Millsurp ammo notwithstanding, I dont think that the difference in the two amounts to a hill of beans. For what the 308 will do with any given bullet there is a 7mm bullet to match it. I do think that the 7's make a better gun to double as a varmint rifle though. But again, its not like you cant do that with the 308 either.

If it were me Id pick a 7-08, but only because Ive already got a 308. Cant go wrong with either one.

Buy the gun you want.
7mm-08 and .308 are so close you would not know the difference from shooting them.

If you are reading this forum, you probably handload for accuracy, and are not going to shoot a case of surplus 308 anyway.

I have had cases of 308 surplus collecting dust for 10 years.
Once you go accurate, you can't go back.

7-08. I've had at least one since when they were still a wildcat and I think its all the rifle a fellow would need especially if all of his hunting was on the east side of the river. But then, so is the .308. What you've started is the old .270/.280 argument. There just isn't a "right" answer. Nor is there a wrong answer. Have the clerk put one of each on the counter and mount each in turn. Then pick the one that "feels the best". You can't go wrong.
I wisht all of life's decisions were like this.

I think that you should use the 308 because cleaning patches always seem to be the right size for 30cals and to tight in 7's.. .......DJ

The .308 and 7mm-08 in my opinion a very evenly matched ammo when it comes to reloading them as far as price goes. But if it were me i would pick the .308 nice 30cal rifle can take down just bout anything in north america. But if i may i would like to add another nice caliber to the mix. the .270WSM i own one of those in savage model 16. very nice caliber. Just my opinions.