New hunting rifle
 

Sako a7 in 7mm-08 or tc icon in .308 for whitetail and black bear?

Whichever feels best in your hands. Try before you buy.

I'm looking at the Tikka T3 Lite in 308. Looks odd but feels good in the hands and balances well. Bolt is the SMOOTHEST I have ever worked. Ever. I wonder if the Sako's bolt is similar.

Both good guns. Calibers are both great whitetail rounds. For bear, I'd go .308 and 165 or 180 grain bullets. 150-165 for deer.

how far are you shooting?


I shot both bear and deer with .270--130grain bullets...

308 is plenty for deer/bear...

Sako.

Both cartridges will do fine, although I do have a personal preference for the 7/08. The Sako is just a much cooler rifle.

.308 will pack a big punch. Either should be fine in my opinion.

I have a TC Icon in 308 Winchester and it is a pleasure to shoot. The factory test target that came with the rifle was a 3 shot group of .32" at 100 yards. I have shot several groups that size with factory 168 grain Barnes Vor-Tx ammo. Several groups in the .75" range with Federal 150 grain PowerShoks.

I have it topped with a Leupold Vari X ii mounted in Warne steel rings. The integrated mounting rail is very solid.

The rifle has one of the best factory triggers that I have experienced. The trigger has just a little bit of noticeable creep but is very crisp. My T3 had just a tad better trigger.

If you purchased an Icon I don't think you would be disappointed. At the same time I don't think you'd be disappointed with the A7 either.

One of the few times in your life that your available choices are both good!

Pick the one that fits best. The 308 will be an advantage if you decide to go after larger game as well.

7mm-08 or .308
 

You might want to check on the availability of 7mm-08 ammo and .308 ammo in your area. .308 is generally available in everywhere, 7mm-08 might be a lot harder to find in the type you would prefer or at all.