7-08 vs 308

[gramps73]

I feel that both would be suitable for any animal in Alberta but what are some thoughts of the 2....In your thoughts which one is better for a young hunter?
Thanks

[260 Rem]

The 7-08 has a bit lighter recoil and better down range (300+ yds) ballistics ...7 -08's generally like 140 gr bullets best, so the advantage mentioned above is lost when you go to a heavier bullet. Assuming recoil is not a factor, pretty hard to beat the 308. They are generally acurrate and capable of shooting a wide range of bullet weights.

[lone wolf]

Either would make a dandy starter caliber - that the kid(s) may never grow out of. They are very, very similar (I can full length resize .308 brass for my 7-08) with the 7-08 getting the edge for ballistics. Shells are cheaper and more readily available for the .308. I bought a 7-08 years ago for "when the boys grow up". Looks like I will have to buy a couple more because I am never giving up the one that I have .......... just an amazing cartridge !!!

Can't go wrong with either but my (completely unbiased) vote is for the 7mm-08

[Solothurn]

As mentioned by others recoil is lighter due to the lighter 7mm bullets typically shot from the 7mm08. the 140 to 160 gr being the most common used.
At normal hunting distances, this is not an issue. For greater downrange retained energy and less wind drift the 308 is superior especially when using 190 to 210 gr bullets, but felt recoil is then greater. The only other advantage 308 has to offer is a greater selection of ammo and brass, for hunting this may not be such a big deal, but if match ammo is required the 7mm08 is lacking unless you hand load.
For most game here either will work well.

[trapshooter]

I am 12 years old, My Dad got me a Tikka T3 Lite 7mm-08 with a Leopold Scope for my B-day. It is awesome, no recoils, it shoots like a 22. rifle. Perfect for a young hunter. 140-160 grain bullets with it..... DEADLY

[gramps73]

Thanks for the replies,

[gitrdun]

Buy a .308 Cory, that way I can find a home for the .308 rounds I have loaded.

[Ormachek]

under 300...they both do the same thing, albeit with less recoil from the 708. Over, the edge goes to the 7mm bullets better Ballistic coeffiecents.

[Traps]

If you reload 7mm-08, if you don't 308 hands down.

[Twisted Canuck]

I traded off my .308 to get a 7mm08, but only to try something new. I like the .308 as far as availability of ammo, and being able to go to 180gr partitions. The 7mm is a grreat round and on paper it has better ballistics out past 300m....really, you won't go wrong with either. I love the short action, and they will both get the job done on any game you care to hunt, given proper shot placement/bullet choice. I like the nosler partitions or the Barnes TSX in 140 gr for the 7mm, 165 gr ballistic tip partitions for my .308....ooops, I sold that one. Either will make you happy.

[martinbns]

6 of one, half a dozen of the other.

Both cartridges would be great for a kid to start out with. I started my son with a 270 and if doing it again I would have probably gone the 308 route.

[boonedocks]

factory Ammo for the 7mm08 is approximately 1.5x the price over .308 shells. I guess it depends on if you reload and how much you shoot.cant go wrong with either one.