1st rifle decision. 303 vs 7-08

[Lazycommunists]

Hi all,
Looking at picking up my first rifle. I have my eye on two. One is a nice Lee Enfield sporter conversion, drilled and tapped, for $400. The second is a 1yr old Ruger Hawkeye in 7mm-08. Comes with the Ruger rings. Price is $750.

Any thoughts on which one to get? Ideally it would be my do-everything rifle. Mostly focusing on deer, maybe get into elk and moose in a few years. Don't plan on handloading.

[Flight01]

If you can afford it , go with the 7-08
Just a great cartridge. With 140 grain bullet it’s a deer (300 yard) / black bear(250yards)/ elk (250yard/ moose (200 yard) gun.
And yes I totally pulled those numbers out of my Tredeau
7/08 is a good choice. You won’t regret it. Get decent glass if you can. But Leupold VX-1 or Bushnell elite are good for the money in my experience.
3-9x40 or 4-12x40

[Rackmastr]

7-08 without hesitation.

[Dick284]

Let’s see?
A rear lock up single lug rifle, shooting a rimmed cartridge that if not put in the magazine properly will rim lock, operating at a pedestrian 52000 psi, that has been known to have varying bore diameters, and often sketchy bore condition, often with unknown headspace, and giving serious fits to novice reloaders, with an abortion of a scope mount usually giving ludicrous chin weld.
Vs.
A two font lug, 61000 psi rimless cartridge, capable of mounting a scope low to the bore axis giving proper cheek weld.

Yup 7mm-08 would be my choice.

Sorry to the dyed in wool .303 fans, besides the nostalgia factor, the .303 just doesn’t cut muster against more modern cartridges, in way more solid actions, especially when scoping is considered.

[270person]

If I can remember exactly where the tree is near Kyle, Sask that I wrapped a .303 around 45 years ago, you're welcome to take it for free. It likely shoots as good now as it did then.

Buy the Chevy Malibu. Trade it towards a Ferrari later.

[elkhunter11]

7mm-08 without hesitation.

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by Rackmastr

7-08 without hesitation.

X2

[Dubious]

This isn’t even a hard decision 7-08. 303 is out dated modern cartridges are just better.

[Prairiekid]

7-08. You should be able to find a lot of used rifles in your price point on Canadiangunnutz.

[Pathfinder76]

7mm-08. Here is the results of one last night.

[catnthehat]

708 would be the obvious choice for a first rifle - and this come from someone who likes the Enfields and the .303 Brit in particular !
Cat

[303 Epps]

I wouldn't write off the 303 option. If it's a #4 mk 1 or 2 that's been through an FTR it could be an accurate and reliable shooter. I've taken moose and black bear as well as lots of deer with mine. If the bore is good, crown and trigger are fine, then I would have no problem recommending the 303. The calibre compares to the .308 and for your first few deer it could be a good rifle on closer inspection.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by 303 Epps

I wouldn't write off the 303 option. If it's a #4 mk 1 or 2 that's been through an FTR it could be an accurate and reliable shooter. I've taken moose and black bear as well as lots of deer with mine. If the bore is good, crown and trigger are fine, then I would have no problem recommending the 303. The calibre compares to the .308 and for your first few deer it could be a good rifle on closer inspection.

This us had OP's first rifle , he more than likely dies not even know what FTR stands for , what to look for in a crown or bore or even know what to look for when it comes to the trigger .
The 708 is more expensive but he is looking at it so I am going to assume he can afford it , and scope mounting is a cinch and he can still learn to use the irons is he chooses .
The gunsmiths who know about the Enfield quirks and tricks are becoming few and far between That is why I chose the 708 option , far less headaches and issues for a new shooter .
If it were you or I choosing it may be a different story but it is not for us it is for a new shooter .
Cat

[Stinky Coyote]

I have a few 303’s I would give the work for 200 so pm me anyone lol. The 7-08 can do it all. It could run 160’s and wallop anything you’re after to 5-600 no prob.✌️

[NicoyaHunt]

7mm-08

[huntinstuff]

Originally Posted by chuck

7mm-08. Here is the results of one last night.

Oh YEAH!!!!!!
GREAT BEAR!!!!

[Twisted Canuck]

Originally Posted by chuck

7mm-08. Here is the results of one last night.

Beauty bear Chuck, love the color!

And yes, another strong vote for the 7mm08. Mine loves 140 gr TSX and Partitions, and I've taken quite a number of game with it. It just works.

[Smoky buck]

My opinion is the same as everyone else here 7mm-08

[Ranger CS]

7-08, hands down my choice, if I were you.

[kujoseto]

Another vote for the 7mm-08.
Both will get the job done, but especially with being the only rifle until another one is purchased, Dick284 said it best!

[Chaoticelk]

7mm08 with AccuBonds will kill a bull elk out to 450 yards no problems amazing cartridge

[Jayhad]

I don't think there is an actual choice here, 7mm08 for the win

[Ray Ray]

Another for 7-08. Pull the trigger

[buckman]

The choice is obvious.

[SnipeHunter]

A lot of hidden costs with a used rifle. There is probably a case to be made, but I can't see a 7mm-08 being a decision one would regret.

[Prairiewolf]

Originally Posted by Lazycommunists

Hi all,
Looking at picking up my first rifle. I have my eye on two. One is a nice Lee Enfield sporter conversion, drilled and tapped, for $400. The second is a 1yr old Ruger Hawkeye in 7mm-08. Comes with the Ruger rings. Price is $750.

Any thoughts on which one to get? Ideally it would be my do-everything rifle. Mostly focusing on deer, maybe get into elk and moose in a few years. Don't plan on handloading.

If it was me, I go 7mm-08. That rifle may suffice for your entire hunting life. You can top that with a very good scope and still be under $1000. Provided you are careful and don't overtorque the screws, that job is easily done on your own.

The 303 is cheaper, but I see the spread as being closer to $200. By the time you buy rings, as a novice you may want a gunsmith to mount those you'll be $50-$100 for rings and $100 or up for the smith time - you may even need a rail for a 303 so it could be more. The 303 (I own one) is cool but is more of a relic than a great all-around rifle like the 7mm-08 is. The shooting specs on the 7mm-08 are top tier and the recoil of that chambering is light, you'll shoot it wonderfully.

Best of luck.

[kujoseto]

Originally Posted by SnipeHunter

A lot of hidden costs with a used rifle. There is probably a case to be made, but I can't see a 7mm-08 being a decision one would regret.

Have not regretted it on two occasions.
Has become arguably my favourite hunting cartridge I have owned or used personally.

[teledogs]

That Ruger in 7-08 could be all you ever need! Best of luck!

Great colored bear Chuck! Congrats!