I was not familiar w/ the 7mm-08 (having always carried a 30-06 or .243) until last year when my middle son announced that he wanted one for his first deer rifle. I found a barely used Browning A-bolt in 7mm-08 and handloaded w/ Hornady 139 gr. spire point bullets. I was very impressed w/ accuracy at the range. Three shot group that you could cover w/ a nickle at 100 yds.
After he practiced w/ it thru the summer,I took him out the first evening of a 3 day doe only youth hunt here in PA. He shot a big doe at 215 yards (I ranged it) and dropped her in her tracks. Upon skinning the deer, I wasevenmoreimpressed w/ therifle's performance. Now, I am also planning on getting a 7mm-08 barrel for my Encore and my youngest son wants a 7 - 08 too.
As a sidenote, my son is not a real big kid and he finds it very comfortable to shoot.