.308 or 7mm-08

[emac]

I am trying to decide on which caliber I want my new rifle to be.  I am looking at either a .308 or a 7mm-08.  I already have a .300 win mag and a .270.  So any thoughts of which one and why or is there another caliber I should be looking at?  I am just looking for another all around good gun that I can use on deer, elk, bear, and hopefully moose, big horn sheep sometime in my lifetime.

[Curly]

Since elk, bear, and moose are on the menu........I'd go with .308.  Both will work, but I think you will get a little better performance out of a 30 caliber for the larger game. 

[bobcat]

I'd go 308. Ammo is cheaper and easier to find, and you gain nothing by going to the 7/08.

[Wenatcheejay]

BOTH! Then they can play with each other

[D-Rock425]

Both can do what you want them to do.  I have a 7mm-08 and love it but there isn't much different between the two.  Out of the rifles you have it looks to me like you need a light long range gun.  I would look at a 25-06.

[HighRoad]

7-08 . . . everyone needs at least one 7mm! PM me with your email address. I have a couple articles I can send that show good examples of the 7-08 on elk and moose.

[Huntnphish]

I own both and prefer the lower recoil and higher BC with the 7mm-08. 

http://www.members.tripod.com/sed88/rem7/

[BOWHUNTER45]

both are awesome ..either one will do the work ! over the last few years I think alot of hunters are discovering the 7mm-08 to be an awesome round .. not to little and not to big ... perfect all around gun ...

[BOWHUNTER45]

Both can do what you want them to do.  I have a 7mm-08 and love it but there isn't much different between the two.  Out of the rifles you have it looks to me like you need a light long range gun.  I would look at a 25-06.

yeah see ...thats funny , thats exactely what I did with my son ... first bought him a 7mm-08 then last year I stepped him up to a 25-06 but he still kills with both ...I prefer the 25-06 for reaching out their alittle further .. but the 7mm-08 will do justice for sure out to 300 and 400 yrds ...

[Curly]

I'm going to change my answer.  I'm going to say .280 Rem.  I realize you already have a .270 Win (which is practically identical to a .280) but since sheep is also on the menu, I think maybe a mountain rifle in .280 Rem would fit the bill.  Better ballistics than the -08 and would do nicely on sheep.........not that the 7-08 wouldn't be good for sheep too, but you'll get a little better velocity with the .280 and flatter trajectory.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I'm going to change my answer.  I'm going to say .280 Rem.  I realize you already have a .270 Win (which is practically identical to a .280) but since sheep is also on the menu, I think maybe a mountain rifle in .280 Rem would fit the bill.  Better ballistics than the -08 and would do nicely on sheep.........not that the 7-08 wouldn't be good for sheep too, but you'll get a little better velocity with the .280 and flatter trajectory.

  Curly I agree there to .. I myself am a .270 fan hands down ... BUT I do not own a 280 rem but I  have loaded up many loads for my friends who do own one ... seen many bear rolled with a 280 ... awesome rifle too...yes .270 & .280 are so close to each other no sense in arguing over it ..

[emac]

Thanks for all the opinions.  I have always wanted a 25-06 but didn't know if they have the range or the knock down power at 300-500 yards.  The .280 is definitly on my list to get down the road. What are your guys opinion on the 6.5 creedmoor and the 30 tc?

[carpsniperg2]

7mm-08 hands down.

[C-Money]

7mm-08 is a fine cartridge. Accurate, easy to reload, and easy on the shoulder. 7mm-08!

[addicted]

with what you already have, and what you want to do with it...

i would go 338Federal. It is in the .308win family, just necked up. it has the smack for bear and moose and retains the good manners of a short action.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/338_federal.htm

you have a flat light bullet shooter,  and a flat medium weight bullet shooter.

now for a medium trajectory heavy bullet shooter.

if you must insist on 308 or 7mm08.... i would say 7mm08.  I own both of these and really don't see much that the 308 can do that the 7mm cant, but the 7mm is a bit flatter on trajectory.  Better for having the kids shoot too since you can generally go lighter with bullets and reduced frontal area.

[Bean Counter]

I think you're good with what you already have. I'd spend the money on a better scope if all you have is $200 glass on the gun. Oh yes, and keep buying ammo 

[emac]

Alright just to give everybody an update on what gun i ended up buying.  After taking everyone's advice on what to gun to get I settled on getting a 7mm-08.  So a few weeks ago I went down to my local sporting goods store to pick one out.  I started talking to the guy behind the counter and told him I was looking for a 7mm-08.  He told me they didn't have any in stock. I asked if he could order one and he said yeah but he couldn't guarantee that it would be in before I needed it.  He told be me he had a .308 that I might be interested in.  I asked him to look at it.  So he goes in the back a brings it out tells me that they can't keep this gun in stock and just got this one this morning.  I open up the box and it is the new ruger gunsite scout.  So I have read alittle bit about these guns online.  Everybody seems to like them alot, but after reading about them I didn't know if it was the right gun for me.  So I take it out of the box and picked it up and just like that i was sold. This gun just felt great in my hands light weight and compact.  So I bought it.  Mounted a 4x16 scope on it and headed to the range.  After shooting at the range and putting a few 1/2" groups on the target a 100 yards i was glad with my purchase.  I have taken it out into the woods a couple times and it is a great gun for hiking and getting around with.  Now all i need to do is be in the right place at the right time go knock something down with this thing.  Thanks again for all your guys opinions it was very helpful.

[C-Money]

Cool man! Glad you got a rifle! Sounds like it shoots well, hope you are able to induce a dirt nap with it on a deer or elk this year!

[carpsniperg2]

Sounds good the scouts are one of those guns either you like them or you don't.