Son's first rifle, 7mm-08?

[Stein]

Santa will be squeezing a rifle down the chimney this year.  I am set on a Savage Axis, my other kid has one and it's a shooter and if they don't keep with hunting or drop it in a river I won't cry.  I'm not looking for an heirloom, just a tool to get them through until I know whether they need something else.

The first one I bought was in .243.  Great rifle, but I don't really like the exploding bullets that are pretty much the only game in town for that caliber.

7mm-08 seems to have a huge following and the internet research seems to put them in good light, able to shoot better (IMHO) bullets with just a touch more recoil than the .243.

I'm not interested in going much above that or I would just go 30-06 since I have all the reloading stuff already.

Any reason to go with something Axis chambers other than the 7mm-08?  I've never shot one so I'm going off what I read online and the advice here.

He needs a 300 yard deer, elk, antelope rifle.

Thanks!

[redi]

The 7mm-08 will handle any big game up to 300 yards my kids shot everything from black tails to Moose and have no problems including good size Roosevelt bulls and big black bears

[Dan-o]

 

I love 7mm-08.   

It certainly fits your bill.

[Igor]

That's the rifle we just purchased for my grandson.  He had been shooting one of my .270s, however he is somewhat sensitive to recoil, and was not enjoying shooting.
I ordered the Savage Axis in 7mm-08 online thru Bass Pro Shops, and it was at the local Cabela's in 5 days, with free shipping.

We took it to the range last week, and it is a pretty impressive for a rifle that won't break the bank.  The 3x9 Weaver appears to be a decent scope.  We tried a couple different types of Hornady ammo, and my son got it to shoot 3-round groups of 1 3/4" at 100 yards.  And, recoil is definitely not an issue.

[bobcat]

My daughter has a Savage Axis in 7/08. It's been great, for lack of recoil and accuracy. Everything I've loaded for it has shot good. I load 120 grain bullets at slightly reduced velocities. I use both Nosler Ballistic Tips and Barnes TTSX bullets. She killed a big cow elk with the Barnes bullets at 250 yards. Muzzle velocity is only about 2,600 feet per second, and recoil is practically nothing.

[D-Rock425]

7mm08 will be fine.  My daughter's shot deer, elk and a bear with her's.

[Karl Blanchard]

The 6.5 creedmoor would be another great option but in my opinion the 7/08 is a lot more versatile with the variety of bullet weights. There's no downside to the caliber at all. Our kid gun is a ruger American compact 7/08. Ive moved my daughter into another gun as her skills have surpassed what that rifle can do but my son has kept the barrel warm on the 7. 

[yakimanoob]

I love my 7mm-08.  As stated above, it will handle absolutely any game under 300 yds and certainly elk/deer/bear in the 500-ish range depending on the bullet and load. 

[timberfaller]

Hey don't forget about the Bob!!!  great one too!  257 Roberts!

[bowshot1994]

7mm08 is great, 20ish yrs ago it was my first rifle and it will tame about anything and is good for recoil depending on the size of kiddo. I still use it to date as a lighter more packable gin due to youth size. Definitely recommend!

[KFhunter]

The worst thing about a 7mm-08 is finding ammo, gotta be the worst caliber to shop for atm


I did find a ton of 500 nitro express though 

[jamesfromseattle]

I don't have one, but have been doing the same research for my brothers' kids (and mine a few years later) and came to the conclusion that a Savage Axis in 7mm08 is the perfect first gun. And it's a capable enough caliber that they may never need anything else.

[WapitiTalk1]

Browning X Bolt .243. That’ll do.

[Jason]

I would also throw my vote towards the 7mm-08. Better bullet selection than 243.

I’ve got a Ruger American in 7mm-08 and it’s a 1/2” moa shooter with 140 Accubonds.

[deerlick]

I've got one in a .25-06 and it's been a great little gun. Ammo is easy to find for it also.