308 or 7mm-08 for mule deer?

7mm-08 will shoot flatter and carry more energy at extended ranges. Up to around 300 yards, not much between them. Beyond that, the 7mm-08 has the edge. In terms of cost, choice and availability, 308 wins hands down for both components and loaded ammo (under normal circumstances, that is).
 
looking for high end production 7-08. Too impatient to wait for custom job. 24 inch barrel , 1-8 twist. Anybody have recs?
 
Both the 7mm 08 and 308 are easy to reload and there is very little difference in the two calibers...the 308 can hit a little harder and I have found a solid, stomper load with the 178 ELD-X's. I would go with the 308 due to the availability of 30 cal bullets and loaded ammunition. I love the powder savings with both of these rifles compared to the magnums. If I had to have two rifles, I would go with a 308 and a 300wm. The 7mm 08 is my go-to whitetail rifle...light weight, quick handling rem 700 cdl-sf under 7 lbs bare bones without scope.

My 7mm 08 will not accept ELD-X longer bullets like the 175 gr ELD-X, read where the caliber was designed for the 140 grain bullets.

Has anyone had their rifle reamed out for these longer bullets?
 
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Running number on the Berger ballistic calculator using 168 VLD for both rifles and the 7-08 with a velocity of 2650 still had more energy than a 308 168 running 2750 at the same distance (600yards). I would suppose this is probably reasonable velocity's out of these rifles with both running a 24 inch barrel. The difference was about 100 flbs of energy between the two.
 
Wachsmann said:
Running number on the Berger ballistic calculator using 168 VLD for both rifles and the 7-08 with a velocity of 2650 still had more energy than a 308 168 running 2750 at the same distance (600yards). I would suppose this is probably reasonable velocity's out of these rifles with both running a 24 inch barrel. The difference was about 100 flbs of energy between the two.
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You're right. I ran it on Sierra's program with both of their 150 match bullets and it's showing about the opposite. Maybe because of Sierra's B.C.'s on their bullets.....who knows.
 
Rflshootr said:
You're right. I ran it on Sierra's program with both of their 150 match bullets and it's showing about the opposite. Maybe because of Sierra's B.C.'s on their bullets.....who knows.
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Either way is that showing that the 7-08 is carrying sufficient energy downrange. A lot of what I have read is the 7-08 can rival the .308 performance. I also believe if you run the numbers the 6.5cm it does not have the down range energy of the others or the wind drift.
The 6.5 has its merits but the info I've seen shows the 7-08 being better in the field
 
JD-ODINSON said:
I am looking to buy either a 308 or 7mm-08 as a mule deer hunting rifle. The typical hunting ranges i encounter out west here are between 200-600 yards. Ive got a 300wm I use for elk and other large game and an old 270, but I am wanting something new dedicated for mule deer. My main concerns are ammo price and availability and I am also looking mainly at Bergara, Weatherby and Browning.
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How many daughters? Jeez man good luck! I would go with the 7-08 everytime. Just for the fact that you can go with a slightly lighter rifle shooting some mild handloads in the 120gr range for practice/hunting and move up from there as they get comfortable and get their own rifle.
 
CBH Australia said:
I also believe if you run the numbers the 6.5cm it does not have the down range energy of the others or the wind drift.
The 6.5 has its merits but the info I've seen shows the 7-08 being better in the field
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The 6.5 CM 140 Berger and 147 Hornady combination does an excellent job with the wind ...



... not "my" personal, especially on elk, but it is not too shabby on energy either ...

 
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Spd522 said:
You said you already reload 300 WM and 30.06. I say go 308 and save on having to buy multiple bullet sizes. Meaning, you have the largest selection of bullets with 30 cal. And the same bullet may very well work just fine for all three. I load all three as well and 165-180 gr work great. So I can stock up on a bullet weight or a few different ones but use them in all three guns.
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Great advice here. I love the 308, 7-08 and 6.5CM but if you already reload 30 caliber, stick with it. Worst case if one rifle doesn't like a particular bullet, one of the others might. Best case, they may all like the same bullet. Could be good and bad if that bullet becomes unobtainable but lots of options regardless. That said when asked this question before this crazy Covid/election BS started, I'd of voted for the 7-08, at least until I hunted with the 6.5 CM. 😝 Pick your poison, either one if put meat in the freezer. Good luck!!
 
JD-ODINSON said:
I am looking to buy either a 308 or 7mm-08 as a mule deer hunting rifle. The typical hunting ranges i encounter out west here are between 200-600 yards. Ive got a 300wm I use for elk and other large game and an old 270, but I am wanting something new dedicated for mule deer. My main concerns are ammo price and availability and I am also looking mainly at Bergara, Weatherby and Browning.
Click to expand...
In the immortal words of P O Ackley, if two cartridges have the same case size, the advantage will always go with the larger bullet diameter.
 
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