Author Topic: 7mm08 or 7X57 ?  (Read 622 times)

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Offline EVOC ONE

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7mm08 or 7X57 ?
« on: March 10, 2005, 04:55:45 AM »
MSP Ret:  Thank you for the suggestions.  They are welcome anytime.  Yes, I have long considered the 7mm08 and suspect I will eventually end up with one.  Its such a good cartridge, especially for the reloader.. But, I'm indecisive when comparing it to the .308 given the low cost of .308 components and ammo.  I already have .308 dies even though I don't own a .308 yet.  Picked up a new set of RCBS dies out of a discount box at a local gun shop for $10.00.  Couldn't pass them up.  But, having a 7mm08 does give me the 7mm that I don't have.  Also, I like your suggestion that I could sell it when/if I locate a 7X57.   I could solve this little dilemma buy purchasing one then adding the other barrel.  So many options.

EVOC ONE

Offline PA-Joe

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7mm08 or 7X57 ?
« Reply #1 on: March 10, 2005, 05:04:54 AM »
These three (308, 708 and 7 mauser) are very close ballistically. You really don't need all three.  If you are going to get a 7mm then get a SAUM or WSM!

Offline MSP Ret

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7mm08 or 7X57 ?
« Reply #2 on: March 10, 2005, 08:18:47 AM »
Your on the right track EVOV ONE, and I would not even consider a short magnum in a single shot rifle. It's not needed since their is no action to shorten for weight or cycle time. They are a great modern invention to sell more guns but thats all, if they don't do anythinf better than the .308, 7x57 or 7mm-08 why buy them. Besides they are not made in a Handi and I doubt if they ever will be, but I have been wrong before. This has been discussed before somewhere on this site and the conclusions more or less mirrored my statements and feelings above if I remember correctly....<><.... :grin:
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley

Offline EVOC ONE

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7mm08 or 7X57 ?
« Reply #3 on: March 10, 2005, 03:34:19 PM »
I agree with you MSP Ret.  I'm not very enthused about the short magnums.  I can accomplish what I need to do with the cartridges offered by NEF.  If I find I need "Magnum" power some day I would select a .338 Win or .375 H&H.  A bit "old school" but both are very effective and should do anything I may ever need.  

By the way, A buddy contacted me tonight and told me of a 7mm08 for sale at a local shop.  It has  gray laminted wood and carries a 3X9 scope.  He said its looks as though its never been fired.  The asking price is $250.00.  I'm going to check it out tomorrow.  Opinions?

EVOC ONE

Offline Mac11700

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7mm08 or 7X57 ?
« Reply #4 on: March 10, 2005, 07:17:34 PM »
EVOC ONE...:

If I may...if you are considering a 7-08...or a 7x57...and want a truely do all 7mm in a Handi...then get a 280...it can be loaded to almost 7MM Mags performance...in the Handi...something like just 100 fps shy of it.. if I remember...Ditchdiggers loads...if you want a more sedate 7x57 velocity loading they are available as well...get the best of both worlds...


Mac
You can cry me a river... but...build me a bridge and then get over it...

Offline DakotaElkSlayer

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7mm08 or 7X57 ?
« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2005, 08:26:27 PM »
What Mac said...  That 26" barrel on the .280 really wrings out the velocity...

Jim
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Offline James B

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7mm08 or 7X57 ?
« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2005, 10:25:46 PM »
I have the Handi's in both 280 and 7mm-08. This may not make much sense but the good thing about being a handi-holic is that no one expects you to make sense. :grin:  Part of the addition don't you know? I have had the 280 for a few years now but abouit a month or two ago I found a 7mm-08 in the youth model at Gander Mountain. I have a bum shooting shoulder but when I shouldered the youth model with its shorter stock, it felt much better to the shoulder. It allowed me to keep the shoulder further back and closer to my body. It was love at first feel. When I took it to the range with a box of 140 grain Remington Corloks I got inch and one quarter groups right out of the box. Recoil was less than my 280 which my shoulder also liked. The 7x57 and 308 are both fine guns which I also own or have owned but in the field they won't do much that the 7mm-08 wont do just as well. They edge would go to the 308 however if the need for heavier bullets came up.You could not go wrong with any of the above mentioned calibers. The 7mm-08, 7x57, 280 or 308. I am thinking of getting a youth stock for my 280 as well. I also need to get a 30-30 barrel for it.
shot placement is everything.

Offline EVOC ONE

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7mm08 or 7X57 ?
« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2005, 04:57:47 AM »
All of you make good points and I agree with each.  As I mentioned in an earlier post I want to set up a Handi rig dedicated strickly for range shooting up to 300yds.  I would prefer an .30-06 with a 24" or 26" barrel.  But that conbination isn't offered in a Handi, as we all know.  So I believe the .280 is the logical choice for my purpose, given that it is so close to the .30-06 in performance and it is offered with the 26" bbl.  But, frankly, I feel as though each of these calibers are capable of better accuracy out to 300yds than I am capable of shooting, so I guess its just a matter of perference.

But ... given that I seem to have been stricken with the fated Handi disease, I find it difficult to pass by a good deal regardless of the caliber.  So, I can certainly see the possiblity of both the 7mm08 and .280 in my future as well as a 7X57, should I be fortunate enough to locate one.

Wow, this is fun.  Life is good when we have such decisions to stew over.  Thanks for the input, guys.  I'm like a sponge with this stuff.

EVOC ONE