7mm-08 or .270

[jayrod9528]

Go with a .270 WSM better than both. Check Ballistics.

"Better" is a subjective term. Ammo is more expensive and recoil is more. That's not better, IMO. But I agree it's a very good cartridge.

I hand load so it is a little more expensive ie. more powder however I did not see that cost and recoil are concerns.

[GEARHEAD]

love it when 7mm08 comes up. i love it, deer hate it. two of them were at 404 and 456 yards.

[Bob33]

The differences:
The .270 is based on a .30-06 cartridge.  The 7mm-08 is based on a .308 cartridge.
The .270 case holds more powder than a 7mm-08 case, in the same way a 30-06 case holds more powder than a .308 case.
The .270 shoots a .277 diameter bullet.  The 7mm-08 shoots a .284 diameter bullet.
The .270 needs a long action.  The 7mm-08 can use a short action.
Everything being equal, the .270 shoots slighter faster and with more energy than the 7mm-08.
The .270 has been around longer, is more popular and has more factory ammunition choices available.

Between the two, make your choice based on what matters to you.  Either is a fine cartridge, capable of taking deer and elk out to 400 yards and possibly beyond with the right bullets and proper use.

Stepping up to the 270 WSM increase velocity, energy, cost, and recoil to some extent.  I'm recoil sensitive and don't mind the recoil of a 270 WSM. I don't bother to worry about cost: if I'm spending hundreds of dollars on a hunt, I don't mind that a cartridge costs $2.50 rather than $2.25.  If you want to shoot thousands of practice rounds, it matters; otherwise don't worry about it.

[bobcat]

These types of threads are always interesting to read. The thing is, there is no "wrong" answer. Both are good and both will perform in a similar way.

[BigGoonTuna]

if you're buying it primarily as a hunting rifle i don't think the price gap between the .270 and 7-08 is really worth considering, but availability of ammo is if you aren't a handloader.  that's not a problem for me(i can get 7-08 in town) so i went with the shorter rifle.  the 7-08 is really pleasant to shoot, low recoil and muzzle blast.

if you're having problems deciding then flip a coin.  can't go wrong with either.

[fremont]

+1, i.e., can't go wrong.

That said, I have an '06, so I went with the 7-08 in a new Win M70 Fwt.  Guys oohed & aahed over it....and its weight (or lack thereof)....at last Oct's deer camp.  Love that rifle.

[runamuk]

Well I really like my... 7mmmmoh8 ..... see even the name is fun   

I'd say pick the one that appeals to you .....

[bobcat]

One other reason I went with the 270 Winchester... the nostalgia of it. Back when I was in high school, and even before that, I read a lot of Jack O'Connor articles, and that was HIS cartridge. To me that's reason enough to choose it over the 7/08. The 270 Win. has been around since 1925 and it still can't be beat, in any practical sense.

[JackOfAllTrades]

18 months ago I had the same dilema. What rifle/cartridge to upgrade my then 14yr old son up to from 243win. We settled on the 270win in the Marlin XL7. Bob33 summed things up pretty well. Long/Short action didn't really matter much to us. The 270 edges out the 7-08 just a tad in the flatter shootin/velocity category and is more apt to bee seen on the store shelves than 7-08. -although we reload. As others have said, there's nothin wrong with the 7-08 either. Both have a following. Both are available to be rechambered/reamed in Ackley Improved. 

-Steve

[GoldTip]

Well for me it wouldn't be either one, just personally.  You say you already have a 300wsm, which I'm assuming you carry when animules bigger than deer on the menu and you say your looking for something a smaller s a "deer rifle".  For that you'd be better off with a 25-06.  Same action length as a 270win.  And is truly a step down from the 30cal you currently hunt with.  But if I was pressed to pick between the two you've mentioned, I'd go 7mm08.

[scout88]

love my 308 win for deer

[mrolen]

well im bulding a howa 1500 in 308 at school right now but thats going to be my safe queen i just want a rem 700 in one of those calibers that i can build as another project and take it out and hunt with it and wont feel bad if i put a scratch in the stock.

[Sporting_Man]

I would give some slight advantage to 7mm-08 due to the shorter barrel. With 270Win, you "should" be at 24 inch of barrel, but 7mm-08, being short case, burns faster and anything over 22 inch of barrel would not benefit it. So, that is where the advantage of 7 mil lays. 

[D-Rock425]

I was given a sako 7mm08 from my Grandpa.  It was his best friends and he passed away a few years ago left all his guns to my grandfather.  Anyway I had to put a scope on it and I was shooting in no time.  I shoot 140 grain factory loads and it shoots just fine.  I have shot 3 bears with it in the last 2 years and not one has left my sight.  I would hunt anything in the lower 48 with that gun.  I love it.

[addicted]

if you want more bullet options its the 7mm. if you want more powder its the .270.  if you want your kid to shoot it......7mm.  if you dont want grandpa "i only use old faithfull" to bitch at you then its a .270.  If you want to be different but still have the best of both worlds, get a 7x64.