.243 vs 7mm-08
11-13-2010, 05:37 PM
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 386
.243 vs 7mm-08
went to the range with my both guns.
.243 Bolt
7mm-08 Semi BAR.
The 7mm-08 Semi has more noticable recoil. I figured they would be the same, with the semi absorbing some kick.
side by side comarison.
.243 Bolt
7mm-08 Semi BAR.
The 7mm-08 Semi has more noticable recoil. I figured they would be the same, with the semi absorbing some kick.
side by side comarison.
11-15-2010, 07:37 AM
#2
Spike
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 62
While the 7mm-08 has less kick than an '06 and various magnums, I have always laughed at the idea that it has some magic powers to kick less than what it is...a rifle shooting a 140 grain bullet at 2800fps. Add to it the fact that many 7mm-08s are chambered for light, compact rifles-they aren't gentle, especially for non-experienced shoters.
I like the 7mm-08-I have one in an original Remington Model 7. That rifles kicks me as hard as my A-bolt .30-06, when the 7mm-08 is loaded with 140 grain bullets and the '06 is loaded with 150 grain bullets (both at max. powder charges)- the '06 does weigh about 1 pound more.
Will
I like the 7mm-08-I have one in an original Remington Model 7. That rifles kicks me as hard as my A-bolt .30-06, when the 7mm-08 is loaded with 140 grain bullets and the '06 is loaded with 150 grain bullets (both at max. powder charges)- the '06 does weigh about 1 pound more.
Will
11-15-2010, 08:08 AM
#3
Fork Horn
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Montana
Posts: 151
Are you asking for a comparison, or just posting your thoughts?
If you're only hunting deer, I'll take the .243 any day over the 7-08. The 7-08 is more versatile, but I really don't see it as a magic caliber it's been touted as being. I'll take a .308 over it just because it's more tried and true. I know you weren't asking about other calibers but, that's my take.
Of the two you mentioned, I'll take the .243 because I just don't think the 7 offers enough to make it take that much more game than the .243.
If you're only hunting deer, I'll take the .243 any day over the 7-08. The 7-08 is more versatile, but I really don't see it as a magic caliber it's been touted as being. I'll take a .308 over it just because it's more tried and true. I know you weren't asking about other calibers but, that's my take.
Of the two you mentioned, I'll take the .243 because I just don't think the 7 offers enough to make it take that much more game than the .243.
11-15-2010, 10:59 AM
#4
Typical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: SE Wisc
Posts: 677
I would opt for the 7mm-08. I think its superior to the 243 in every way. Sure, both work for deer, but the 7mm-08 gives you added power to move up. From a recoil perspective, i don't find it much more pleasant to shot than my 308 or 30.06. Like WILL said, depends on the rifle. If i am going to have enough recoil to get my attention than i would go up again to the 308 and have a .30 cal bullet. my 308 savage and my 7mm-08 savage have about the same felt recoil to me.
11-16-2010, 06:47 AM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: N-E PA.
Posts: 1,787
11-17-2010, 09:50 AM
#6
Typical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: From Texas but now reside in MS
Posts: 823
I have 2 243 and a 7mm-08 and I love them equally.. For a true deer hunting gun the 243 would get my vote because of the availability of different types of ammo.. If you ever want a gun that can move on up to Elk then the 7mm-08 shines especially if you hand load. To me there are just not enough factory ammo choices in the 7mm-08 for a good whitetail round. If your going to shoot 140 grain ammo you could go up to the 308 and do just as well with a lot more ammo choices. I load a 120 grain bullet in my 7mm-8 and it is a real shooter with that bullet.
11-17-2010, 11:36 AM
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,918
I like the 7mm08 for deer. I have a Ruger M-77 All Weather with a 20"bbl and it does wonders on deer. The wife has a Ruger M-77 Compact in 7mm08 with a shorter barrel and nothing has ever walked away from her once she's shot. I have a 243 but have never used it for deer. I think it's a bit small for deer size game.
The 7mm08 in these small Ruger's is very comfortable shooting.
The 7mm08 in these small Ruger's is very comfortable shooting.