Those of us out there who haven't used the 7-08 should give it a try.
I used a 7 Mag on white tail for 20 years before I tried the 7-08. I won't go back. Deer don't get killed any deader or quicker with the 7 Mag, and the smaller caliber doesn't beat the dickens out of you while working up a load or two on the bench. Bullet selection for the two is the same, but a little more limited for the 25-06. I've owned and used 25-06's in the past, but have come to love the 7-08. However, the choice is yours, and some personal experience and range work could make it interesting for you. Good luck, and keep pluggin' along.

I would also vote for the 7MM-08. Amazing efficiency. Although not listed in the original post, I would also tend to look at the .270 WSM. With the new bonded bullets (Scirocco, Accubond, Trophy Bear Claw) available in this caliber, the .270 WSM will cleanly take everything from whitetail to elk and do so without a lot of recoil.

The 7MM-08, despite all its virtues, is not as good of a long range big gamerifle asthe .270 WSM. If you are limiting your shooting to 300 to350 yards, however,stick with the 7MM-08.

I would go with the 7mm Rem Mag. Covers virtually everything in North America.

My 7mm-08 load for my Rem Mtn LSS is a 145Grn Speer SP (HotCor) pushed along at a chronographed muzzle velocity of 2,825. At 400 Yds it's still moving along at 2,085 FPS and 1,399 ft Lbs. Plenty enough for Texas whitetails.

Yes, the .270WSM is a lot faster and therefore a lot flatter shooting. I compensate by using a Burris scope with the Ballistic Plex reticle. I sight in dead on at 100 Yds and with the 145 Speer load I'm "almost" dead on (within an inch)at 200, 300 & 400Yds using the additional aim points. With the Ballistic Plex, trajectory is nolonger anissue; however, at 400 Yds the 270WSM is still packing 400+ more ft lbs of energy than the 7mm-08. I don't know if the additional ft lbs would make a deer any deader.

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

I don't think the foot pounds would make much differrence. I was mainly looking at the trajectory and impact velocity. The .270 WSM shoots flatter and faster - but a solid hit with the 7MM-08 is going to ruin a deer's day real fast.

Well guys I went ahaead and purchase a tikka T3 in a 7mm-08. I hope I wont be disappointed with my choice. I am looking to go to the range this weekend and sight it in. The rifle looks sweet I just hope I love shooting it. I really loved my 280, hopefully i will enjoy this just as much

IMHO, I believe the 6.5mmX55 Swede has better penetration than the 7mm-08.

I'd have to say the 25-06 or 7mm-08(short actions rules). They are perfect calibers for deer. There is no reason for a 7mm mag for deer. If your going to get a gun with that much recoil why not move up to a 300Wby or an 7 or 300 Ultra Mag. If you need more power then a 7-08 or 25-06 then get some real fire power the 7mm mag isnt that impresive compared to other magnums.

TXhunter2

I think you made the right choice and will be very happy with your T3 in 7mm-08. My 7mm-08 is a Rem 700 Mtn LSS & I just love it.

What kind of glass are you going to put on it? If you are going to have to purchase a scope for it, be sure to take a look at the bullet drop compensating scopes. Burris with the Ballistic Plex reticle and Leupold with their Boon & Crocket reticle are examples.

I've got the 3-9x40 Burris with Ballistic Plex on mine. The Ballistic Plex reticle is truly incredible. With it you sight in dead on at 100 Yds and the reticle has 4 additional aim points for 200, 300, 400, and 500 Yds. As long as you know the yardage at which you are shooting, it basically eliminates haveing to guess at the proper amount of holdover.

My 145 Speer SP (HotCor) load, sighted in dead on at 100Yds, is within an inch at 200, 300, etc. using the appropriate aim point. It basically makes trajectory a mute point. I've tested the 200 Yd aim point with this load and I'm dead on using the 200 Yd aim point. Haven't had a chance to test the 300 Yd aim point yet.

I don't have a target pic for the 145 Speers @ 200Yds, but here is one I shot with 140 Sierra Game Kings at 200Yds using the 200 Yd aim point. The group was basically dead center and the goup size was 1.7" CTC.




Here is a link to Burris Tech Notes on the Ballistic Plex Reticle. http://www.burrisoptics.com/pdf/BALLPLEX.pdf

I don't know much about the Leupold Boon & Crocket reticle other than it works on the same principle.

Congratulations and Good Luck with your new T3 7mm-08! Can't speek for the T3, but I guarantee you're going to love the 7mm-08.

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

First shot

Is the target that you posted actual size.If they are you are one of the few people that I know that use targets that small at 200 yards.I use 5-1/2" square air rifle targets myself.