or model 100 in 243 or 308.
One is a semi auto and the other is a lever that is styled like a semi auto.
They are both clip fed guns.
Both are light easy to get around with and offer that quick follow up shot if needed.
These can be a little on the pricey side if they are in nice shape.
Just something else to consider.


LONGTOM 

[SHOOTALL]

less recoil OK
performance NAW !

[T.R.]

I bought my first .308 simply because I wanted a 300 Savage lever action like Dad's but they were no longer made in that chambering.  Many years later, 7mm-08 was introduced.  Perhaps if I'd been born later, I'd be a big fan of 7mm-08.  It is certainly a very good hunting cartridge that has a wide and diverse number of devotees!

TR

[Cabin4]

less recoil OK
performance NAW !

When you drop to 140 grain bullet in the 7mm you will achieve a flatter trajectory and better energy numbers down range over the 308 in a 150 grain. There both great cartridges. When I think of the 7mm-08 I think of a high country sheep hunt. A light weight short bbl rifle is ideal for this situation. If I were going on a sheep hunt I would take the 7mm-08 over the 308. There are of course differant hunting circumstances were I would opt for the 308 over the 7mm-08.

[SHOOTALL]

I have owned/hunted with both and can assure that the 308 has better performance . You can Cherri pick loads to compare if you like and feel warm and fuzzy but in the end the 308 has more to offer .