7mm-08?

[Bonasababy]

I dont find ammo hard to come by but do often have to order some makes. Theres usually one or two different manufacturer loads in stores here. Non tox is an order proposition most of the time.

If anyone has a box or more of the old federal premiums with 140 partitions i would love to chat about taking them. Hoarding what I have left, they pattern best in my gun.

 

[Mustangs Rule]

7-08 is what I recommend to 95% of new hunters. It works and won’t recoil hard. It also saves me time not cracking creedmore jokes at them.

I have a lot of rifles but haven’t owned a 7-08 yet. My love of the 280ai is strong.

About 5 years ago I bought a Kimber Hunter 24" barrel, SS ever so light. First three shots I could put in a small postage stamp at 100 yards off a bench. The load I worked up was just 35'/sec shy of a 7mm, Remington Mag.

Then one day I looked at my pre 64 model 70/270 in my gun safe and missed hunting with it. Yes much heavier, but my arms missed carrying it. I sold the Kimber 280AI

Never miss it. Hapy to be hunting with my old rifle again

 

[brymoore]

About 5 years ago I bought a Kimber Hunter 24" barrel, SS ever so light. First three shots I could put in a small postage stamp at 100 yards off a bench. The load I worked up was just 35'/sec shy of a 7mm, Remington Mag.

Then one day I looked at my pre 64 model 70/270 in my gun safe and missed hunting with it. Yes much heavier, but my arms missed carrying it. I sold the Kimber 280AI

Never miss it. Hapy to be hunting with my old rifle again

My 280ai is a Kimber. I look at other rifles but the Kimber is a killer. 20+ elk, lots of deer and antelope. One sheep. About to be a moose this fall. I replaced the barrel and it’s very tight MOA so far. There are better rifles for sale. I’m just used to carrying and shooting it.

My “old” rifle is a Win Model 70 in 270. It cost $500 something new. Shoots cloverleafs. Oldest son killed a deer with it two years ago to reminisce. He’s already claimed it for inheritance. It was the family killing rifle before the Kimber.

 

[Phaseolus]

You just need to work up to it slowly, bud. Remember, fear is the mind killer...

Once I accustomed myself to its punishing recoil, I became quite fond of it and have taken deer, pronghorn and elk with mine.

Tell me of the waters of your homeland, Ouzel.

 

[Mustangs Rule]

My 280ai is a Kimber. I look at other rifles but the Kimber is a killer. 20+ elk, lots of deer and antelope. One sheep. About to be a moose this fall. I replaced the barrel and it’s very tight MOA so far. There are better rifles for sale. I’m just used to carrying and shooting it.

My “old” rifle is a Win Model 70 in 270. It cost $500 something new. Shoots cloverleafs. Oldest son killed a deer with it two years ago to reminisce. He’s already claimed it for inheritance. It was the family killing rifle before the Kimber.

You did not mention if your Model 70/270 was a pre-64, better yet a deep pre-64, The last several years of pre-64's Winchesters quality slumped with their WW2 era machinery wearing out and their great gunsmiths and machinists both retiring out. In those final pre-64 years Winchester was losing money selling a model 70 for around $119 While Remington was making great money on their models 721 and 722 selling them for $90. When the Remington model 700 came out in 1962 and selling for $114, earing the company fine profit, Winchester suffocated financially.

Those post 64 model 70's were really decent rifles, but they were competing with a historical, and workmanship legend.

I grew up on a dairy farm 1/2 drive from the Winchester Factory and visited it enough times
to Winchester become part of my identity. (And Colt too)

I have 4 Winchester rifles, a 94/30-30, a model 54 30-06, a newer (2000) but still CRF Model 70 6.5x55. (It is just OK quality wise) I only keep it due to the caliber.

Lastly I have a Standard grade Model 70/270 made in 1953 right at the end of the Korean War.
It was bought by a returning vet, a cowboy right as he got married It was his only ever rifle.
I was there just at the right moment when his widow brought it into a pawn shop in Cheyenne Wyoming for consignment. That was in 1986.

Its workmanship and accuracy meet the legends standards. It and my Belgium Safari grade Browning 30-06 (bought in 1972) are like mothers' milk to me.

 

[brymoore]

You did not mention if your Model 70/270 was a pre-64, better yet a deep pre-64, The last several years of pre-64's Winchesters quality slumped with their WW2 era machinery wearing out and their great gunsmiths and machinists both retiring out. In those final pre-64 years Winchester was losing money selling a model 70 for around $119 While Remington was making great money on their models 721 and 722 selling them for $90. When the Remington model 700 came out in 1962 and selling for $114, earing the company fine profit, Winchester suffocated financially.

Those post 64 model 70's were really decent rifles, but they were competing with a historical, and workmanship legend.

I grew up on a dairy farm 1/2 drive from the Winchester Factory and visited it enough times
to Winchester become part of my identity. (And Colt too)

I have 4 Winchester rifles, a 94/30-30, a model 54 30-06, a newer (2000) but still CRF Model 70 6.5x55. (It is just OK quality wise) I only keep it due to the caliber.

Lastly I have a Standard grade Model 70/270 made in 1953 right at the end of the Korean War.
It was bought by a returning vet, a cowboy right as he got married It was his only ever rifle.
I was there just at the right moment when his widow brought it into a pawn shop in Cheyenne Wyoming for consignment. That was in 1986.

Its workmanship and accuracy meet the legends standards. It and my Belgium Safari grade Browning 30-06 (bought in 1972) are like mothers' milk to me.

Mine is one of the last New Haven rifles with a three position safety. It’s the smoothest action in my pile of rifles. I stopped carrying it because of weight and I kept scratching the stock.

 

[RaiderRich]

Had a Savage Axis 2 in 7mm-08. Was a decent rifle. I traded it in on something else. I did pick up a Ruger American in 7mm-08, the thing was a bit picky on ammo, finally found it likes the 160 grain Norma TipStrike. I have a Savage Axis 2 in 243 that has never shot well for me, been thinking a barrel swap to a 7mm-08. Cartridge is a great all around round.

 

[3006Sprng]

Working on loads for a new 7mm-08 right now. Fun calibre, loading versatility is great.

 

[Brad]

What’s your preferred bullet in the 6.5creedmoor?

@brockel I genuinely don't have a favorite load at this poit. I tend to change up the loads yearly. I think anything from 120 - 140 gr's would work on anything I'm going to use it on. I do have a pile of 125 Nosler Partitions left over from a 260 I used them in. It was insanely accurate in that rifle, but I haven't tried them yet in the CM - I need to!

 

[Brad]

Back to the 7-08, I have a friend that uses a 300 RUM for elk. He grew up using the 7-08, starting at age 12. He took a dozen elk with it. I asked him, since he now uses a 300 RUM, did he have any problems with the 7-08 that led him to switch to the 300RUM? He replied, "nope."

He also drives a big jacked-up truck.

 

[mtmuley]

Back to the 7-08, I have a friend that uses a 300 RUM for elk. He grew up using the 7-08, starting at age 12. He took a dozen elk with it. I asked him, since he now uses a 300 RUM, did he have any problems with the 7-08 that led him to switch to the 300RUM? He replied, "nope."

He also drives a big jacked-up truck.

I shoot a RUM. Have for 25 years. My truck is normal height. mtmuley

 

[Boarmaster]

I recommend the 6.5 CM to new hunters since ammo is plentiful everywhere, can often be had fairly cheaply, and in great variety. 7-08 ammo is generally harder to find, and not nearly so plentiful in variety. Here locally, for every SKU of 7-08 ammo there is 8 or more SKU's of 6.5CM.

This. Im speaking only as a deer hunter here. I use a 7mm08 as my primary rifle. I really love mine. That said I wouldn't recommend it to a new deer hunter. Not that I get asked more than a couple times a year but I have been saying 6.5 CM. Its just easier to find ammo and there are more choices and looks like there will be more in the future. A new hunter is not likely to reload so ammo is a factor.

 

[Mustangs Rule]

This. Im speaking only as a deer hunter here. I use a 7mm08 as my primary rifle. I really love mine. That said I wouldn't recommend it to a new deer hunter. Not that I get asked more than a couple times a year but I have been saying 6.5 CM. Its just easier to find ammo and there are more choices and looks like there will be more in the future. A new hunter is not likely to reload so ammo is a factor.

What Make and Model Rifle is your 7mm08 in.

I am glad you qualified your post as "Only for Deer" and will respond from multiple viewpoints.

First, I have had for a quarter century a Model 70 CRF Winchester Featherweight in 6.5x55 Swede. Handloaded it equals the 6.5 Creed. Both have taken bigger game; both are really deer cartridges.

Going to 7mm-08 is a whole bigger and better step up, with still mild recoil. It takes you most comfortably into "Elk Land"

Next, just try and find a truly beautiful rifle 6.5 Creed. I know the fad is super sniper accuracy
with an inexpensive totally machine-made rifle with a molded plastic stock. Understandable but unacceptable to me.

I just looked on the used market and found so many 7mm-08's in Model 70's, Sako's and even a Browning BLR.

My advice to a new hunter is buy a real quality/beautiful rifle and have it for life for all NA big game.

Thank you for your response

 

[Brad]

First, I have had for a quarter century a Model 70 CRF Winchester Featherweight in 6.5x55 Swede. Handloaded it equals the 6.5 Creed. Both have taken bigger game; both are really deer cartridges.

Going to 7mm-08 is a whole bigger and better step up,

You really believe the 7-08 is a "bigger" step up from the 6.5 CM or 6.5x55? .020" of bore diameter means that much?

Shaking head here...

 

[Mustangs Rule]

You really believe the 7-08 is a "bigger" step up from the 6.5 CM or 6.5x55? .020" of bore diameter means that much?

Shaking head here...

OIh good heavens yes, 7mm bullets like Lapua all copper Naturalis 156 gran (140 gr max naturails for 6.5) then 7mm 175 grain Hornady interlocks (160 max for 6.5) Barnes originals for 7mm were 190 or 195 grain. I forget.

There were many years when I guided for big wild boar. The difference between 6.5 and 7mm was monumental with much heavier 7mm bullets with super high BC.

I still have boxes of 180 grain Barnes originals for the 277 (270) and what a killer they were. The 6.5 Swede or 6.5 creed can't come close to 7mm ( or 270) when it comes to bigger and tougher game using these heavier bullets

 

[Hams42]

OIh good heavens yes, 7mm bullets like Lapua all copper Naturalis 156 gran (140 gr max naturails for 6.5) then 7mm 175 grain Hornady interlocks (160 max for 6.5) Barnes originals for 7mm were 190 or 195 grain. I forget.

There were many years when I guided for big wild boar. The difference between 6.5 and 7mm was monumental with much heavier 7mm bullets with super high BC.

I still have boxes of 180 grain Barnes originals for the 277 (270) and what a killer they were. The 6.5 Swede or 6.5 creed can't come close to 7mm ( or 270) when it comes to bigger and tougher game using these heavier bullets

I think maybe 15 to 20 years ago I would have agreed because of bullet style and availability but anymore I don't think this is the case.

 

[Boarmaster]

What Make and Model Rifle is your 7mm08 in.

I am glad you qualified your post as "Only for Deer" and will respond from multiple viewpoints.

First, I have had for a quarter century a Model 70 CRF Winchester Featherweight in 6.5x55 Swede. Handloaded it equals the 6.5 Creed. Both have taken bigger game; both are really deer cartridges.

Going to 7mm-08 is a whole bigger and better step up, with still mild recoil. It takes you most comfortably into "Elk Land"

Next, just try and find a truly beautiful rifle 6.5 Creed. I know the fad is super sniper accuracy
with an inexpensive totally machine-made rifle with a molded plastic stock. Understandable but unacceptable to me.

I just looked on the used market and found so many 7mm-08's in Model 70's, Sako's and even a Browning BLR.

My advice to a new hunter is buy a real quality/beautiful rifle and have it for life for all NA big game.

Thank you for your response

Mine is a MRC X2. I had the barrel cut back at the factory

What Make and Model Rifle is your 7mm08 in.

I am glad you qualified your post as "Only for Deer" and will respond from multiple viewpoints.

First, I have had for a quarter century a Model 70 CRF Winchester Featherweight in 6.5x55 Swede. Handloaded it equals the 6.5 Creed. Both have taken bigger game; both are really deer cartridges.

Going to 7mm-08 is a whole bigger and better step up, with still mild recoil. It takes you most comfortably into "Elk Land"

Next, just try and find a truly beautiful rifle 6.5 Creed. I know the fad is super sniper accuracy
with an inexpensive totally machine-made rifle with a molded plastic stock. Understandable but unacceptable to me.

I just looked on the used market and found so many 7mm-08's in Model 70's, Sako's and even a Browning BLR.

My advice to a new hunter is buy a real quality/beautiful rifle and have it for life for all NA big game.

Thank you for your response

My 7mm08 is a MRC X2. Currently scoped with a Swaro 3-10x42A Habicht in Talley LW rings. I had them cut the barrel back from 24 to 22 at the factory. I currently shoot 140 Nosler BTs in Federal ammo. Down to the last 30 rounds of that so I picked up some Nosler Ammo and it feeds and shoots as well so I will switch to that probably.

I originally thought the rifle was a bit heavier than I wanted (or was expecting) but after using in my climber I came to appreciate the weight. I don't have much of a walk generally from my SXS to the stand.

Works very well in the Alabama pine woods, clear cuts and timber roads.

 

[Mustangs Rule]

I think maybe 15 to 20 years ago I would have agreed because of bullet style and availability but anymore I don't think this is the case.

I understand where you are coming from, and your point has merit.
Here is where I will end.

The heaviest Barnes hunting bullet for the Creed, is 127 grain/about 2,800'/sec = 2,200 ft pounds
The heaviest Barnes hunting bullet for the 7mm-08 is 160 grain/about 2,600'/sec = 2,500 ft pounds

What would you rather hunt elk with ?

I only hunt with non-lead bullets by the way.

Lastly, quality rifles.

I could buy the 7mm-08 in a new class act model 70 Winchester
Or mint used in a Sako Bavarian for $2,400, which i would adore having and could with pride hunt plains game in Africa with it

Thank you for your post

 

[MTLabrador]

The heaviest Barnes hunting bullet for the 7mm-08 is 160 grain/about 2,600'/sec = 2,500 ft pound

And that 160 Barnes will make a FMJ wound channel at 7-08 velocities.

If you have to shoot copper the 127 LRX actually works really well in the 6.5.