I am considering a new caliber to accompany my 30-06.
I have shot a 30-06 for years. Great caliber, however I find it a little heavy on whitetail (at close range). I also want a different caliber for sheep hunting. I read an article bragging up the .243 and 7mm-08 as great sheep
cartridges. I have definetly narrowed my choice to either a .243 Win or 7mm-08 Rem. So I am looking for opinions from people that have used either of these calibers for whitetail and/or bighorn sheep.
I think you will fing that there is not that big of differance between the 30-06 and the 7mm-08. Recoil will be notcieably lighter though. If you are going smaller than 30 cal I would consider a 6.5mm (.264) bore, 6.5x55, .260 or a 25 cal (.257) .25-06 or .257 weatherby mag, .257 roberts, even .250-3000 savage. These will offer better power over the .243.
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I think the 7mm-08 has become one of the new standards for an all around caliber, great ballistics, good variety of factory ammo, a ton of bullet styles and weights to choose from for the handloader and quite a few choices of factory built rifles. I don't own one yet, but when I buy another hunting rifle that is going to be my choice.
The Hornady 139gr. Light Mag SST's are in heacy use around here.
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I would say 7mm-08... I just purchased this caliber to add to my collection. Have the ol trusty 30.06 too, but wanted something a little lighter as well. I don't think you will be disappointed with the 7mm-08.. To me its almost the perfect caliber.
If you consider yourself a GOOD shot and handload, you could be easily well served with the .243 and have the advantage of a dual purpose gun.
While I don't own a 7mm/08 I have owned a 7 X 57 and a .243 for years.
A few years ago I decided to stop carrying my .243 when I was specifically hunting a large animal. But in reality, with some of the premium bullets now available, a handloaded .243 placed well will take even large deer and will work on your sheep.
The 7mm/08 will have an advantage over the .243 ballistically.
I guess I'd tell you to get the 7mm/08 if you were going to buy just 1 more rifle.
They are both excellent rounds.
I have both and I hunt with both. While I would not hesitate to hunt deer sized game with either, you can go a little larger with the 7mm-08 than with the 243.
.243 or 7mm-08?
