.308 or 7mm-08 in ar platform

[mcharger440]

Okay guys someone enlighten me here I am wrestling back-and-forth between building a 308 or a 7mm-08. My question is this why would I not build a 7mm-08 over a 308 I do get the rare opportunity to go elk hunting in New Mexico where a 270 is the minimum cartridge so any smaller than that would not be an option but the 7mm has better bc's available than the 308 and basically the same knockdown my only question is why I would build a 308 over a 7mm-08

 

[ohiohunter]

Okay guys someone enlighten me here I am wrestling back-and-forth between building a 308 or a 7mm-08. My question is this why would I not build a 7mm-08 over a 308 I do get the rare opportunity to go elk hunting in New Mexico where a 270 is the minimum cartridge so any smaller than that would not be an option but the 7mm has better bc's available than the 308 and basically the same knockdown my only question is why I would build a 308 over a 7mm-08

NM's minimum rifle bullet for elk is 24cal, it does not specify cartridge only caliber.. pg 62 of the current regs. I met a kid up by the ski slope that had a 5x5 in the bed of a truck that he shot w/ a 243.

I'd go w/ the 308 for factory ammo availability, better brass, and wider range of bullet weights.

 

[mcharger440]

I'm really beating myself up over virtually no difference but that 24cal thing helps maybe a 6.5 creedmoor is in order

 

[Cycletroll]

Okay guys someone enlighten me here I am wrestling back-and-forth between building a 308 or a 7mm-08. My question is this why would I not build a 7mm-08 over a 308 I do get the rare opportunity to go elk hunting in New Mexico where a 270 is the minimum cartridge so any smaller than that would not be an option but the 7mm has better bc's available than the 308 and basically the same knockdown my only question is why I would build a 308 over a 7mm-08

I have a 18.5" barrel Model 7 in 7mm-08 that has killed two cow elk's here in NM. Both bang-flops (140gr Barnes TSXT) and I really like the 7mm-08 but I don't think it has any real advantages at the ranges you're likely to shoot elk at with a short action non-magnum cartridge. There are plenty of loads in both .308 and 7mm-08 which will kill elk a lot further than most people are likely to shoot them.

More to the point I think is which cartridge for an AR based rifle and that undoubtedly would be .308! You can buy factory .308 in so many more factory configurations and the volume you will shoot an autoloading rifle will really come into play when you try to find bulk "plinking ammo" for your 7-08.
Also easier to find brass if you're a reloader.

BTW, any of the heavier SST's or AMAX's hand loaded to 2.8" work great in an AR platform and hit hard at distance. The 208gr AMAX is a beast!

 

[mcharger440]

I definitely see the value of the 308 but have decided to go 260 rem on this build I don't really know why but I liked it and " pulled the trigger" so to speak

 

[Greyfox]

I own a 7mm08 Remington(DPMS) AR. Its a reliable and accurate rifle that I use for mid range hunting to 600 yards. I have a MK 4 3.5x10 Mildot mointed on it. With either factory Nosler 140BT Custom, or Rem 140 Accutip factory loads, and my hand loads with 140 Noslers or SST's, it's a a solid .5MOA rifle. I agree that the 308 would give you more component and ammo availability and the there would be little difference between the two in terminal ballistics on game. I'm a fan of the 7mm08 though, and the felt recoil in my rifle is nil.

 

[ntg]

IMO the 7-08 wins every time unless you're confined to factory ammo.

 

[Deleted member 48126]

I definitely see the value of the 308 but have decided to go 260 rem on this build I don't really know why but I liked it and " pulled the trigger" so to speak

Excellent call. I want to do a .260 on my next build.