7MM-08, max range for deer/elk?

[Wind Gypsy]

150 ELDx seems like a good match for a 7/08. More velocity than the 160 class pills but still a solid BC on par with the slick 140 class 6.5s.

 

[Darkside]

Both the guns you mentioned are good guns. Spend more money on good Optics. Use a bonded bullet or mono for Elk and they will be fine for whitetail.
If you have to ask about distance, then I would recommend that you shoot Max of 300yds with practice. And with practice you can shoot further.
Hope this helps.

 

[USAF Ret]

Big fan of the 7mm-08. I had a custom rifle built. The barrel builder asked me three times if I was sure I wanted it in a 7mm-08. I handload and have worked up a load for the 140 Sierra Gamechanger using RL-15 shooting just shy of 3k fps. SDs are in single digits. Like everyone else says, it will shoot farther with enough energy than I am able. I am going to test myself at 400 yards this summer. Just to see what my maximum effective shooting distance is. I am also having a buddy build me an AR-10 in 7mm-08. Now that I have the 7mm-08 fanboy stuff out of the way...

I have a Gen 2 Ruger in 308. Lots of folks are getting excellent accuracy from them. I took mine and dropped it in a KRG Bravo stock and it is a nice light steady rifle. Problem is, it is super picky with ammo. I have had one Tikka and it was an absolute tack driver and the action is second to none. If I had to choose and had the money, I would go with a Tikka all day.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Any other details on the rifle and load? I think you once said you also use varget.

I just put a Schmidt Bender PMii on my 700 mtn rifle 7-08 but have never shot it ever over 450yards. I’ve been using 42.1 varget in fed case with Barnes 140. Shoots great but has never been a turret rifle until now.

View attachment 367614

Any interest in trading that scope for a much more versatile 3-12 LRHS?

 

[N2TRKYS]

I have a Tikka T3x Lite rifles. I prefer my Remington Model Seven in 7-08 over my Tikkas. I shoot 140 grain Accubonds. That’s what I’ll be toting on my next elk hunt.

 

[Frequently Banned Troll]

Any interest in trading that scope for a much more versatile 3-12 LRHS?

Nope. I have 2 of these, and another one on the way. They are not easy to come by as they are discontinued.

 

[NY_BLUES]

7MM-08…Thinking either Ruger Gen 2 or Tikka T3x…anyone have experience with either, and if so, thoughts?

2 totally different guns. I have 1 of each. My ruger Gen 2 is a nice shooter, but the price tag shows when compared to my t3x. The tikka has more fit and finish.
Both shoot well, and both have their place. Tikka for me all day long if I were choose.

 

[BuzzH]

Any other details on the rifle and load? I think you once said you also use varget.

I just put a Schmidt Bender PMii on my 700 mtn rifle 7-08 but have never shot it ever over 450yards. I’ve been using 42.1 varget in fed case with Barnes 140. Shoots great but has never been a turret rifle until now.

View attachment 367614

43.0 grains of varget, 140 accubonds.

Rifle started life as a .243 off the rack from wal-mart, rem 700. Sent it straight to pacnor 24" #2 contour, super match grade, 1-9 twist B&C stock, bedded, remington trigger worked over by Neil Jones.

 

[Justabirdwatcher]

I've hunted with the 7mm-08 for about 10 years now, and the 7x57 for a few years before that. I've seen spectacular results on whitetails and mule deer, and a few results that didn't impress me (all from the 120 TTSX). When I chased elk, I had the 162 ELD-X at around 2600 fps and was confident it would get the job done, although I never had the opportunity with that rifle. I'd pick the Tikka over the Ruger gen 2 but both are great guns.

My current 7mm-08 is the new Howa Superlite, and even with the 20" barrel, it pushes a 139 Barnes LRX around 2900 fps. which should be good medicine for anything I plan to hunt, especially at altitude which is what that rifle was purchased for.

FWIW, the best 'bang-flop' bullet I ever used in any 7mm-08 was the 139 grain SST. Stunning DRT's with that one and always good exit holes. If I was not interested in tracking and didn't mind lead, that's all I'd ever use. Good luck with your decision.

 

[406cowboycarpenter]

7MM-08…Thinking either Ruger Gen 2 or Tikka T3x…anyone have experience with either, and if so, thoughts?

250 on elk 7mm-08 is barely more powerful then 6.5 creedmoor in factory loadings.

 

[ryagar2]

Most people I know who use that cartridge only stretch out to 400 yds ethically speaking

 

[brockel]

Most people I know who use that cartridge only stretch out to 400 yds ethically speaking

So 401 is unethical?

 

[Forkyfinder]

So 401 is unethical?

Thats where it runs out of kill power

 

[brockel]

Thats where it runs out of kill power

“Smack”

 

[Doublecluck]

So 401 is unethical?

Cmmon man! The invisible wall! It’s 1799 fps. Haven’t you read internet posts or the writings of the field and stream experts?

 

[88man]

these kinda posts are way better than the political pundit rhetoric

> depends how good your set up and how good you are. How many big game animals have you killed? If all the criteria are 5start including the conditions 700 plus easy.

 

[NMSILVA]

7MM-08…Thinking either Ruger Gen 2 or Tikka T3x…anyone have experience with either, and if so, thoughts?

600

 

[ryagar2]

So 401 is unethical?

I’m just saying from what I’ve been told by those who use the round they won’t punch out further. By all means if 401 is your magic number let it fly

 

[buffybr]

I almost weekly practice with my .223 and .308 out to 430 yds, and have verified the CDS settings on all of my hunting rifles at 100 yd intervals out to 430 yds, but even with my 7mm RM and .300 Wby I limit my shots on game animals to 350 yds.
Although I did shoot a gemsbok in South Africa at 351 yds with my .375 RUM.

 

[7's-and-30's]

I've hunted with the 7mm-08 for about 10 years now, and the 7x57 for a few years before that. I've seen spectacular results on whitetails and mule deer, and a few results that didn't impress me (all from the 120 TTSX). When I chased elk, I had the 162 ELD-X at around 2600 fps and was confident it would get the job done, although I never had the opportunity with that rifle. I'd pick the Tikka over the Ruger gen 2 but both are great guns.

My current 7mm-08 is the new Howa Superlite, and even with the 20" barrel, it pushes a 139 Barnes LRX around 2900 fps. which should be good medicine for anything I plan to hunt, especially at altitude which is what that rifle was purchased for.

FWIW, the best 'bang-flop' bullet I ever used in any 7mm-08 was the 139 grain SST. Stunning DRT's with that one and always good exit holes. If I was not interested in tracking and didn't mind lead, that's all I'd ever use. Good luck with your decision.

What powder were you using with the 162s? I tried superformance today and it grouped decent. I dont have a chronograph but I have one on order. Would love to get these around 2700fps.