7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

HELLO GUYS,

I AM HAVING A LITTLE DILEMA WITH CHOOSING A NEW DEER RIFLE, I HOPE YOU GUYS CAN HELP. I HUNT IN PA AND THE TERRAIN IS THICK BRUSH/ FIELDS ETC. I AM LOOKING INTO BUYING A NEW RIFLE AND REALLY LIKE THE 7MM-08 RIFLE. I ALSO LIKE THE 7MM MAG. I ALREADY HAVE A 30-06 AND I USE A 300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM, BUT WANT SOMETING IN BETWEEN. MY QUESTION IS, 7MM-08 OR THE 7MM MAG? CAN ANYONE PROVIDE INPUT? I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HEAR TESTIMONIALS, PREFERENCES, ETC..THANKS,


KC

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

I just got this one in 7MM Stainless synthetic with a detachable magazine



http://www.sakoa7.net/

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

I got a Rem 700 sps 7 mag on order

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

7mm-08 is my choice, awesome caliber...probably one of the best out there. There is not much you can't do with that gun, plus it won't pound you and ammo is reasonable. You already have a magnum (and a great one!) this would be my choice.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

The 7mm-08 would fit your "needs" perfetly hunting deer in PA but you said you wanted something inbetween your 30-06 and the 300 and that would be the 7mm mag. The 7mm-08 ballistically a step behing the 30-06.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

I have a few friends who shoot 7mm-08 and they all love them. One friend has a Weatherby Vangaurd, another has a Model 7 Remington, the other a model 700 Bdl.

One shoots 140 ballistic tips, the other 140 nosler partitions, and the other 140 core-lokt out of em all they all kill deer. Its just an all round great round for whitetail. You already have a cannon for larger game this probaly fits the bill alot more for you since you have an 06.

If i didnt shoot a 270 i would be all over a 7mm08 as a primary deer rifle. Im in the opposite boat as you im looking at either a 300win mag or a 7mm Mag.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

A good 140 gr bullet fired from 7mm08 will kill any whitetail ever to walk the earth within 400 yards in the right hands,and with a considerable amount less recoil compared with 30-06 or .300 win mag. The 7mm rem mag is pretty close to the 30-06 you already have so it wouldn't make much sense to duplicate it.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

I too hunt Pennsylvania. I'm familiar with your "dilema". Since you already have a larger rifle or two, I see no need to go the 7 Mag route.
I hunted with a 7 Mag for 20 yrs., and killed a lot of deer with it. About 4 yrs. ago I bought a 7-08. The Mag is a closet queen now. I simply love that 7-08, and have no reason to think of anything else for whitetail. It has filled my deer tags repeatedly. It's a pleasure to shoot and to do bench work with. I'm totally sold on it.
If you handload, you may want to try IMR 4350 in the 46-48 gr. range under 140 Accubonds. A lot of 7-08 guys are shooting this combo and doing well with it.....both in the woods and on paper.
Good luck on your decision.....either is a potent round....the 7-08 being a lot easier on ya........

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

Another vote for the "little guy".The only real advantage for the mag is in retaining more energy for extra long shots at elk on up.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

Ive got both as well. The 7mag never leaves the cabinet and the 7-08 usually wins the fist fight with the 270 for first in the woods.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

I have all three as well and I usually pick-up the 7mm-08 first! The 7mm mag would only duplicate the 30:06 and 300 you all ready have in performance, IMO?

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

As just about everyone else has stated the 7-08 would be the practical choice considering what you already own. I am also from PA and I use the 7-08 a lot. More than adequate for whitetails.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

in my opinion the difference between them all is really more theoretical then anything. For hunting in PA where I would imagine most of your shots are 300 yards and in, I doubt you will notice a big difference on game. All four of them will kill any deer or black bear dead as you please. 7mm 08 is probably a half step behind the 06, the 7 mag is probably a half step ahead of the 06, and the 300 win mag is a half step ahead of the 7 mag. All of them are great calibers though.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

I just purchaed the Savage 111 7MM Rem Mag, have not shot it yet since the wife siad it's a Xmas Present. But i have been wondering the same thing. I have never shot a rifle larger then a 243 Caliber, And am itching to see whats gonna happan with this big boy. Some people say i should put a muzzle break on it others told me to just get Limb Saver and that will do the job to save my shoulder. anyone else have a opinion on how to prevent the flinch HA HA . If i use 7-08 the recomended round for a beginer with this gun?

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

Steve,you might want to try the managed recoil loads first or just use lighter bullets.Not sure what you mean by- "7-08 recomended round".The 7-08 is a different caliber based on the .243 case.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

If you want something "in between", then definately the 7mm-08.
Much lighter recoil and the ammo is cheaper. (7mm-08 kicks a 140gr @ 12.6 ft lbs. And the 7mag kicks a 150gr @19.2 ft lbs!)
It will still kill out past 300 yards, just a little more drop than the 7mm Mag. One stat to compare is the MPBR = Maximum Point Blank Range. That is is the distance at which the bullet falls 3 inches below the line of sight. Thus between the muzzle and the distance given as the MPBR, the bullet never strays more than 3 inches above or below the line of sight.
7mm-08: 285 yds. 7mmMag: 305 yds. Hardly a difference and a lot less kick!
I've owned both, and have killed elk, mulies, and lopes with both.
But like you said, "something in between". I also know a guy who's whole family shoots it since they came out, and have taken Moose with it.
Don't be afraid of the 7mm-08.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

I would have to say effective range of the 7mm08 with 140 gr is 400 yards IN SKILLED hands. I've seen a few dropped instantly at that range back when I was guiding.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

I have a 7mm Rem Mag that I am sure of that it will kill any animal at any range with NO problems. :D

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

Exactly. There are a lot of great calibers out there. I love the 30.06 and 308 from my milatary days. They are my favorite. However there are few cartridges that can say "Any game, Any range" and the 7mm is one of them. It's my "If I could only have one rifle to hunt" round.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

If you're using a 7mm Rem Mag for deer, and your shots will be roughly 300 yards or less, I'd definitely recommend using the Remington Managed Recoil Rounds. I have a tendency toward flinching, and used to use a .30-06, until I discovered the .243... I've used a .243 for several years, but, this year I decided to use a 7mm Rem Mag that I'd inherited from a good friend. I used the Remington MR rounds, and they were very effective. Dropped a 200 lb wild boar in his tracks. Shot a nice 9 point buck. He ran ten yards and stopped, so I put another one through him. (Later autopsy revealed the 2nd shot was completely unnecessary, but, it was about to get dark and I didn't want to have to track him...). And, dropped a doe with a 30 yard head shot. The MR rounds are midway in power between the 7X57 Mauser and the 7mm-08. The recoil is noticeably more than the .243, but, not uncomfortable even for someone who has a tendency to develop a flinch...

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

Actually, both the .243 and the 7mm-08 are based on the .308 Win. case. That's why it's the 7mm-08 and not the 7mm-43.;)

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

Hello hunter,
I love my Rem. mod. 700BDL in 7mm Rem Mag.!
It does have a muzzle break on it and a sims limbsaver recoil pad.
It is topped by a Leupold VariX3 3.5x10x50.
I did even get it glass bed.
Before the bedding, I was at 1 1/4" at 100yds.
It does kick, but at about 1 grand invested, can you complain?
Why settle for a caliber a little bit less or a little bit more?
I did whack a deer in Montana about 100yds. out. It did run about the same 100 yds quartering towards me to expire. A little hole on entry side and both lungs and the heart hanging out the other side!
I can't really complain.
I should have stayed single if I wanted to hunt more.
BC

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

In your situation, the 7mmRM offers zero advantages in return for the additional recoil. Especially considering you already have a 300WM.

My vote is for the 7mm-08.

RE: 7MM-08 VS 7MM REMINGTON MAG
 

I agree.

I only heard of the 7mm-08 about 5 years ago. It kills Elk just fine. My .243 kills deer. My bigger rifles will be handed down, they really serve no purpose for me.

Blur - this is almost 8yrs old. You'll note by the OP's signature line, he's already purchased a 7mm Rem Mag.

Nomercy448 - Who cares what the OP brought. The world is able to read it, and listen to others experiences.

Yeah, Mercy, c'mon...every time I write on a thread, I put it on my CV ;)
The older and longer the thread, the more it's like publishing in a prestigious academic journal!

Ive had several magnums over the years and a couple years back I was looking for something just for deer and Antelope. On some good advice I picked up a Weatherby Vanguard in 7-08. I couldn't be happier I have a couple other Vanguards so I knew it would be accutateand it was. I have shot 3 Whitetails 1 Large 5x4 Mulie and a nice Antelope. Nothing went more then a couple steps and 1 deer and the antelope fell right in the tracks he was standing in. I use the 140 Nosler ballistic tips in federal premium. An added bonus is the recoil is minimal. After shooting about everything out there, I'm over proving how macho I am. Don't get me wrong the 7-08 would be too light for Elk sized game, but if you already have that covered. Treat yourself to the 7-08 you won't be disappointed. Just my 2cents Gil

I guess I'm not the type to be motivated to dig an 8yr old hole just to make a generic comment on an issue that's already been solved long ago. Making comment on a current thread is one thing, but you HAD to have searched for this one with the intention of commenting on 7-08 vs. 7 rem mag...?

I guess I have better things to do in life than necropost. But hey, lots of folks do it...

I know this is an old post but that aint an old comment and it is one I would like to address so hush up Mercy :D

7mm-08 too light for Elk sized game? What makes you think that horse pucky? May want to tell that to the several Elk over the years I have dropped quite easily with mine! I'd bet you are one of those folks that think the .30-30 is too light for Elk and larger game as well? News flash, a rifle doesn't have to have "magnum" in it's cartridge listing to be capable of taking Elk and larger. I've taken everything from Whitetail, Black Bear, Caribou, Hogs (from 40 pound to 400 pound), and Elk with my 7mm-08's and everything from Whitetail up to Moose with several various .30-30's over the many long years of hunting.

I'm a Pa. hunter too. I would get the 7mm-08 for deer and bear. the 7mm mag is not the best woods or brush gun. plus the 7mm-08 wont beat the stuffing out of you.

My son has a 7mm-08. Currently he (13y.0) shoots Hornady Custom Lite loads (120 gr). I'm really impressed with the caliber and in particular these loads. Recoil is about the same as a .25-06/.257 Roberts. Accuracy has been excellent and he is 2 for 2 on whitetail buck and a doe both one-shot-and-drop, not far shots (138 and 77 yards) but I've seen much bigger guns not put them down, so the accuracy part is key.

My younger son will be hunting next year. Of all the great calibers out there, I won't hesitate to get another 7mm-08. If my .270 ever wears out, I might purchase a third one for myself.

I'm going to add another post to this 7mm.08 thread, my son (13) just killed his third deer in 3 years with it. Unlike the other two times, this deer did take more than one step and dropped, he managed to go about 60 yards.

The shot was quartering away at almost exactly 200 yards. Hornady Custom Lite with the 120gr bullet did their job again. The shot entered by the third rib, went through both lungs and out the other shoulder. We found the casing with the petals flowered out just inside the hide on the opposite (right) side shoulder, the lead continued through the hide making a 50 cent piece hole.

Great caliber, and again, I'm super impressed with the Hornady Custom Lites as a low recoil option for anyone who needs or prefers low recoil.

IDK, my 7 mag doesn't kick any harder then a 12g shot gun (2 3/4).

God forbit someone would shoot a 3" slug out of a 12 gauge shotgun; they might end up needing shoulder surgery !?!?


This gun shooting stuff is rough - LOL :wave:

That's why I downsized to a .243
Deer still die, it's amazing. :hail:

LOL...get your shoulder broken a few times and dislocated several times and you might just change that tune. I own several shoulder busters that have made grown men sit down and cry. Recoil can be nasty from several magnum cartridges depending on the weight of the rifle and stock design. Take my .300WM barrel on my TC... If it weren't for the limbsaver tech in that sucker, I surely wouldn't want to shoot it because the platform is light. And it STILL isn't a enjoyable rifle to sit at the bench with. The problem with heavy recoil magnums, in my opinion anyway, is that very few people will sit at the bench and practice anywhere NEAR as much as they SHOULD. If they do, they tend to develop a flinch.

I've never owned either but I thought I'd add a couple of observations: people that own a 7mm-08 seem to love them and look for excuses to shoot them. Observation 2: 7mag is one of the most common rifles I seem to see on the "pre-owned" gun racks in western Montana. Which might be telling.

7-08 is probably on the lighter end for elk, but if you shoot it accurately and are familiar with what it will do, you could haul down an elk with it. A 7mm bullet isn't exactly small, it just doesn't have a great deal of down range energy in the -08. It's more a stilleto than a Bowie knife, but a stilleto will certainly kill stuff, just ask the mafia. 😀

I can tell you with absolute assurance Sage, the 7mm.08 is just fine for an Elk cartridge. Been a few Elk find their way to my freezer by way of the 7mm.08. Now granted I wouldn't want to push the range past 250 yards. Maybe 300 on a perfect broadside rib presentation. But in my many many many years of huntin critters, there have only been a VERY FEW shots taken by me that were over 300. I'd say my average is well under 200 yards on Elk. Whitetail probably 90% of my shots are under 150.