Doubts about 7mm-08

[azimutha]

I've been a .308 shooter for a long time, have all the match dies, etc. I occasionally look at 7mm-08 because some of the bullets for hunting are getting some attractive G7 BCs (e.g. the Berger Classic Hunter 168 gr. @ .309 or the new Nosler bullet...although I don't trust their BC number like I do Bergers).

But when I look at muzzle velocities, I feel like the advantage of the 7mm-08 vs. .308 just goes away. The loads I see end up 100-200 fps lower. Is that what you guys are seeing? Depending on whether I'm shooting 20" or 24" barrels, I get 2650 or 2725 fps out of my current .308 load.

Also, I'm just considering this for a light, less than 350 yards mountain rifle, like a Tikka T3 Lite. There are places I go where lugging the 13 lb. rifle just isn't fun. So maybe ballistics don't matter much and I should just stick with .308, skipping buying new dies and powder.

 

[mwroseberry]

Re: Doubts about 7mm-08

The differences are in drift. I'm shooting the 162g Hornady BTHP at 2780 out of my 26" Mcgowen and it kicks the paints off a 308 in the wind. It's easy for me to spot for 308 guys running a 175smk because it's always double the wind that I have.

Good luck,
Merritt

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: Doubts about 7mm-08

168 SMK @ 2775.
Less drop, less drift, better than any of my 308s.
I am shooting a GAP rifle with 26" Bartlien barrel.
I have GAP chambering a 7MM08 for my AI AW right now. Can't wait!

 

[Graham]

Re: Doubts about 7mm-08

The 7-08 will kick a .308 all day long, and then some.

 

[George63]

Re: Doubts about 7mm-08

the summation of a similar thread a while back:

the 260 and 7-08 will run neck to neck - each will have it's share of fans

the 308 will be the fat kid at the track meet

 

[TRAAV]

Re: Doubts about 7mm-08

There really isn't any comparison in the 708 and the 308.

 

[308skinner]

Re: Doubts about 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 7-08 will kick a .308 all day long, and then some. </div></div>

+1

 

[azimutha]

Re: Doubts about 7mm-08

To me, for long range shooting a dinky little rifle like I'm talking about isn't going to cut the mustard. So that's not even a consideration. Given that in a 20 mph wind, using the same velocity, there's a 1.8" difference in drift @ 300 yards it isn't going to be worth buying additional dies and using different brass.

If the purpose was long-distance shooting, I'd be all over 7mm...in a different rifle with a longer barrel. Some day when I do another long range target build I'll make the switch. Thanks though for the observations...loved the one about the fat kid at the track meet.

 

[mdesign]

Re: Doubts about 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: azimutha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Also, I'm just considering this for a light, less than 350 yards mountain rifle, like a Tikka T3 Lite. There are places I go where lugging the 13 lb. rifle just isn't fun. So maybe ballistics don't matter much and I should just stick with .308, skipping buying new dies and powder. </div></div>

For a 350 yd rifle...I'd stay with the .308