Quote:
Originally Posted by heretohunt
It sounds like the only advantage the 7-08 has over the .308 win is less recoil? Does the .308 win pack a bit more punch?
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Yes, in 7.5 lb rifles about 12 ft-lbs in a 7mm08 and about 15-16 in a 308. Neither particularly hard recoiling, but 7mm08 definitely easier on the shoulder. About 20% more recoil in a 30 cal to get the same trajectory.
http://www.rifleshootermag.com/rifle...m_7mms_051711/
Don't get me wrong, 308 is a great cartridge. Within typical hunting distances of about 350 yds, would be very hard to differentiate between the two. However, the reason 223, 308, and 30-06 are so popular (still) is because of military adoption and the large number of rifles chambered for them in circulation. For hunting thin skin game, anything in the velocity and bullet weight envelope between 260 rem and 30-06 are more similar than different, but NOT the same.
https://ronspomeroutdoors.com/blog/7...beats-the-308/
Buzzword for the 7mm-08 would be efficient, and performs on game out of proportion to its recoil. I would say the 308 is slightly more versatile, and slightly more available, but for me the improved shot placement of a lighter recoiling rifle in a nicer weight to carry is the way to go for me. You could say 7mm08 is to 270 as 308 is to 30-06, most of the performance and a similar trajectory with a significant drop in recoil.
The only reason I don't own one is because I have a 243 and a 7mm RM. If I'd have found a Tikka Compact lite in 7mm08 I'd have it instead of the 243 though the 243 is better for a varmint and deer rifle IMO. I'm planning to start handloading this fall, and think a 140 gr at 2800 fps and a 160 gr at 2900 fps will pretty much have me covered for hunting anything I could anticipate going after. As I said above, I used a 7mm RM managed recoil Remington CL 140 on deer a couple of years ago and was very satisfied with the performance - identical velocity to a 7mm08.
7mm08 and 35 whelen are at the top of my personal list for cartridges I don't own but would like to some day. With 3 kids, I don't have time for more than 1 or 2 rifles these days anyhow.