I have personally killed or seen killed over a dozen big game animals with both the 7mm-08 and the .260 Rem (some were when it was still a wildcat). It was split about 60% deer to 30% elk to 10% pronghorn. I am being very honest when I say that you will never notice a difference between the two in their performance on game, with the possible exception of the greatest penetration, which in my experience comes from 140gr premium bullets fired from the .260.

They have the equivalent sectional density to the 160gr 7mm bullet, and the 140gr can be launched a touch faster from the .260 than the 7mm-08 can launch a 160gr bullet, so this appears reasonable. It also retains velocity as well or better, giving some credence to whelen36' s assertion that it may be better at longer range.

All I know is that I prefer the 150gr bullet for elk in the 7mm-08 because it seems to do a bit better than the 160gr because of the higher velocity. And it does not do as well or penetrate an elk as far as a 140gr bullet fired from the .260 Rem. In fact, I' ve seen that .260 load leave nice exit wounds in big bulls that were shot at less than desirable angles.

But all this aside, if you like the 7mm-08, get it. It is one of the finest big game cartridges around, and you will be infinitely happy with it.