the blur

went to the range with my both guns.

.243 Bolt
7mm-08 Semi BAR.

The 7mm-08 Semi has more noticable recoil. I figured they would be the same, with the semi absorbing some kick.

side by side comarison.

Will_C

While the 7mm-08 has less kick than an '06 and various magnums, I have always laughed at the idea that it has some magic powers to kick less than what it is...a rifle shooting a 140 grain bullet at 2800fps. Add to it the fact that many 7mm-08s are chambered for light, compact rifles-they aren't gentle, especially for non-experienced shoters.

I like the 7mm-08-I have one in an original Remington Model 7. That rifles kicks me as hard as my A-bolt .30-06, when the 7mm-08 is loaded with 140 grain bullets and the '06 is loaded with 150 grain bullets (both at max. powder charges)- the '06 does weigh about 1 pound more.

Will

unbridled

Are you asking for a comparison, or just posting your thoughts?

If you're only hunting deer, I'll take the .243 any day over the 7-08. The 7-08 is more versatile, but I really don't see it as a magic caliber it's been touted as being. I'll take a .308 over it just because it's more tried and true. I know you weren't asking about other calibers but, that's my take.

Of the two you mentioned, I'll take the .243 because I just don't think the 7 offers enough to make it take that much more game than the .243.

semi

I would opt for the 7mm-08. I think its superior to the 243 in every way. Sure, both work for deer, but the 7mm-08 gives you added power to move up. From a recoil perspective, i don't find it much more pleasant to shot than my 308 or 30.06. Like WILL said, depends on the rifle. If i am going to have enough recoil to get my attention than i would go up again to the 308 and have a .30 cal bullet. my 308 savage and my 7mm-08 savage have about the same felt recoil to me.

PaJack

FYI...

http://sed88.tripod.com/rem7/

cjwink

I have 2 243 and a 7mm-08 and I love them equally.. For a true deer hunting gun the 243 would get my vote because of the availability of different types of ammo.. If you ever want a gun that can move on up to Elk then the 7mm-08 shines especially if you hand load. To me there are just not enough factory ammo choices in the 7mm-08 for a good whitetail round. If your going to shoot 140 grain ammo you could go up to the 308 and do just as well with a lot more ammo choices. I load a 120 grain bullet in my 7mm-8 and it is a real shooter with that bullet.

SeminolesFan23

243 is only good for long open shots useless in thick woods
7mm-08 give you more knock down

Hurricanespg

How do you figure that?

Ruger-Redhawk

I like the 7mm08 for deer. I have a Ruger M-77 All Weather with a 20"bbl and it does wonders on deer. The wife has a Ruger M-77 Compact in 7mm08 with a shorter barrel and nothing has ever walked away from her once she's shot. I have a 243 but have never used it for deer. I think it's a bit small for deer size game.
The 7mm08 in these small Ruger's is very comfortable shooting.

SeminolesFan23

first hand experience