see "Question' to continue

Question:
chambered for 7m/m-08 in the next year?

Choices:
Yes
No

Question:
What with the 6.5x55, 7x57, ,280 Rem., and all sorts of 7 m/m Mags already out there which can serve the same uses, do you think the 7m/m-08 will "last"?

Choices:
Yes
No

 

Lloyd, I think the 7-08 is, or has, established it self as a mainstream choice for those wanting a low-recoiling, accurate, and lethal round for hunting Deer, our primary quarry. The 260 Rem, 6.5x55, and 7x57 are pretty much equal to the 7-08, but the 7-08 can provide more bullet weight than the 260, and the 6.5x55 and 7x57 are old and "European". Go figure.

Hey, nice to hear from you!

I do not plan o9n buying one within the next year, but, if a good deal came along that I could afford I probably would buy it.

I go along with the thought that the 7mm-08 has proven itself, everyone I have talked with that owns one is pretty satisfied with the performance it gives.

I think the 7mm-08 is a good cartridge, even if the 7x57 makes it kind of redundant, but I'll never buy one. I have a 6.5x55 and a .308, so there's really nothing I could do with a 7mm-08 that I couldn't do with what I've already got.

quote:

Originally posted by kjjm4:
I think the 7mm-08 is a good cartridge, even if the 7x57 makes it kind of redundant, but I'll never buy one. I have a 6.5x55 and a .308, so there's really nothing I could do with a 7mm-08 that I couldn't do with what I've already got.

Dittos...

I already have a 7-08, so no need to purchase another one at the moment.

My first experience with a 7-08 was back when it was still a wildcat. With a Douglas barrel, the first 10 rounds ever shot through it went into 7/8". It was a good start to a long love affair. I now own 6. This doesn't include the couple I've given to my son.
I heard so much BS about how the 7x57 was vastly superior to the 7-08 that I bought a 7x57 for a side by side comparison. In the real world, there wasn't any difference. The 7-08 (which was a stock 700) was slightly more accurate than the 7x57 but not enough so to make a doxology of either.
There are many choices amongst the calibres and cartridges that will get the job done but if a fellow wanted a rifle with which he could hunt all of the American game except for the great bears, if his choice started and stopped at the 7-08, he would have made a good choice.

There's nothing wrong with the 7mm-08; but the real question is why? The 7x57 (.275 Rigby) and the .308 can cover everything needed in this realm with many more options.

But then again, I still prefer Bing Crosby, Dusty Springfield, The Eagles, Chris Issak, Led Zeppelin, and Tom Jones. Maybe it's just me, living in the past, at the age of 53.

I think it is here to stay. It was marketed very well and the people I know that have them, like them. First rifle for there kids and the wife shoots it as well.

quote:

Originally posted by mdstewart:
There's nothing wrong with the 7mm-08; but the real question is why? The 7x57 (.275 Rigby) and the .308 can cover everything needed in this realm with many more options.

But then again, I still prefer Bing Crosby, Dusty Springfield, The Eagles, Chris Issak, Led Zeppelin, and Tom Jones. Maybe it's just me, living in the past, at the age of 53.

I don't think it is your age. I think it is mature logic. (And besides you're still a young'un chronologically).

What I do think is interesting is that some of the postings for and against the 7m/m-08 sound just like the postings for and against the .338 Federal.

I suspected they would...I just posted my questions to make sure.

The major differences I see are that there are far more chamberings to choose from today, and that deer hunters today are far more interested in long range shooting which requires higher velocities...even though that will never beat learning how to spot and stalk as a hunting tool.

Laziness has always outranked the work of learning, even in academics.

I have four now and plan to get another one in an X-bolt carbine.

quote:

and that deer hunters today are far more interested in long range shooting which requires higher velocities

That is not exactly accurate. In many places, a hunter might see a deer at long range, but that does not mean it is legal for the hunter to shoot at it.

Unless things have changed drastically, more deer are killed at 100 yards or less than at 200 yards or farther.

While some folks are interested in long range shooting, I really do not believe the majority of deer hunters are interested in long range shooting.

The 7mm-08 is here to stay whether anyone likes it or not. JMO.

My kids have a .284 Win and a .280 rem, I have cartridges all around it so I won't be buying a 7 08 but I'm very certain it's a helluva deer killer.
Based on a comment or two I think this thread could degenerate into one of those any shot past 100 yards isn't hunting arguements but the thing people need to think about is that they usually apply rules for "everyone" based on where "they" live.
I'm guessing 2/3 of this country is covered in thick timber and brush so any shot approaching 200 yards borders on ridiculous for those folks.
The other 1/3 of the wide open west is different. Just remember that when you start slamming people for longish shots.
I grew up in Oregon and it was thick, you had to work to find a 200 yard shot. I've lived in Colorado for a long time and it is completely different here, sometimes the only shot you have is 300-400 yards and there is no approach to shorten the distance. If you are not comfortable with that you don't kill on that occasion. Other shots will present themselves with patience. However no matter the cartridge a man that knows his rifle is deadly at any practical distance regardless of what "you" think is practical and what you consider the "right" cartridge.
To each his own, your opinions will vary, they always do around here.
Fact is the 7 08 is a viable round and here to stay.

If you plan on reloading then the 7x57 Mauser cartridge has a small edge over the 7-08, because you can stuff a bit more powder in the case. For maximum versatility and velocity then, the Mauser round is possibly the best choice. However, if you only want to shoot factory ammo then, bizarre as it may seem, it's probably much easier to get hold of a box of '-08 these days than 7mm Mauser . Furthermore, factory '-08 ammo is probably a little more potent than factory 7x57, because the latter is loaded to ensure safe pressures in the older pre-98 Mauser actions. So again, if you just shoot factory ammo then maybe a 7-08 is the way to go.

As mdstewart noted above, the real question is why do we have a 7-08 cartridge at all, if it doesn't really do anything new? Now, given that the 7-08 is hardly the first American cartridge to replicate the ballistics of an existing European cartridge, one really has to wonder if maybe there isn't a little bit of xenophobia going on here. Just sayin.........

quote:

Originally posted by lonewulf:
If you plan on reloading then the 7x57 Mauser cartridge has a small edge over the 7-08, because you can stuff a bit more powder in the case. For maximum versatility and velocity then, the Mauser round is possibly the best choice. However, if you only want to shoot factory ammo then, bizarre as it may seem, it's probably much easier to get hold of a box of '-08 these days than 7mm Mauser . Furthermore, factory '-08 ammo is probably a little more potent than factory 7x57, because the latter is loaded to ensure safe pressures in the older pre-98 Mauser actions. So again, if you just shoot factory ammo then maybe a 7-08 is the way to go.

As mdstewart noted above, the real question is why do we have a 7-08 cartridge at all, if it doesn't really do anything new? Now, given that the 7-08 is hardly the first American cartridge to replicate the ballistics of an existing European cartridge, one really has to wonder if maybe there isn't a little bit of xenophobia going on here. Just sayin.........

I agree with a lot of what you say, but I'm not going with xenophobia.

The 7mm-08 was a great silhouette round. fitted in short actions, was really nice and accurate and kicked the 7x57's butt in factory ammo.

I've been wanting a 7mm-08 a LOT - but the first time I wanted one was in South Africa and the gunsmith told me that the factory had LOST its 7mm-08 reamer, so I was stuck with 7x57 - which was OK.

The second time I wanted one was in Oz, the gunsmith gave me a few quotes and said "Or I can give you this barrel right now in 6.5, so I ended up with a .260.

With a 7x57 and a 260, I reckon I've got the 7mm-08 territory covered pretty well.

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
I already have a 7-08, so no need to purchase another one at the moment.

+1

quote:

Originally posted by John Chalmers:

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
I already have a 7-08, so no need to purchase another one at the moment.

+1

+2. Also, it's here to stay. It's pretty much being offered in most short action rifles and is probably in the 2nd tier of popularity behind the standards like the 30-06, 270, 308, 243, etc..

quote:

Originally posted by Bren7X64:

The 7mm-08 was a great silhouette round. fitted in short actions, was really nice and accurate and kicked the 7x57's butt in factory ammo.

Aye, there's the rub! The 7x57 really makes the most sense in a true intermediate length action which, unless you are going the custom route, just isn't going to happen. Given that, and I hate wasting action length, the -08 just makes ideal sense. If you aren't going custom, and want a 7mm (depending on the action length you prefer) the best options are either the 7mm-08 or the .280. The middle ground has been killed by the accountants who decided a third action length was not viable anymore.

quote:

Originally posted by scottfromdallas:

quote:

Originally posted by John Chalmers:

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
I already have a 7-08, so no need to purchase another one at the moment.

+1

+2. Also, it's here to stay. It's pretty much being offered in most short action rifles and is probably in the 2nd tier of popularity behind the standards like the 30-06, 270, 308, 243, etc..

+3. Nuff said.

Since I am in the process of building a 7x57 (ok, three years into the process) I will see how that does before venturing into anything else. It is my first 7mm in a while. I have had a 280 and 284 and 7mag, but got rid of all of them, so this will be the next attempt. Luckily I saved all the bullets I had for the others.

quote:

Based on a comment or two I think this thread could degenerate into one of those any shot past 100 yards isn't hunting arguements but the thing people need to think about is that they usually apply rules for "everyone" based on where "they" live.I'm guessing 2/3 of this country is covered in thick timber and brush so any shot approaching 200 yards borders on ridiculous for those folks.The other 1/3 of the wide open west is different. Just remember that when you start slamming people for longish shots

It is surprising how many people don't realize this.

I am actively looking for a winchester M-70 compact featherweight in 7-08. have a particular need for that model. So yes I hope to buy a 7-08 in the next year.

quote:

Originally posted by Dogleg:

quote:

Based on a comment or two I think this thread could degenerate into one of those any shot past 100 yards isn't hunting arguements but the thing people need to think about is that they usually apply rules for "everyone" based on where "they" live.I'm guessing 2/3 of this country is covered in thick timber and brush so any shot approaching 200 yards borders on ridiculous for those folks.The other 1/3 of the wide open west is different. Just remember that when you start slamming people for longish shots

It is surprising how many people don't realize this.

Sorry but I must disagree. I was born and have lived in the wide open west (including the Sonoran desert and Southern-central Saskatchewan) almost all my life, and find "spot and stalk" is just as important here (and in Sask) as anywhere else.

While it is true that one CAN take long shots in the West because they can see game farther away, it is not true that they NEED to do it if they know how to spot and stalk. And most of them have never bothered to learn the skills of either "spot and stalk" OR "long range marksmanship" with their actual hunting loads used in the field.n the but majority of western hunters who buy the higher velocity rounds seem to be those who are thing to by technology in place of developing their skills.

That doesn't mean that long range shots shouldn't be made by those with the skill to do so, but it does is one reason why perfectly good cartridges such as the .338 Federal and the .358 Winchester do not become popular enough to stay in general production.

This thread is getting a lot of attention in two days.
The 7-08 will be around longer than I will ,However, a good reason escapes me. roger

Ac started this out as a backdoor opportunity to bash the 7-08 but it doesn't seem to be working for him.
The 7-08 started out as a silhouette cartridge, driven in part I'm sure, by the abundance of milsup .308 ammo and then migrated to the hunting fields. Without fanfare other than word of mouth, it gained quite a following long before Remington legitimized it. Considering that every 7-08 was a custom job back when you could buy surplus 7x57s for a few bucks, that sez a lot.
And, FWIW, I don't think I've ever seen one at a factory match although I've won several with a 7-08. If they were there, they certainly didn't make it to the winner's circle.
I'm not truly knocking the 7x57. If you've got one and like it, I certainly wouldn't trade it off on a 7-08 any more than I'd suggest getting rid of a .270 so's you could buy a .280. But don't talk too much trash about something you know little about.

While I'd love to own a 7mm-08, I simply don't need one at this time. Personally, I think any of the existing calibers in the '08 case work well. My 358 Win is one of my favorites. I do think that the 7mm-08 will be around for a long time to come.

I knew it would get there what am I psychic?
By the way I prefer nice and easy shots up close but because of where I live I practice for ranges up to and exceeding 400 yards so that in some situations I have the option of taking that shot if everything is right like my rest, the wind, am I out of breath, the animals disposition etc.
If you've ever seen a herd of elk when they are feeding but moving, sometimes it is impossible to close from 400 yards on them before they feed away, you can't hike and climb that fast. I'm not talking about wandering around on level ground I mean cross a canyon and hump it over there only to find that they are now a mile away and not 400 yards. Been there many many times.
Yes I prefer the stalk but sometimes it's impossible.
None of this has anything to do with the 7 08.

Sometimes I don't express myself to clearly so I'll try again. The 7-08 is about as necessary as tits on a boar hog. Will it live? Yes, on the fringe because of fringe mentality.
Had it and the rifles chambered for it been designed to adequately handle the 175 grain bullet without infringing on the powder room it would have been a really neat cartridge but not better than the existing 7 X 57 reloaded to modern criteria.
It is a who really NEEDS it cartridge.
It is a stretch even as a marketing ploy and some will get hooked roger

quote:

Sometimes I don't express myself to clearly so I'll try again. The 7-08 is about as necessary as tits on a boar hog. Will it live? Yes, on the fringe because of fringe mentality. Had it and the rifles chambered for it been designed to adequately handle the 175 grain bullet without infringing on the powder room it would have been a really neat cartridge but not better than the existing 7 X 57 reloaded to modern criteria. It is a who really NEEDS it cartridge.

Who really needs a .300 WSM/.458 Lott/.375 Ruger/.338 Federal/.260 Remington add nauseum!

Why isn't a .30-30 or .30-06 or .270 or .45/70 good enough? Because people wanted something different. As far as I am concerned a .375 H&H is the only rifle ANY hunter NEEDS! But that is not going to happen now is it??????

This is not a case of need, but a case of WANT. That is what makes life interesting. The fact that people can decide they want something different and have the freedom to act upon that want!

When it comes right down to it, no one NEEDS anything more than a .22LR, but I for one would really hate to see the government, state or federal, limit hunters to one caliber, simply over the supposed issue of NEED.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bren7X64:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by lonewulf:



"I agree with a lot of what you say, but I'm not going with xenophobia."


OK, if it isn't old fashion xenophobia then what? And how would you explain the development of something like the .280 Rem? To me, it looks a hell of a lot like the old 7x64. What material advantage is bestowed by the .280 Rem that isn't already available with the 7x64?

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:

It is a who really NEEDS it cartridge.

That could be said about quite a few cartridges, and quite a few posters. Especially those that have a niche interest in a cartridge or rifle and because the various companies don't beat a path to the door of their particular oddity, they want to trash what is otherwise an excellent rifle or cartridge.

If you don't like the 7-08, don't buy one. That's pretty simple.

Our first excursion into the 308 line was the 243. My son wanted something for guests and grandkids. Naturally, we considered the 7-08, and it is a nice looking cartridge. But my wife has a 270 so we went with the 243.

That is what a lot of folk on the thread have been doing. If the 7-08 fills a niche in a personal arsenal, then it is a great cartridge. If someone already has a 7x57, 270, or 6.5, then it is pretty decoration. They are all great cartridges.

The important thing is to have something to hunt.

I've owned a 7-08 for a decade now.....no complaints

Seen a 7-08 in the field a few times. It will hang on, and is a nice cart, but won't be popular any time soon.

For no other reason than it is hard to find.

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
Sometimes I don't express myself to clearly so I'll try again. The 7-08 is about as necessary as tits on a boar hog. Will it live? Yes, on the fringe because of fringe mentality.

I usually agree with Roger but I think it's a little more than a fringe cartridge. Almost every rifle maker offers a short action in 3 calibers, 308, 7-08, and 243. It's pretty much offered everywhere. It's even offered in makers inexpensive lines like Ruger American & Marlin X7, Savage Axis, etc.. It's become a standard short action offering for just about all rifle makers.

quote:

Originally posted by wasbeeman:
Ac started this out as a backdoor opportunity to bash the 7-08 but it doesn't seem to be working for him.

I believe That is one of the most ignorant things you have ever posted!!

As I said above, the reason I began this thread was to see if the comments it would draw would be about the same as those posted for and against the .338 Federal on this forum. They are, and my point is made.

I don't know what what brought on your innaccurate, rude, comment. But it is scurrilously untrue. Whatever it was, I hope things go (or went) better for you the rest of your day.

As to my feelings about the 7m/m-08, I have owned two of them for just at 30 years now. If I didn't like the cartridge, I would have gotten rid of one or both. I think it is a very fine cartridge, and I think the same of the .338 Federal.

quote:

Originally posted by scottfromdallas:

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
Sometimes I don't express myself to clearly so I'll try again. The 7-08 is about as necessary as tits on a boar hog. Will it live? Yes, on the fringe because of fringe mentality.

I usually agree with Roger but I think it's a little more than a fringe cartridge. Almost every rifle maker offers a short action in 3 calibers, 308, 7-08, and 243. It's pretty much offered everywhere. It's even offered in makers inexpensive lines like Ruger American & Marlin X7, Savage Axis, etc.. It's become a standard short action offering for just about all rifle makers.

Scott, the Savage Axis does not come in a short action, not even in the .223 Rem.
I have Axis' in both 223 and .308 Win.
I'm not sure that your post meant that or not. Just saying.

Back to the question, I won't be buying a 7/08 because I already have one. My now 14 year old daughter hunts with it, and its a good choice for the half a dozen deer she used it on at the ranges I let her shoot. I have no doubt that a bullet swap would have made it a moderate range moose gun, but she shot her little bull with a muzzleloader instead.

quote:

Originally posted by Alberta Canuck:

quote:

Originally posted by wasbeeman:
Ac started this out as a backdoor opportunity to bash the 7-08 but it doesn't seem to be working for him.

I don't know what what brought on your innaccurate, rude, comment. But it is scurrilously untrue.

Your followup post certainly seem to deny your innocence. But then, you are quite handy at reinventing yourself.

OK! Just my opinion guys. I bought one in the Stevens Mod. 200, loaded and shot 20 rounds. Than I screwed off the barrel and replaced it with a 250-3000 barrel. Figured my 2ea. 7 x 57s would serve me as good if not better. Sold the barrel to Sea Fire. roger