308 vs 7mm Deer Hunting Out to 650 yards

[General RE LEE]

For whitetail over large ag fields with a max range of 650 yards, what caliber would you prefer?

I have a Tikka 308 that shoots factory ammo MOA at 100 yards. I shoot high BC factory 308 loads. I am considering a Tikka 7mm Mag as well. I don't reload so ammo availability is important for me as well.

Would the 308 with a heavier high BC bullet do the trick on whitetail or would the 7mm Mag do better? The recoil from the lightweight Tikka in 7mm Mag could be a factor.

 

[entoptics]

Shameless plug...

Check out MERC - Maximum Effective Range Calculator.

This can quantitatively assess the differences in the two cartridges.

As for my opinion, going for 650 yds on a deer sized target is a pretty good poke, and I'd be inclined to get every wind/drop advantage I could, and thus go for the 7mm Mag. It's a whole different ballgame compared to 308, though you're correct about a bit more recoil.

For comparison...

308 with 178 ELDX @ 2725 fps in Blue and 7 Rem Mag with 175 ELDX @ 2920 in Red. Both shooting a 9" target at 650 yards. Same variables except bullet and velocity for both simulations (1MOA Rifle/Shooter, 10 mph crosswind, 10 fps SD for the ammo)

56% for the 308 vs 73% for the 7mm

7mm Hits harder, faster, and further.

Recoil is a fair bit more, but with a good muzzle brake, my 7mm Rem Mag is a pussycat to shoot.

Hope this helps.

 

[LVJ76]

7mm Rem Mag, enough factory anmo options that will out shoot the 308 Win any day at 650 yds and then some.

 

[ButterBean]

I'm a 308 guy but that's like the ole apples to oranges comparison

 

[swe123]

300 WM is a 308 too.

 

[LVJ76]

I'm a 308 guy but that's like the ole apples to oranges comparison

Yup, you are correct, at first I tough OP was comparing 308 Win with 7mm-08

 

[Backcountry sports]

For whitetail over large ag fields with a max range of 650 yards, what caliber would you prefer?

I have a Tikka 308 that shoots factory ammo MOA at 100 yards. I shoot high BC factory 308 loads. I am considering a Tikka 7mm Mag as well. I don't reload so ammo availability is important for me as well.

Would the 308 with a heavier high BC bullet do the trick on whitetail or would the 7mm Mag do better? The recoil from the lightweight Tikka in 7mm Mag could be a factor.

7mm all the way

 

[bdyal1972]

For 600 to 650 yards

300 win, weatherby, prc

7mm rem, weatherby, stw

30-06

270

308

Wind is your enemy!!!

Its all about the speed and bc of the bullet!!!

3/4 moa, hit inside a 8" circle at 600 yards in a 10mph wind prone or sticks

Happy hunting

 

[Legionnaire]

OP was thinking 7 Mag, but the 7-08 is viable with less recoil.

 

[Aussie Hunter Steve]

7mm Mag... easy choice!

 

[6.5x300 WBY]

OP. If its between 308 Winchester and the 7RM. Its no contest. 7 walks away. But why compare them or put up with the 7rm recoil. Put the 7-08. VS the 308 and I will still prefer the 7mm. But I am not a 30 cal fan. So there is that.

Best of luck

 

[tnek13]

IMO stick with the 308, you apparently shoot it well, put a brake on it, practice long shots and kill your deer.

 

[rogerstep]

I put a Decelerator pad on my 7 Ruger #1 and that tamed that critter down very nicel.

 

[TexSavage]

You could use a 215 Hybrid in the .308 and from what I've seen 2,400 FPS is easily attainable. That would give you 1,850 plus ft lbs at 600 yards. I use the 215 in my 300 WSM, and before anyone says it's not a fair comparison, remember a deer does not know the difference of being hit with a .308, 7Mag, 300 WSM, etc. if velocities and energy are near equal. So a heavier, more aerodynamic bullet would be what I'd look at if I had a .308, which is my next purchase. I'm also gonna check out the 200.20X from Berger as well. JMHO, your mileage may vary.