I understand where you're coming from. I guess I've had to be a little budget conscious. My last purchase was a new 700 ADL .243 last year for $249, and I can put 3 shots inside a dime with it at 100 yards. But, since the ADL has been discontinued, my next rifle -- I NEED a 7mm-08, or soI tell my wife--will have to be a bit pricier (I don't want a 710...).

I know what you mean about "Budget Conscious" trust me! I just bought a Kimber 84M Classic Select Grade in 7mm-08 and mounted a Burris Euro Diamond scope on it. It took almost 18 mos to save the money but it's the finest rifle i've ever owned - shoots quarter size 5 shot groups at 100 yards and fits me like a glove! I'm starting to save now for an 8400 Montana in 270 Win next - should see it by next season hopefully! I'm with you on the 710. I would definately by a Savage before I would the 710!

Best of luck!

The Remington SPS comes in 7mm-08 and has a 24 inch barrel. I think they go for about 500.00.

I have waded through this diatribe and can only add this.....the 7mm-08 is a fine cartridge, however it is far from the "ballistic twin" of the 7mm Mauser. I own both and have fired/reloaded/chronographed/switched powder/primers.....and on and on. The 7x57 Mauser is a superiorbig gamecartridge by 75 to 100 feet/sec with the same bullet. The recoil issue is negligiable and the two cartridges are worlds apart. If you have some reason to shoot a mid action then the 7mm-08 is for you. If you don't mind working the bolt about 3/8 inch more and getting 100'/sec speed then the 7MM Mauser is for you. Both rounds are ideal for North American game, however, we get to the 30'06/.308 controversy real fast. The 308 has spawned many fine calibers, however, the '06 birth was a result of the 7mm Mauser and the numbers are the numbers. Regards, Rick.

The numbers are the numbers and the 7x57 wins? If you reload, you may be right, but, for factory loads the numbers are different.

If you're looking at factory loads, the Remington 140 grain PSP CL in 7mm-08 leaves the muzzle at 2860. The same bullet in the 7x57 leaves the muzzle at 2660.

Most people use factory ammo.

It probably comes down to barrel length and stuff because all of the reloading manuals show pretty much a dead heat. Some give the 7x57 a very slight edge with the 175 grain bullets and the 7MM-08 an adge with the 160 grain and lighter bullets. Pressure limits are 52000 for the 7MM-08 and 50000 for the 7x57. In the field, I can't imagine that anything or anyone could see a difference. I have used them both as well although my use of the 7x57 has been with all 175 grain bullets.

I'm certainly not knocking the 7x57. It's a fine cartridge, and I'd love to have one if budget and safe space permitted. But, for someone who doesn't reload, I think the 7mm-08 is a better choice because factory loads are a bit hotter and more readily available. I think the factories "dumb down" the 7X57 loads because there are a lot of older weapons out there that may not be able to take the pressure of faster loads.

As I understand it, the 7x57 shines when you get into reloading, especially with the heavier bullets.

You are correct. Manuals call for a limit of 46000 for the old mausers. Many 7x57 are converted or sporterized Mausers so their strength has to be respected.