243 vs 308 vs 7mm-08: Which Should You Use?

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

To learn more about popular hunting calibers like the .243 Winchester, the 7mm-08 Remington, and the .308 Winchester, visit: thebiggamehuntingblog.com/ebook

[@josephcleary7173]

Love the 7mm-08! Best balance of recoil, energy, and frontal area, for an ultralight perfect deer rifle.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Good deal. I can't find any fault with your reasoning! :)

[@Kingbuzz92]

I love my 7-08 to

[@Christoph1888]

Very popular in NZ

[@sinistersilverado965]

I could never notice the 7mm-08 kicking less than the 308, but the 243 is very mild, so is the .260 Rem

[@everettamador9870]

agree

[@coreyrawlinson2236]

I got all 3! I’ll take the 7mm08 all day

[@jonfarrar9666]

Love my 7mm-08. All 3 of them🙂

[@johnschneider6183]

I own all three and actually own more than one of all three. My favorite is hard to pick but I guess it would, well know it would be the 7mm-08. The Barnes 120gr. Tripple-shock and Varget Powder leave me with no doubt as a one-shot one kill solution for any problem that I have ever encountered. Very Accurate and very low recoil and maximum penetration with reliable bullet expansion. I have taken everything up thru moose with it but not encountered a bear that I had a tag for. I used to hunt almost exclusively with a .270 or 7 Mag for deer. My go-to gun now is the 7mm-08 and 300 WM for elk. The .243 is also a very great round for almost anything. I know a guy who spends his winters high in the Rocky Mountains to doze drainages for spring runoff. He takes all his winter meat with it. Elk are No problem he says, but he is a hunter. A Professional Hunter (guide) in Zimbabwe told me a .243 is good medicine as he often carries a Styer Manlitcher in .243. I shouldn't say this because it might lead to a further shortage for me is the accuracy that I have gotten with Varget Powder from many of the Mid-capacity cartridges from 22-250-.270 with it. Not the best for .270 but it works. Want to get my hands on some Win. 6.5 Ball Powder. Damn this Administration.

[@alexhammerbekk]

inherited from my grandfather who passed, an remington 7mm-08 rifle, last man to fire it was him, cant wait to fire it, just when i held it it felt like he was there with me, gonna pass it on when i get kids, gonna make a clause that it can never be sold or given outside of the family :-)

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Very cool! Just out of curiosity, what model rifle is it?

[@alexhammerbekk]

@@Thebiggamehuntingblog just had a slight look at it a couple of years ago, its not wood stock, so i guess that narrows down production year, im watering som plants for my mother this weekend so ill get the details :-) strict rules about storage in my country

[@alexhammerbekk]

@@Thebiggamehuntingblog its. remington 7/700 series ill, be back with spec

[@renebilodeau4243]

Well I bought my daughter a 7 mm 08 and I'll tell you right now I do a bunch of reloading and that is an absolutely outstanding especially if loaded with the barns all copper bullets which retain their weight retention

[@shanedaly3153]

I love the 7mm-08. Mine has killed an antelope at 418 yards, Big bull at 320 yards, smaller bull at 200 yards, and a big muley at about 250 yards. It is a fantastic cartridge with Elk power all the way to 600 yards with factory Hornady Precision hunter ammo. At 600 yards it holds 1492 ft lbs of energy, going 2117 fps. With that much energy and speed, and less drop and wind deflection than the .308, the 7mm-08 is the standout to me. Hands down one of my favorite cartridges.

[@lukethibodaux790]

Having used all three I prefer the 7mm-08 it just has a better balance then the other two, yeah in theory the 308 has an edge on close up shots with it's larger caliber and more mass but in the real world I would use a 7mm-08 for anything that I would use the 308 on, and it has better ballistics with less recoil, in fact it is the sweetest shooting of all of my rifles as far as manners go, very light kick combined with minimal muzzle blast I just love it. My handloads are pushing 2900fps with a 140gr SGK which will run pretty much neck and neck with a 100gr 243 which is only slightly faster but has much more wind drift so I call that an easy win there as well. If you want a real contest match up the 7mm-08 to the 260 Rem (308 necked down to 6.5mm) which is a much closer race.

[@douglasrudisill5272]

The 7/08 has been in my experience the best round for deer hunting in my area NC/VA for long and close in shots. I am neither small frame or recoil sensitive but if confidence in your gun/round counts then the 7/08 will be my pick every time.

[@JohnProph]

where u like to hunt in Va/NC? ever hunt White Oak Mountain just north of Danville Va?

[@douglasrudisill5272]

@@JohnProph I have a small farm in Java, Va

[@gradyhernandez4699]

They use the 7mm 08 in new Zealand and the 222

[@Alianderfarm]

I have a farm in Nelson county VA and recently ordered a Steyr SM12 in 7mm-08.

[@chuckblankenship748]

I own all 3 and my personal choice for deer and elk 99% of the time is the 7MM-08. Out to SANE ranges 450yds max it is perfect for the deer family. It is simply devastating on deer and elk with 140-150gr Barnes TTSX's.

[@Catboy-hr2qp]

Glad to see a lot of appreciation for 7mm08 in the comments definitely an underrated cartridge. My dad bought a tc compass in 7mm08 2 years ago, after seeing what it did to 2 pronghorn and a cow elk I'm building myself an ar10 in it for hunting. 150gr eld x handloads at 2837 were used for the elk and one antelope and Hornady American whitetail was used for the other antelope. Hornady american whitetail shot half moa groups so my dad bought 10 boxes enough to last him the rest of his life. All shots on game were at 350+ yards

[@dale1090]

I know many native Alaskan who will only shoot the 243. They use it for everything (caribou, moose, sheep and black bear). I, myself, have recently switched from a .30-06 to the 7mm-08 when it comes to hunting the large game here in Alaska. This has been a decision I don't regret. Less recoil and better ballistics made it a pretty cut and dry decision.

[@davidwalters1246]

I started all my family (wife, son and daughter) when I decided to move each from .22LR to a more powerful rifle that could take a deer nicely...to the 7mm-08. Dear head mounts line the walls of our game room and the freezer still has venison from years ago because of that decision. The kids are gone now, one in SE Asia an an ocean engineer (son) and one married in coastal Texas (daughter). My wife's Asian-American and, as is common, their body builds are, well, slight compared to mine and other Central Texas Germans like me. She has claimed the rifle for her own now that the kids are gone. And, she zeros it in and practices with it before every deer season. I'm not sure she'll ever share it with the kids again. It's one of the most versatile weapons, but for the AR style weapons, I own, errr, that she owns. And, although I fire a .308 for hunting it's not lost on me that she can carry that lighter rifle and it's associated ammunition to the field and, if necessary, for lengthy tracking of wounded game easily slung over her backpack AND EASILY KEEP UP WITH ME while I'm struggling to keep up with her when I'm carrying the .308 and it's ammo. The 7mm-08 is a fantastic caliber for smaller folks, and, it ain't bad for those of us (me) growing older either. But I won't touch it for fear of losing a limb if she finds out. Best, David

[@chipsterb4946]

I have an irrational urge to build a bolt action rifle but there are so many cartridge choices! 308 Winchester already is well covered here. I was bouncing back and forth between 6.5 Creedmoor and 270 Winchester. However, the 7mm08 might be a nearly perfect compromise for a handy, lightweight bolt action rifle.

[@shumardi1]

In my mind the 7-08 and the 6.5 CM are so close the advantage goes to the 6.5CM due to its popularity.

[@riverwalker2173]

​@@shumardi1 Creed factory ammo availability is considerably more than 708. If handloader, then moot point.

[@lylewalters909]

I've stayed away from the 7mm08 for years because of ammo selection. Lately I've been looking a bit closer so this video came at the right time. Great information and can see a 7mm 08 or 2 maybe 3 in my safe real soon.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Good luck with your new 7mm-08s!

[@tylarhaugan7908]

7mm08 with 110 to 162 grain projectiles. a great elk load would be 154 interbond

[@kurtwpg]

If you ever think of handloading the 7mm08 is magical.

[@stephenhair5501]

It's a great round. However, finding ammo for the 7mm-08 at this point in time is like trying to find a 3 legged Chicken. None showing up anywhere.

[@chuckydubree1925]

Just picked up a 7mm-08 and planned hunting with it this season I've never had one before always been a 308 fan thought I'd give it a go thanks for posting

[@Plumcraziness]

All three rounds are an excellent choice. However, as a dyed-in-the-wool .30-06 kind of guy, I am looking more and more at .243 Winchester to do the bulk of my hunting. It has a lot going for it: even with certain factory ammo, it can deliver 1,000+ ft./lbs. of energy at 400yds., as well as 2,000 fps at 500yds., which assures full expansion of any bullet design (lead or copper) at that distance; it shoots flatter than .30-06; it recoils significantly less; bullet selection is still very good for .243; ammo in stores is as common as .30-06, and is generally about the same price; and handloading is also a bit cheaper due to .243's smaller powder capacity. As a side note, I've been noticing more and more people online who are saying they are switching from heavier recoiling rounds to .243 (or some other smaller round) after shooting heavier rounds for many years, and being glad they made the switch. If you read comments about .243, even in the comments below, you'll notice how many people are making the switch to something smaller over time. I also personally wouldn't be afraid to use .243 for larger game either. There's plenty of people in Alaska and all across Canada that use it to hunt larger game like black bear, moose and even elk. While I personally wouldn't choose it for elk, I wouldn't hesitate to use it for black bear or moose. Plenty of people up here take them quickly and ethically with .243 every season. Ask anyone who uses .243 for them: put a 100gr Nosler Partition bullet into their vitals and it kills them all the same. While I'll never get rid of my .30-06, there's a chance that .243 Win could cover most of my hunting needs. Particularly for deer on down, which makes up the majority of the animals I harvest anyway. Regardless, .243 Winchester is an awesome round, and so are the others.

[@captainslow788]

Why would you not hesitate to use it for bear or moose but say it is not sufficient for elk? Moose and bear are arguably more hardy animals that are more difficult to dispatch ethically with a smaller round.

[@dwaynemullins8392]

An honest review. Great comparisons. Thanks. I have a 308 and a 7mm/08. The 7 gets way more field time, just cuz I know when I trip the trigger my tag is filled. I'll also put a shout out for the 338 Fed. It's a Beast in sheep's clothing !!

[@rccherian6550]

Excellent video. Big 243 and 308 fan but have gained a new appreciation for the 7mm08! Have a dear brother in Canada who swears by that cartridge for all game he's come across. Cheers!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jasonmiller6371]

My preference would be the 7mm-08! I bought one, a used Kimber 84m, a few years back, and it's now my favorite mule deer gun. I have taken deer and even a cow elk with it with a one shot kill. So it's definitely adequate for bigger animals if you place your you shot right and stay within reasonable range (and use quality bullets). Great KZbin video, thanks!

[@csjrogerson2377]

Well said. Applies to all rifle/cartridge combinations for any game. If you cant stalk, cant shoot, it doesnt matter what you use.

[@24kachina]

Just discovered your channel. Thanks for the excellent video and quality, accurate, and objective information. I'm 53, life long AZ hunter and shooter, and own all 3 of these rifles/cartidges and quite a few more. My go to Coues deer rifle is a .25--'06. Elk is 7 MM Rem Mag. with heavy bullets. But much of this is splitting hairs because what most matters for hunting is shot placement and a quality bullet. Keep up the good work and thank you.

[@chadh7005]

I absolutely love 308 mainly cause the range of ammo and the ability to find it anywhere. But I've really thought bout getting a 7mm-08 since I shot one. And when I was younger I did use a 243 for bout 5 years. All great.

[@MrRedowney]

I iwant to buy a winchester7mm.o8rifelfor deer hunting

[@jamesmorgan2281]

@@MrRedowneygo for it, just as good as a 308 and is awesome for deer

[@AdamPerkinsPhD]

I own two rifles in .308, one in .243 and a 7x57, which is pretty much the ballistic twin of the 7mm-08. If I had to choose one cartridge it would be the .308 every time. It hits harder than the others, shoots just as accurately and ammo is easy to find. The .308 is a bit boring compared to my other cartridges but I have to admit it is in the Goldilocks zone for rifle cartridges. It is just hits that sweet spot that other more fancy cartridges cannot match.

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

I approve of this comment ☝️ Yeah I have to agree with you , the.308 fits well in into the Goldilocks of cartridges, it just does everything well and the ammunition is always available as well as a lot of recipes and components out there for reloading. I have two .308’s (one bolt and one semiautomatic) a .243 , and my 7mm cartridge of choice is the .280 Remington that I use for longer range deer and elk hunting ( the .308 can fill that role as well ) but it’s a very interesting cartridge and pleasantly satisfying in its performance. However the .308 is typically my GoTo cartridge for most applications wether hunting or target shooting. My Remington model 700 XCR Compact tactical bolt action .308 would be the one rifle I’d keep if I could only keep one . It’s a tack driver all the way out to 500 yards ( as far as I’ve shot it so far ) and it does it with standard factory ammunition, nothing match grade or anything like that . It has a 20” 1 in 12 twist and it will digest anything I feed it , but I usually use 165 grain Hornady Superformance SST , or 165 grain Federal Vital Shock Nosler Partitions , and some Federal 165 grain Sierra Game Kings that all group really well ( the Hornady performs outstanding ! ) My Winchester Model 70 Featherweight chambered in .280 Remington is amazingly accurate as well .

[@chuckydubree1925]

I really like the 308 it's a happy medium and gets the job done great caliber

[@thomaswolf6507]

It was designed for universal use after the 30-06. The difference in performance to any negative degree is marginal at best, and highly dependent on what ammo you use. Can always expect to find .308, and most .308's can shoot 7.62 NATO (dual chambered) although almost all 7.62 NATO standards cannot shoot .308. Especially during uncertain times, it's best to stick with ammo you know you'll be able to use. I haven't seen 7mm-08 anywhere. I'm not a 20-caliber guy but a .243 is reliable as well.

[@PC-uh6hk]

I shoot the 257 Roberts which is a necked down 7X57 and it's wicked on prairie dogs to white tails to pronghorn to woodchucks.

[@ianstuart7395]

To me anyways, there just isn’t a valid reason for a 7-08 when the .308 does what it does. If I want a light recoiling longer range deer round then I’m grabbing my 6.5, if I want something for a bit closer ranges or moose, black bear sized game it’s .308 all day.

[@jaybailleaux630]

7mm08 by far the best all round cartridge and don't even own one. I'm nostalgic and use 30-06 and 270. I will admit , in the real world the 7mm08 can do everything the average hunter needs in an efficient manner in a lighter more compact rifle.

[@johnserrano9689]

I agree entirely, but so won't the Ole 30-30....the 30-30 is able to do impressive damage to all North American game even more so many times, hell even compared to the rounds in the video, obviously within 75 yards as the 30-30 bleeds far too much velocity otherwise. Within that 75 Yards the 30-30 round just destroys flesh even thru Bone.

[@stevecollinsjr4]

@@johnserrano9689 agree 100% where I hurt 3030 is all you need it’s nuthin fancy but within it range with 170gr just can’t beat it

[@anthonyfairbanks2952]

I have a Remington 700 stainless steel fluted barrel in 243 n a Ruger American in 7mm-08 n a H&R rifle in 270win

[@dt1064]

I have two 7mm-08's. Carry both when hunting in case I mess one up. Using the same ammo for both helps. 139 grain Barnes hand loads. Used to have .270 but didn't like having two different loads in the truck at the same time. Like the light recoil of the 08.

[@Desertwolf426]

I bought a 7mm-08 for my daughter's first big game rifle, I loved it so much and was so impressed with its terminal performance I bought one for myself. I load 139gr SST bullets for the range and varmints, and 139gr GMX bullets for big game. We hunt whitetail, mulies, elk, moose, and black bear. Not once have we needed a second shot. Most are DRT. To be honest the 7mm-08 has replaced my .270 and 300WM for 90% of my hunting. What a great cartridge

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Those GMX bullets are GREAT for all sorts of stuff. Glad to hear it's worked well for you!

[@practice965]

By far there best comparison of the three cartridges I have ever seen. Well done.

[@kurtreinhardt6789]

Thanks for the in depth analysis of these 3 calibers- I hunt deer with a 308 but am looking at a 243 for more of a dual purpose deer/ varmint rifle

[@PC-uh6hk]

The 243 is a fine cartridge for woodchucks, prairie dogs and white tails as well as coyotes and hogs. You can't go wrong with any of the 308 family of cartridges.

[@Plumcraziness]

@kurtreinhardt6789 I'm in the same situation myself. I'm a .30-06 kind of guy, but I'm looking at getting a .243 Win. The more I consider it, the more it makes me want one. It as a lot going for it.

[@johnrussell2003]

My wife's and my .243s have accounted for a lot of whitetail over the years using the factory 95 gr Fusion loads. They are accurate and dependable in our rifles. Being a bonded bullet, they are a little tough for coyotes but when you can get a head shot it doesn't matter!

[@jeffledoux5439]

I have all three...7mm08 hard to beat

[@fishabenny]

I have have moved to a 7mm-08 after ten years hunting with a .270wsm. I just find the the 7mm-08 a much more pleasant calibre to hunt Red deer with.

[@gradyhernandez4699]

No use for a 270 ..7.mm 08 0r 25 06 instead

[@peterhrkal8165]

​​@@gradyhernandez4699no use for .270? .270 is much better than 7mm.-08. Short action doesn't make any difference...ballistics way better for .270

[@daveyboy6985]

@@peterhrkal8165 yes but more recoil, which is why hunters like the 7.08. yes if you going for those long shots 270 is it.

[@mbw65]

I like the approach you take in comparing calibers. Many do not use SD in their comparison. Great job!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you like them!

[@charleslange7619]

Have used the 243 Win and 308 Win for deer, 243 for varmints from coyotes on down to prairie dogs. The 308 hammers the deer better, comparable to how my 7mm Rem Mag drops them. Since I have the 7mm Rem Mag, never considered getting the 7-08. The 243 was my first high-powered rifle, shot it the most, reloaded for it extensively. Of all the rifles I have shot, I believe the 243 Win was always the most accurate of them all.

[@unknown-ql1fk]

.243, 308 and, not covered but the 358. These are my picks for this class of rifle and the 358 is a thumper on black bear, large bucks and elk

[@johnryan6658]

The thing is, if you like to shoot, .308 Win is the best choice. It's definitely easier to find and also cheaper. All the major manufacturers make cheap FMJ loads for it.

[@WretchedRick84]

Yes, and long barrel life

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

I have a couple of.308’s , ( and a .243 that I use mainly for long range coyote hunting) … but my 7mm cartridge of choice is the under rated unappreciated and overlooked .280 Remington. However for most hunting applications my GoTo rifle is the .308 Winchester. It just does everything really well and ammunition is readily available and abundant as well as reloading components and data .

[@hadleyscott1160]

I’ll join the club here. I fell in love with the 7mm08 from just sighting it in. Never a recoil problem I’ve own 300 weatherly mark Vs. 325 wsm which was/is a 8mm mag. I call my 7-08 a bang stick it goes bang and All my whitetail successes never went 50 feet. In goes a 7mm and out comes a hole three fingers wide with a soft point. The ballistic tip I gave up on. Too much damage. I hit a shoulder, base of the neck shot and it exploded. Hit the shoulder solid and pieces went through all the vitals hitting the opposite rear leg on exit(s). Through the gut bag I was done with Ballistic tips on the 7-08. Plenty enough power in the jungle called Penns Woods. ( Pennsylvanias’ name)

[@DoEmdirty30-30]

I know I’m years late but I’d taken a deer this past Thanksgiving with the 7mm-08 a front shoulder/chest shot and boy I tell you not much of a blood trail but it exploded and tore the whole shoulder/chest area up inside

[@tracyepeterson7817]

I own a .243 win and a .308 win, the 243 I have used for pronghorn in Wyoming and it did a wonderful job, the 308 also took to Wyoming on a different hunt, and it works just fine for the deer I got with it, and for the 7mm-08 I don’t own one, however I do have a 6.5 creedmoor, but haven’t hunted with it yet.

[@mcmoose64]

I had a Sako .243 in the 90s . It was my only rifle at the time . I would hand load 60gr to 105gr bullets. I used it for everything from pest control ( rabbits, foxes , feral cats) to taking goats and feral pigs . It would shoot sub MOA 5 round groups for all the bullet weights I would feed it . Recoil was never a problem and could spend a full day at the range with minimal discomfort. For me it's only downside was its tendency to stretch the neck of its brass , I seldom got more than 3 reloads per case.

[@AlexS.2016]

Awesome information with perfect format. Thank you, 30-dayish trying to decide between those exact 3, and you confirmed my decision about 2 hours after I decided when I found this video while helping the wallet, they go together well. Great job.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad it was helpful! What did you decide on?

[@REDSHlFT]

Nice video and appreciate the good info. Found it because I'm picking up a Browning X-bolt White Gold Medallion in 7mm-08 and wasn't as familiar with this cartridge as most others. Seems it's not as uncommon as it first seemed to me.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad I could help!

[@shanedaly3153]

7mm-08 is an excellent cartridge. Good choice.

[@RLD454C]

I own both a 243 and and a 308 . I prefer my 308 for everything . The T65 is hard to beat . I have killed several elk , deer and antelope with the 308 at ranges out to 400 yards. I shoot 150 and 165 grain bullets depending on what I am hunting. The 243 is primarily a predator hunting cartridge as far as I am concerned .

[@patrickhoots2196]

I've recently just sold my 7mm-08 and purchased a .308 due to ammo selection, price and availability.

[@DavidJones-xl4iz]

Shot everything from rutting red stags to muntjac and fox with 243. You do need to practice and get confidence in hitting your target spot on. The 308 is more forgiving on shot placement but I decided to go 25-06 to keep the trajectory close to similar but that's a different story

[@johnkaraphillis754]

3 great cartridges. Enjoyed another one of your videos comparing cartridges using applicable ballistics and common gun sense. I hand load for the .243 and ‘08. Noticeable gain in ballistics over factory ammo even tho they are producing very good factory ammo when available.I’m a deer hunter/shooter in southeast. If I’m not hunting during the rut with my .280 Ackley, the ‘08 will be with me using RL19 or IMR 4350 pushing 120gr Ballistic Tips or 140gr Accubonds. Thanks again!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@larrybomber83]

I liked the 7mm-08 when I heard about it in the 80's. I bought the 243 first since the Rem 700 was on sale and that was the caliber they had. Bought a 308 because everyone said the 243 was not big enough for deer. Then, I found a Mossberg Patriot chambered in 7mm-08 so I bought it. Just getting the new scope sighted in, and I plan on hunting Texas deer with it the next time I hunt. Backup gun will be the 243 since it has killed 8 deer even though everyone said it wasn't big enough. Own the 7 Mag so I can use the same bullets to reload the 7mm-08.

[@tonybryce3212]

Are all good , personally I have 7mm08 , use it on red deer & thar here in new Zealand , but also use a 223 , all about placement

[@bennichols561]

You are not shooting enough deer. Bloody things are everywhere.

[@edjett2631]

The answer to the question posed is none of the above; get a .260 Remington instead (if you can find one).

[@thomascronan9964]

Got one😂

[@dankosek2355]

I had a 7mm08 and a Remington 6MM (for my son) when I lived in MT. Now that I'm back on the east coast I sold my 7mm08 to a friend and bought a 243 since it's just deer here. I really like the .243 and 7mm08. It looks like the 120 gr 7mm08 loads have vanished during the pandemic, but I really liked them for deer while the 140gr was perfect for elk. I like the new Remington Core-Lokt Tipped 243 load, which has a higher BC and gets out the barrel around 3,150fps, bringing it up near my 6mm's speed. Who-Dee-Who did a test of the 243 and I want to get some as soon as I can. They didn't bring it out for the 7mm08, but I hope they do as the additional speed would help it too. I forgot to say I liked your video and all the data assembled here. Well done.

[@johnhernandez6739]

I bought a Rem. Model Seven in 7mm08 back in 1993 much to the chagrin of most of my friends. They as I had never heard of it. But owning a 7mm rem mag i thought it could be to the 7 mag, what the 308 is to the 06. I was not disappointed! I hand load so bullet weights and powders were abundant. Now not so much....

[@garrytalley8009]

Which one should you use may be a difficult one. Best thing would be to have all of them and just choose the right tool for the right job. I personally like you lean towards the 7mm-08. But I do have a .308. I don't want a .243 only because I have too many other calibers that are close to it like my 6.5 Creedmoor or .22-250. I even have a .220 Swift that I seldom shoot anymore. It shoots great but I don't have a 300-yard range available to shoot at anymore. I like wildcats and have had a couple. But today the PRCs are the craze and justifiably so. Great video.

[@echosreloadingchamber7306]

I reload 308 Winchester and 7mm 08 Remington for hunting and for target shooting. I'm a huge 308 Winchester fan but the 7 mm away is an awesome cartridge as well. Haven't had much experience with the 243 Winchester but it seems to be a very good cartridge for small framed hunters and shooters. Echo

[@rediron44]

I love the 308 for the fact that I can find ammo. Great round, versatile, and you can find ammo everywhere

[@johnhernandez6739]

Oh Great video! Nothing but unbiased honesty!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you liked it!

[@stephenparchewski1998]

I have a .308 and love it. I used a .243 years ago for whitetails. Maybe it was the bullet design I was using, but the .243 never did work out for me while hunting deer. Maybe it was the bullets I was using, but it always seemed too light if taking chest shots on deer. Of those 3 cartridges, the .308 is my favourite. Ammo is much easier to find (especially now) and it has quite a bit more smack down power than the lighter calibers.

[@burkejones8277]

I have killed a bunch of deer with a .308 and a 7mm-08. Both are great. I think a .308 is the perfect hunting round, but the 7mm-08 is a close second because of the lower recoil. I only have the 7mm-08 now, and it feels like an extension of my body.

[@jonathanfrecking1210]

I have all 3! A Remington 700 BDL bull barrel in 243 that was my dads. A Remington 700 CDL in 7-08 and a Remington 700 VLS bull barrel in 308. They are are great shooters but the 700 BDL in 243 that was my dads is my favorite! I killed my second deer with it when I was 15 after much begging him to let me use it instead of the 30-30! He had some work done to the rifle to make her shoot! Glass bedded the stock and trigger lightened.

[@andrewcheff4035]

I use a Remington 770 in .243 for all my deer, and a 770 in .308 for everything else (black bear and elk). I am going to do a TC single shot in 7mm-08 for my back pack woods gun iron sights and a sling!!

[@timetraveler1973]

recoil goes up in those lightweight tc's. it'll feel like a 308 lol

[@dalanwanbdiska6542]

That sounds like a cool little rifle.

[@boomerrangerron]

Very well done video review! Extremely thorough analysis! I've always wanted a 7 mm 08, but I love my 30 06 and I'm not parting with it for any reason! It's a post 1964 Model 70 Mannlicher stocked, and extremely accurate with 150 and 160 grain bullets. Just took a hog in Texas with it, but it's dropped deer as well. My only experience with the .243 was dropping an antelope with my guides rifle in Wyoming many years ago. For a small scaled guy, I'm not really effected by recoil, and even love shooting my .300 Weatherby Magnum, with which I took a cow elk with a Texas heartshot! Can't do that with the .243.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gregkerr725]

I have rifles in all three calibers and am always torn over which one to tote when I go deer hunting. All are great calibers.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

True!

[@destroyingdadxx2274]

The 308 is my go to cartridge. Why? Because it’s capable of downing any thing that walks or crawls in the continental United States and it’s about half the cost as 7-08. And it’s plentiful.

[@stevep959]

I have only fired a mates 243 probably a dozen times, and was pretty impressed with it at the time, and have considered buying one a few years later. Have a 308 and it performs well, but my 7-08 in Winderchester Featherweight and it's the one. Will be selling the 308 sometime, but the 7-08 will be sseeing me out.

[@johnganshow5536]

I have several 243s & 308s, so don't feel the need to spend money on a 7mm-08 especially with the cost and lack of availability of ammo these days...

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

I can't fault your logic, especially since you already have a 243 and a 308. That covers a lot of bases

[@theworkshopmechanicchannel3296]

For me it all comes down to the wide variety of projectiles of the 30cal. My first rifle was a 223 and I was in a situation where when we went hunting for goats that the projectiles were bouncing off the damn things and ever since then everything thing that I own is big 45/70 Marlin 444 300wm 3006 308

[@papatorr3669]

I have owned .308 and .243 for decades. I always wondered why they didn't make the .270-08 in the US? I assumed that it was to appeal to the international 7mm market. But then 6.5-08 remains my favorite over the 7-08 ever since I owned a 6.5 Swede.

[@donaldanderson3249]

Ive got the 243 and the 308 and really like both for hunting the Oregon coast

[@13bigcrimson94]

Great post John. Would comparing the .260 Remington into this debate be splitting hairs too far? I own all 4 however, .260 bridges all gaps and I have taken two quality whitetail bucks with it. I’ve heard .260 is also a .308 derivative but cannot confirm since I don’t reload. Thanks again for all the great info both here and your podcasts.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks, glad you're enjoying the videos and the podcast. Yes, the 260 is also a 308 derivative that offers performance extremely similar to the 6.5 Creedmoor. Haven't done any videos on the 260 yet, but stay on the lookout. One might be coming out soon...

[@Errol.C-nz]

@@Thebiggamehuntingblog why didnt you cover all the 308 short action family 🤔

[@papatorr3669]

The .260 Remington is basically the 6.5-08, based on the.308 and bests the 6.5 Creedmoor in power/velocity. Incredulously, Remington repeated it's mistake of decades before with the 6mm Remington and again introduced the cartridge in rifles with a too slow twist, making the heavier/longer bullets unstable for long distance!!! I believe Savage came to the rescue with faster twist rifle/barrels, but again, the damage had been done. Allowing the later 6.5 Creedmoor to steal it's thunder and firmly establish itself. I have seen the 6.5 Creedmoor at my local Walmart many times but not the superior 260 Remington. Similar to the 243 vs 6mm Remington story.

[@papatorr3669]

I would give the edge to an Ackley improved 6.5-08 over the four being discussed.

[@edwardhoward4708]

I had been wondering why not include a 6.5 among these.

[@todsimpkins8908]

7mm-08 is arguably the best round there is for hunting the Continental US. Wish more firearms manufacturers would chamber for it. The only reason my current rifle is .308 is that it was not offered in 7mm-08. Though the 308 is capable of taking anything in the Continental US as well, just a little more recoil. And check out the ballistics of the 7mm-08. Does anything the 6.5 Creedmore thinks it does best. When I shootout this barrel, may just rebarrel to 7mm-08, but not sure....nothing wrong with the 308.

[@user-ti7uj4dq5n]

I have all 3 and all are accurate and I’ve taken many game with them but my favorite is the 338 Federal (338/308) but again that’s just me

[@henrychristopher9131]

I own all three calibers but my choice is 7mm-08 for whitetail deer and wild hogs for I have found that the 243 win is not suitable for big boar hogs but I do like the 308 win too. I like the 7mm-08 because it has a little less recoil than the 308 win with better long range performance. I use Hornady superperformace 139 grain sst ammo for the 7mm-08 in a Browning A bolt in stainless steel with the b.o.s.s. system.

[@stanb915]

Great information as always and my love of the 7.08 remains. Glad to see you doing well my friend

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Good to hear from you Stan! I can't find any fault with your cartridge choice :)

[@stanb915]

@@Thebiggamehuntingblog since I purchased a couple hundred custom loads in two variations right before the COVID craziness I don't see it losing its field time for awhile to come. Although rotating in a couple others to prevent them from being safe queens is still practical. :)

[@TheBeaker59]

I have only just gone to 243 18mths back no issues so far worked a treat on every harvest so far. Red deer are my biggest animal to shoot but I shoot plenty of smaller animals like feral goats. I think any such question the answer should be a question to start of what game what distances and what other guns do you have? I kept my 6.5 x 55 but starting to wonder why will probably donate it to my sons cabinet so I have something to use when I visit him.

[@davewinter2688]

Good informational video for newbies. I'm an old fart. Out of those three I'd choose the 7mm-08 if I didn't already have a 7x57 built on a Kar. 98 Mauser action that I hand load for. That's a medium length action that lets one seat the bullet further out to take full advantage of the 7x57's larger case capacity over the 308 size case for gain in performance over the 7mm-08. The 7x57 Mauser is really the parent case for all of those cartridges. Actually the original loading for the 300 Savage duplicated the the military 150 grain 30-06 at 2750 fps when it came out in about 1920, long before the 308 was being developed in the late 1940's and introduced around 1951. The 308 was in turn developed from the 300 Savage which was rejected for military purposes. 300 Savage was detuned to lower pressure because of fears of it being chambered in some of the older Mausers and Savage model 99 lever rifles. Hand loaded in the newer (after the early 1900's) model 99's and strong bolt actions or with the factory Hornady SuperFormance the 300 Savage is just as effective as 308 Winchester. When talking about cartridges derived from the 308 Winchester you forgot to mention the 358 Winchester. Not a super flat shooting cartridge that you would want for varmints or open country Prong Horns but really good for White Tails and anything larger. With a 180 Nosler Partition, ballistic coefficient only .201 sighted dead on at 200 yards it's only down a little over 8 inches at 275 yard and still carrying over 1000 ft lbs of energy. At 300 yards it's down a little over 12 inches with 950 ft lbs of energy. Would be good for Pronghorn in a pinch or if you're a good stalker. The 358 Winchester really comes into its own with 200-225 grain bullets up to 2700 fps. That's close to 35 Whelen and better for tough Elk or Caribou because of it's larger frontal area creating a larger wound channel. Recoil isn't much more than 308 so If you're not super recoil sensitive it's a really good choice for the bigger stuff at reasonable ethical shooting/hunting distances. Happy hunting boys and girls.

[@sartainja]

I knew a World War II veteran in New Mexico who elk hunted with a .243 Winchester. He was a serious meat hunter and shot the animal in the head. He was a expert shot and rarely missed.

[@sturisa]

Hi John, Just bought a Ruger American in .243 Win to hunt medium game, i.e., deer, feral hogs, etc. What brand ammo and grain weight would you recommend to take feral hogs and does the size of the hog matter up to 200 pounds?

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Check out this article: thebiggamehuntingblog.com/best-243-ammo-for-hunting/

[@sturisa]

@@Thebiggamehuntingblog Thanks!

[@mot0rhe4d40]

There are a lot of knowledgeable voices that speak the praises of the 243. Due in part for it's mild recoil, making better hunters. Mainly because they aren't getting beat on. Hence lending to better accuracy and shot placement being king. More successful hunting outcomes.

[@dustinanderson4809]

Recoil is only part of it.... the super flat trajectory makes range estimation much easier. The extreme velocity of the round also means it dumps its energy into the target pretty violently too. Kind of like a 5.56 on steroids the rounds tumble and nearly explode on impact.

[@kermitwilson]

@@dustinanderson4809I love this comment! Read my mind. I don’t think I’ve ever taken a shot over 275 yards with a Winchester model 70 bolt action, but every white tail I’ve hit it destroyed the heart/lungs and made an impressive exit wound for the size of the round. I’ve never had a deer go very far, if they went anywhere at all. It’s been a very comfortable rifle to carry, and in the PNW it’s been excellent for the terrain and distances. Most important to me is I’ve never lost an animal or had one running away from me wounded and needing a second shot.

[@robcullen9984]

Great video mate Cheers Rob

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks 👍

[@travhammer]

When hand loading is in effect.. I'm going .243 WW everytime. Good Blog BTW

[@joztunes69]

I own the 243 and 308, and I go with the 308 unless I'm small game hunting, my question is, which one do you own? All 3 work on deer

[@macrocha5251]

Would you please do the same comparison with these cartridges PLUS the 260Remington???

[@brockwagner939]

Use them all, obviously!

[@duaneholcomb8408]

I'll stick with my 243. She's been reliable. And very accurate. I'm sure. Other cartridges are very good. But as that old saying goes if it ain't broke don't try to fix it. It ain't never let me down so no need to change,,,I use a 95 grain or a 100 grain,,,

[@BBQDad463]

Regardless of caliber, what matters far more than anything else is shot placement. (Full disclosure: I used to hunt with a .30-'06 but switched to .300 Win Mag back in 2012.)

[@CircleBrewery]

Have the 308 and 243 I really like the 7 08 but not as easy to reload for 👍🏼

[@jackbuendgen389]

Really? I've read terrific things about reloading the 7-08? 🤔

[@garywoodlief1976]

I hand load 7mm 08 243 and 308 what do you find more difficult about loading 7mm 08

[@brentbusick2245]

Huh? Not as easy to reload for? Do tell…..🤦🏻😂

[@edwardhoward4708]

Nothing about the .260? I have been thinking about getting a 7mm-08 but I scored a great deal in a .260 Rem barrel for my DPMS G2.

[@hardball107]

Just for the record the original M2 Ball loading of the 30/06 sported a muzzle velocity of 2805 fps, the military measured it at 79 ft. and then settled on 2750 fps at that distance. The 2805 mv standard is the spec. that the CMP has Creedmoor Sports load it's ammo sold to the general public for use in M1 Garands. IMHO the 7mm/08 is the perfect deer rifle with a combination of adequate power, less recoil and economy combined with sub MOA accuracy.

[@waltermajors877]

It seems like we are missing a caliber in the .290's. We have .243, .264, .277, .284, then go straight to .308. What about cartridges between .284, and .308. Are there any wildcat cartridges in either .292, .294 or .296? I think a 29/08 or 29/06 cartridge would be a good option.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Ever heard of the story of the (satirical) B-29 from John Barsness?

[@ToddKisse]

Should include the 260 Remington in the discussion also which is a necked down 308 round. It is a great caliber for varmits and deer, antelope and also elk and very mild recoil, flat shooting and great accruacy and retained energy..

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaeXpaZ7pt6HfLM

[@Mike-xi4zt]

I like all 3. Have switched to custom barrels with 1 in 8 twist for 243 win to shoot 105 grain high BC bullets. 1 in 10 twist factory 243 barrels work best with 90 grain or lighter bullets. 243 is what I shoot the most. Have shot many varmints coyotes and deer with 243. It would probably work on elk with a all copper or bonded type bullet. Of course 7mm08 and 308 would work on elk size animals. Have taken 1 elk with 308. 1st shot he just stood there 2nd shot just stood there 3rd shot dropped him. All 3 were double lung. I did not wait to see if it would run off. Kept shooting until it was down.

[@fernandogonzalezc4627]

Congrats #biggamehunter great to see you #alsoinKZbin don’t miss the #africahunting series in the #biggamehuntingpodcast . The Lion hunting episode is AWSOME plus a lot of gear and cartrige comparison episodes are great!!

[@fernandogonzalezc4627]

AWSOME content as always John!!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks Fernando! Glad to see you on KZbin as well! Also I'm really happy to hear you especially enjoyed that lion hunting episode. Kevin will be back on the show in a couple of months to talk more about Africa with me.

[@fernandogonzalezc4627]

@@Thebiggamehuntingblog I’m exited to book an African safari with you. I want to take my 80 year old Dad with me (I’m 50) and I’m sure he would love to have a mixed hunting method…. As Kevin explained, he would like to try as “on foot” hunt as he can because he will not stay in a blind that much even though his body can’t take that much beating any more! I know you told me this November was a good time, but it may be too warm by then!!

[@fernandogonzalezc4627]

Sorry! It was @philMassaro in another great episode of #thebiggamehunterpodcast who said that waking and using your legs in Africa should be something you should do as much as you can, or while you can!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

I'm happy to help set up a hunt for you and your dad. Send me an email and we'll get things together for you guys!

[@MRRizwan8074]

Can you discuss 6.8 Western?

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Absolutely, that one is in the works!

[@williambuckley6128]

Do you hunt with leadfree ammo?

[@russellkeeling9712]

When comparing velocities of these rounds you used a 178 grain bullet for the .308 which is considered to heavy to reach bullet expansion speeds at any but shortest distances.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

I used Hornady ELD-X bullets as part of the comparison of all 3 cartridges, to include the 178gr ELD-X for the 308. Hornady advertises that 1,600fps is the minimum expansion velocity for that bullet. The 178gr ELD-X from the 308 is still going over 1,800fps all the way out past 500 yards, which easily covers shot distances for the vast majority of hunters.

[@coppertopv365]

I use 150gr mostly for Deer Hunting.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

Got a 18 inch ruger compact going to throw magpul stock on it so i can use ai mags my training load will be 150 eldx and hunting load will either be 139 interbond 139 gmx or 145 lrx

[@spookshilljoe7376]

All are great rounds, but If I was going for one I would choose the 7mm-08. I've owned all 3 and loved them all but 7mm is best all around of them.

[@mrdinme.4768]

Boy, you do cover each cal. end to end as promised, lol. Sub’d

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@quiquecruz6203]

For my, is best the 243w for heavy hunting, with bullet of 105 to 108 grains in rifle barrel 1-8 twist..!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Awesome! Was that a custom job with a fast twist barrel? And what specific bullets are you talking about?

[@quiquecruz6203]

With Sierra SMK of 107 grains for exemplo

[@jhuntley575]

Excellent presentation

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you liked it!

[@tjmaverick1765]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

You're welcome!