Virginia7

I'd go with a 270Win. Yes, the 7mm-08 can be used with heavier bullets such as the
175gr., but these are not factory loaded. Factory loads only go up to about 150gr. for
the 7-08. Bullet diameters are nearly identical (270 = .277" vs. 7mm = .284"). The only advantage for a 7-08, if it means much to you, is that it's available in a short action
rifle. One thing for sure, the 270Win. has a lot more factory loadings available so unless you're into handloading the 270 would be the better way to go.
Fact is, when it comes to game killing power there isn't .02 worth of difference between the two for all practical purposes.
Find the rifle you like best, and then go for the cartridge. It'll probably end up being a
270Win. as it's also chambered in far more rifles.
Good luck.

firstshot

What Virginia7 said is basically the bottom line. I chose a 7MM-08, and even though factyory ammo is readily availalbe where I live, I hand load. If you don't hand load, figure out which factory ammo is more available to you in New Zealand and go with that caliber.

With that said, I would highly recommend you get into hand loading. It's a lot of fun, not to mention greatly expanding the types of ammo you get to shoot. Handloading also extends your shooting season and by hand loading you can also go a lot further in finding the exact load that works best in "your" gun.

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

Doe Dumper

I bought both...lol. I will say I have more experience with a 270 and it is a sweet ride for deer. I just bought the 7mm-08 an will be using em both from now on. Tough decision....but I'd probably stick with 270 if I could only have 1..but then again..maybe not []

Prarie_Boy1

I would choose the .270 because i feel it is more versatile, that is not to take anything away from the 7mm08 though, it is also a wonderful round. It all comes down to your personal preferance

Roskoe

I seem to recall a program on one of those outdoor channels awhile back about hunting red stags in New Zealand - looked similar to sheep hunting out West, and looked like a long shot was a possibility. For that reason, I would lean slightly toward the .270. They are very popular here in the western states, and the 7MM-08 is not. One of the local gunshops had a nice 7MM-08 sitting on the shelf for years and finally sold it on the internet to someone back east. Not that they are bad . . . but it's likely no coincidence they aren't all that popular out here either.

And since you are buying a new gun and they all cost about the same with respect to caliber, I would look at the .270 WSM. Recoil is hardly any greater than the regular .270 and there are some great factory loads available - particularly the 140 Accubond.

SWAMPMAN

I have both also. The two cartridges you picked are my two favorites(other than the 280 Rem) but if i had to choose one over the other, it would be the 270.
I like the flatter trajectory of the 270. However, the difference between the 2 on the business end is nominal. I've never been Red Stag hunting in New Zealand, but I have been there and I have to assume it'll be like Mulie hunting. Longer range shots are definately the 270's milleu. However again, ballistically they're really close. the 270 with 130gr will reach out and touch someone. A last bit of advice, Practice, practice practice. You make more of a difference than cartridge choice.

katahdin

Go with the .270 lots of different ammo available, but load it up with 140gr. nosler AccuBonds they kill elk,caribou and deer like lighting bolts.

handloader1

I would go with the .270 Win. Good luck.

Slamfire

A .270 bullet would probably not fall through the barrel of most 7mms on them market. It would be .277" in diameter while the 7mms bore would be .276". Foreign rifles are often oversized so you can't say never. Do you think there could possibly be a difference in the killing power? []

whitebait

You guys are brilliant thanks a lot.
I went down today and from information i also read from here i picked up the Remington sps 7mm-08.

It came standard with a sharp hunter scope, I Ditched that and Spent the rest of my available cash on a Bushnell and it feels Really good.
Just got to wait for this weekend to sight it in and shoot myself a deer.

Once again Thanks