#10MinuteTalk

[@adamelam6385]

I remember when the hunting magazine writers got together to vote on the perfect whitetail cartridge and the 7mm-08 won. It’s an absolute sweetheart for whitetail.

[@noahhorinek]

I still think that honor goes to 25-06 or 257 Bob tbh. But I love the 7mm-08 almost as much

[@adamelam6385]

@@noahhorinek I think you can make a case for the 25/06 it’s excellent but the 7mm-08 is a short action which I’m sure was a big part of it. The 7mm-08 is definitely has a considerable edge over the .257 Roberts.

[@EatingWild]

​@@noahhorinek I would stick with the 7mm-08 my barrel will last three times longer

[@franklinfx]

Craig Bodingtons pic for #1 whitetail was the 270 win

[@Fulcrum205]

I have a 25-06. It's a good rifle but definitely not my favorite. It needs a lot of barrel length and has a noticeable amount of muzzle flash. Ammo choices are pretty limited and the 2 best loads, the Federal premium w/ 100gr ballistic tips and the Winchester 120gr PEP, were discontinued years back. In the thick bottomland I usually hunt I much prefer my Marlin Guide Gun or Remington Mdl 14. The 25-06 is just for open country

[@joatmon1857]

The 7mm family of cartridges are the most underrated in the whole gun world bar none. Could listen to this talk all day!!!

[@rpk5250]

If you want a great place to go look at the 7 mm family of cartridges check out desertdogoutdoors take on them

[@gatorflea2788]

It's not overlooked if you know you know !

[@nmelkhunter1]

I love the 7MM cartridges, but I don’t think they’re underrated.

[@dakotadickens3747]

It’s not over rated but it’s sitting in a spot where there are rounds on both sides that perform better at specific task. I know several life time users of 7mm rounds that have changed to 6.5 or 30 cal. 6mm etc. they once where more popular then they are now

[@nickb8618]

Yup! And the 7mm wsm is the best of the Winchester short mags bar none! Guys really missed the boat on that one. Unless ur shooting dangerous game I like my 7mm wsm way better than my 300 wsm any day of the week

[@PaulSHelms]

7mm-08 is hands down my favorite rifle cartridge for hunting. I’ve killed everything from porcupine to elk with mine out to 558 yards.

[@jamesm4028]

have you killed a black bear?

[@EatingWild]

@@jamesm4028 It'll be plenty for bear

[@stephencarmichael5156]

@@jamesm4028 Seen a TC Contender in 7x30 Waters take a bear no issues

[@Coconutscott]

I often see 7mm-08 on the shelves when almost everything else is cleaned out. Underrated.

[@ucanbobonthis]

a lot of people compensating for small units won't use a "youth" round. the magnum crowd get's offended when you say you don't need a magnum to kill a deer in the south.

[@jasonstone5987]

Where I live, only guns available are 6.5's. Everything else is sold out.

[@kirkmartin2223]

I'm seeing the same thing around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Every gun on the shelf is a 6.5cm and the only ammo you can find is for .243 and 7mm-08 or 7mag or other "typical" hunting rounds. I told my local gun shop owner that if he had a bolt action rifle chambered in anything OTHER THAN F¥

[@kirkmartin2223]

@CharlyRomeo2009 that is true. 7mm is going to be more expensive than 6.5mm if for no other reason than using more material to create.

[@kirkmartin2223]

@CharlyRomeo2009 i agreed with your statement that .264 projectiles are almost as expensive as .284 projectiles. I added that the increased cost of the larger bullets was because of the added amount of raw materials IF FOR NO OTHER REASON. I didn't say that 7mm cost more ONLY because they weigh more or that the amount of lead and copper is the only deciding factor on which sales price is dictated. Learning to read might have been taught in elementary school but reading comprehension is something that you either possess or don't.

[@missourimike5150]

7mm-08 is an awesome round.

[@mdp4656]

I love my 7mm-08. The most accurate hunting rifle I own and with scope is right at 7 lbs. Minimal recoil even with a light weight gun. I always tell people it's like putting 6.5 creed, 270 and 308 in a blender. Only downside, stock up on Ammo when it's available.

[@jimtim7693]

Like a .270, 6.5 and .308 combined I came to the same exact conclusion after finding a used rifle chambered in it and buying it out of curiosity then doing some research. Looks like everyone who owns one loves theirs.

[@SkyOutside]

I’ve pretty much come to terms that the only thing I’ll be putting through mine is Norma 150gr SP because it’s the only one I can find thst isn’t like 3 dollars a round

[@OTG414]

I’m glad people don’t know about the 7mm-08. Means I can still find brass and bullets.

[@mot0rhe4d40]

I heard that!! Having a hard time finding 30-30 online as of late. Yet still can find plenty of 08 options in stock.

[@MrOchiman007]

Lol nah I have one. Stocked up on 500 brass.

[@robertrich2492]

I got one and love it, 7mm08.

[@MrT13]

You can definitely still find 708. Walmart had it....

[@urinesoakedtroglodyte5764]

This didn’t age well

[@rickrcctx]

People want to buy according to 1000 yard BC and apply that to their hunts that are less then 300 yards.

[@MrT13]

Mostly 100 lol

[@MrT13]

Yea I’m sure but every state has forests. And that’s still where 90% of ppl hunt. I shoot long range stuff with a couple different things. But mostly when I’m hunting down here it’s all within 100.

[@robertrich2492]

Exactly.

[@MrJtin69]

Thank you

[@derekbeyers8804]

Exactly!

[@Mrjordskie12]

Here in New Zealand. The 7mm08 would have to be one of the most popular calibers around. Does everything well.

[@kieranh2005]

And according to the JBM ballistic calculator, 7mm08 with a 120g ballistic tip shoots as flat as a .270 out to any reasonable range and has enough velocity to mushroom the bullet out to 400m My mates .25-06 with 115-117gr pills smacks the big tussock country reds down as well as my 270 with 130gr, so a lighter projectile is no problem there.

[@MWRoseberry]

I have run and will always run 7mm in competition. I have both the 7mm-08 and a 7mm rem mag. Your video didn't do either cartridge justice. The advantages occur at the higher bullet weights were BC is increased. I run a 162gr at 2780fps and a 180gr out of the rem mag at 2980 in the lower accuracy node and 3225fps at the higher node. At those bullet weights and velocities those buck the wind better than the 6.5CM which is the reason to run a 7mm

[@nickb8618]

Best of both worlds 7mm wsm. Getting a short action 7mm with 3250fps with a 140gr. Man did guys shit the bed on not buying the 7mm wsm and recoils less than the rem mag

[@chasenun5939]

YES!!! I was screaming the point of the 7mm mag was to shoot heavy bullets around 3k fps.

[@realblakrawb]

That's why they call it the 6.5 mememore

[@blackie1of4]

@@realblakrawb love this comment! Honestly... I've purchased three new rifles this past year... and not one was a 6.5. Why? Cause everyone has one and claims if you don't you're not ANYONE. The 7mm-08 Remington is by far superior to the 243 Winchester as far as hunting whitetail. However... somehow certain gun writers painted the 7mm-08 into the corner as youth/lady hunter choice. I don't get it at all

[@Nick-sx6jm]

Yeah gonna have to call bs on a 180 gr going 3225 out of a rem mag. That would be a hot load out of a 28 nosler.

[@mrstangthang98]

I have a 7mm-08 and a 7mm rem mag. I absolutely love the 7mm-08. It’s a smaller rifle, super nice to shoot and I dropped a big 6x6 bull with it at 350 yards this last year as well as prong horn at 400 yards. Both shots felt like chip shots. I honestly can’t recommend that caliber enough.

[@896CBR]

Thanks guys! .280AI would be cool to hear more about, 20 min talks are great

[@nmelkhunter1]

Yes, yes and yes.

[@mikecabra943]

I have a Remington k s mountain rifle in 280 rem. It is a tack driver with factory ammo! I want a 280 ai . If I have it reamed to the Ai is there a chance it will affect the accuracy?

[@barrychouinard4019]

@@mikecabra943 not in my experience Mike. I've improved the 280, 30 06, 257 Rob, and had a 250-3000 AI made on a new barrel. It's my feeling the only way it ruins your accuracy is if the smith does a really poor job. Before anyone jumps down my throat for doing so with very little benefit, certainly it can be argued on some, like the 06, yes, very small velocity gain. Others, like the 250 AI, pretty significant improvement, and all have the sharp shoulder and don't tend to stretch as much. I mostly like to try different things, it's educational, fun. Don't regret any of them.

[@ryanwelch2177]

My grandpa has the 280AI you can shoot that gun 1200 yards at an elk if the conditions are right

[@adamjones7176]

Great cartridge.

[@stevepoetzl6689]

My favorite is my 7X57 mm. Shot it for 55 years. A great efficient North American game cartridge.

[@blueduck9409]

The 7x57mm is a fantastic cartridge. I think its very underrated, and much over looked. Flat shooting too. Its much flatter than most others. Its killed a thousand elefants in africa.

[@kencleg7721]

Most of my gun smiths have 7 x 57 as a hunting rifle

[@tomcurran8470]

Kills those pachyderms!

[@lowcountryrob170]

I just listened to this after listening to the 10 minute talk on the 7 PRC. It’s interesting how much things change in 2 years. It’s nice to be able to go back and listen and compare. Thank you.

[@jessiegearns3678]

Love my 7mm08. Been using it for years on whitetail and it has never let me down. Longest ranged @ 385 yards. Browning A-bolt.

[@davidspring5149]

Just like you I have one, I love it, it’s put a lot of food on the table. But I really think that’s the thing with this cartridge: it’s a fantastic hunting round that doesn’t get the attention of many target shooters. Since target shooters buy more of everything, that’s what the industry supports.

[@bobneal790]

The 7mm-08 drops deer and pigs with AUTHORITY!!!!! In fact, out to 400 meters it is absolutely ethical for elk and the smaller bears. The 7mm-08 gets it done and will minimal recoil. You’d be hard pressed to find a better all around “general duty” cartridge for hunting any game animal in the lower 48 states at reasonable hunting distances. Although the 270 WSM is better at doing everything better than the 7mm-08 it is more expensive and has twice the recoil.

[@dawsonbarber3768]

Shot moose with 7mm 08 dropped in its tracks

[@MrT13]

I agree. Lots of ppl use 708 in Florida. Very good balance. 243 for head. 708 for body. Up to say griz or Moose. And there aren’t many of those around lol.

[@allenlarabie8854]

@@dawsonbarber3768 best all round rifle. Excellent for big game.

[@Me2Lancer]

7mm 08 is underrated. For a great overall hunting cartridge 7mm 08 is hard to beat! It is more efficient that a 7mm Rem Mag. I care about function, not fads.

[@nathanlambshead4778]

@@MrT13 Disagree, A 100 grn 243 has great sectional density for through-and-through body shots on deer, antelope, sheep, etc. And moose are taken with it up this way also. I prefer a 30 cal for moose, but that does not mean it won't do it effectively.

[@caseymonsen3535]

280 Remington represents a similar efficiency standard to the 7mm-08. Extremely balanced cartridge in standard long action rifles. The 280 Remington didn't take off for a lot of reasons, but it might be the most underrated cartridge of all time. Would love to hear these guys talk about it. Similar things could be said of the 284 Winchester.

[@donswazy]

I agree on both. .280 Remington is incredible and somewhat long forgotten. Even further forgotten is the .284 Winchester.

[@cjr4497]

.280 Remington is my favorite of all time. It needs more publicity.

[@tomcurran8470]

280-Ackley Improved is the most efficient 7mm cartridge.

[@Spruce-Bug]

@@tomcurran8470 Isn't the 7mm PRC quite efficient as well?

[@randallwhite9015]

7mm-08 is all I use" had 280" loved it as well. Just love short action. 400yd's and in is where I hunt" most of the time inside 200yds.

[@georgecruz6226]

Love the these talks guys! 7mag and 7mm-08 are both fantastic rounds!

[@dillonharriger369]

Might as well do a ten-minute talk on the 7mm Mauser!! Great cartridge.

[@Spruce-Bug]

Aucklanders say "i'll have a soy latte and a Tikka T3 Lite 7mm-08 please!"

[@tonydevich7937]

I love mine

[@michaelswiney8790]

I think the 7-08 would be the perfect mountain rifle

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

Indeed it is ! In fact , every manufacturer that has a compact “ mountain rifle “ in its lineup will have the 7mm-08 as a chambering option .

[@MrJtin69]

I have the tikka t3x compact 20 inch barrel some handy mountain rifle fulled kitted out and loaded is 7 lbs 10 oz

[@franklinfx]

I had the rem 700 lss mountian rifle in 708 years ago ...helluva a gun but I like my howas more

[@mcinnis79]

7mm-08 AI is a demon boys!

[@gtxhunter]

It is 6lb8oz 22” proof barrel love it

[@TXLorenzo]

A Tikka in lightweight stainless in 7mm08 is probably one of the best practical hunting rifles out there.

[@VortexNation]

Certainly!

[@lessforloans]

only thing to make it better is a cerakote and paint job of your own.

[@TXLorenzo]

@@lessforloans Yep, the basic stock is pretty plain, maybe one of those fancy vinyl skin jobs. lol.

[@lessforloans]

@@TXLorenzo do you have that rifle? I think that’s what I’ll be getting soon for my 7-08 choice. Where’s a good ammo supply if you do have it and is it a shooter?

[@TXLorenzo]

@@lessforloans Yes, I have it and it is a shooter, less than an inch at a hundred. There is ammo online without too much problem. You can also reload from 308 brass.

[@jamesmcdermott7642]

7mm08 is a great round. Plenty of power without much recoil love mine.

[@chuckydubree1925]

Just bought one may deer hunt with it this season hear alot of great information on it

[@wyomtnhippie]

Love my 7-08! And yes you can go into small town Wyoming and find a box of ammo, granted its the Core-Lokts, its still found on the shelves in Wyoming!

[@tristanmack5779]

110%! I live in Wyoming and that statement is very true. Best part about it? So far those seem to be the best shooting, hardest hitting rounds I've put through my gun. Currently reloading 150gr Hornady ELD-X's, but if I have to grab a box of factory ammo for a hunt I would always choose Core-Lokts 💯 my Savage 7mm-08 loves them and so do I!

[@markbartlett6287]

When my then twelve-year-old daughter wanted to come elk hunting with her dad, uncle and grandpa, I did a ton of research to find a cartridge that would be effective, yet not make her flinch. I settled on the 7mm-08 for a lot of the virtues the guys talk about here. Indeed, she was able to put a couple boxes through it at the range without major discomfort or flinching. She really enjoyed shooting it, though not as much as my AK-47. Alas, in the two years she hunted with us she never had the opportunity to take an elk, so we didn't get to see its effectiveness in action, but it was a fantastic bonding experience.

[@VortexNation]

What a great story! Glad to hear she enjoyed it! Keep us posted when she goes hunting! Would love to hear about it 🤜🤛

[@wileytw55]

When my two sons got old enough to hunt I did the research also and settled on the 7-08. Both shot their first deer with them, and the oldest shot his first bull elk when he was 13 with the 7-08. I was so impressed with the cartridge that I bought one myself. I've hunted with an '06 forever, but have to say I like shooting that 7-08, and it's a lighter gun to carry also. Haven't shot an elk with it, but several deer.

[@jakedawgwhite88]

Love My 7mm-08! can easily make brass from plentiful 308 brass, lots of 7mm bullets have been a good deal in past years. Fits my niche perfectly.

[@denisleblanc4506]

I got my 7mm-08 because I wanted a light bolt action rifle that wouldn't beat me too much. Still a fairly new cartridge at the time. Imagine my shock when I started shooting it and was getting 2-3 inch groups from the only load available at the time by Remington. I got a chance to reload for it cheaply and soon had worked up load that would shoot around 1 moa. Since then, most ammunition manufacturers have loads for it and they are very good. Even the Remington load shoots MOA in my rifle now. It soon got a reputation as a youth or women caliber but don't tell that to the game I shot with it. From deer to moose, I never fired more than one shot. I did reload 160 grain bullets for moose though. My rifle shoots the 140 Hornady Superformance SST's under an inch so I'm set for deer. However I wish there would be more choice in heavier, tougher bullets for moose from the factory. Maybe an Accubond LR or Barnes LRX in 150 or 155. It would be all I need for my type of hunting. Remington dropped their fantastic 154 grain load when the short magnum graze hit. Hornady makes very good bullets in this range too but don't load them in the 7mm-08. Why not? You have lots of people shooting elk with 6.5 Creed because they have the right loads for it. If manufacturers gave hunters better variety of 7mm-08 loads, more people would buy them or should buy them. If less recoil is great for the 6.5 why can't it be good in 7mm-08? With the 7mm-08 and heavier bullets it would allow them to hunt bigger game than 6.5 Creed.

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

Try the wheeler scope mount kit. Lap the rings, use the bubble levels. 2 passes down barrel with brass brush. Clean patch then bore cleaner. Let sit 5 to 10 min. 4 to 5 dry patches then 2 to 3 drops of barrel oil. 1 pass. Then 3 dry patches. Go to range with a bore rope. Every 5 shots pull it down barrel. On scope rings and mounts 1 drop of loc tight medium strength. Get torque specs equal. On scope rings also use feeler guages to try and make all 4 sides equal. You should be 2.5 inch groups all most any ammo. Fine tune weights from there. Let me know from there.

[@brentbusick2245]

.284” is my favorite caliber as a reloader with lots of bullet choices. 280 Rem n 7mm-08 are my 2 favorites but I think my next one will be a 280 AI.

[@johnmorganjr769]

💯 assessment 💯

[@chadmcmullen4064]

Two years ago, bought my son a 7mm-08 youth Savage Trophy Hunter XP, which shot fantastically, right out of the box - softball-size groups at 200yds with reduced recoil loads. Pretty damn good for a 12 year old kid. So I bought myself one too (though adult-size), also in 7mm-08. Now he's bigger and shooting full-power ammo. I've been very happy with the arrangement, and the handloads I've worked up shoot equally well out of his 20-inch barrel or my 22-inch barrel. He DRT smoked a nice blacktail buck at just under 200 yds last October. There's a good son - you make your dad proud.

[@cpreit8862]

Should of bought a tikka their tac drivers my 13 year old son shot a 3 inch group at 500 yards today with hornady sst 139 gr factory ammo. 7mm-08 20 inch barrel. But gotta love the kids getting out and hunting. It's always awesome to watch them bag a deer. Good job

[@chadmcmullen4064]

​@@cpreit8862I spent $500 on the rig. I'm satisfied with the cost-accuracy ratio -- no 500yd shooting here in western WA.

[@uke4382]

Never had to shoot twice with my 7mm-08. By far my favorite gun I use.

[@MarAgt]

Truth!

[@mikehenry7018]

Same here. Deer drop like rocks, just like they've been hit with an '06. But I can sure feel the difference on my end...

[@christianspain3015]

Ryan is a wealth of knowledge on these discussions. I really enjoy listening to him.

[@clydeowens8014]

6.5x55 Swede. One of my favorite cartridges I’ve owned. Hand loading in a modern action.

[@timeverett7828]

Incredible results with heavy 150gr plus bullets... Something 6.5 creedmore can't do. Superior feeding in adverse conditions and superior barrel life at much lower pressures for the SWEDE!

[@toddjohnson271]

A moose killing round that literally children can shoot.

[@vanesagiselamartinez]

Prefiero el 7 pero no tengo ninguno ya que no me gusta el Magnum, a 6.5, no se ofendan vivo en Argentina donde no hay mucho donde elegir, podría haberlo recargado con las vainas argentinas de 7.65, sin embargo descubrí el 270 y no lo echo de menos en absoluto, si necesito algo más ligero salte a mi 25/06, es de un solo diámetro, la disponibilidad de Caja Económica es tan importante como las balas

[@2017Toy]

I've watched this same video five or six times I love to hear people talking about the 7mm08 hands down this is definitely my favorite caliber for whitetail deer

[@ryanreber4999]

I have a Browning A bolt in 7mm08. I love the A bolt and the 7mm08 round is awesome! I handload Hornady 154 grain sst with varget powder and this combo shoots half inch groups all day long! Great video by the way!

[@eddiewindom1407]

Same here. Bought mine in '95 after having a .270. Best deer gun I ever owned as it was quite suitable as a 'brush gun' with the shorter barrel (and short action) but could also do long-distance field shots my old .270 seemed to only be good for.

[@kariking171]

👍

[@billpeirce7127]

7mm mag is awesome. Love mine. Baught when I was 18 and now 51. Still is the best long range hunting rifle. 6.5 or smaller bullets should stick to target shooting!!!

[@billpeirce7127]

No.

[@dillonleverette307]

I think tens of thousands of dead moose from the Scandinavian countries might agree! If 6.5x55 hadn’t been allowed to shoot them they would’ve had a longer life. Lol

[@DrLuigiPhd]

If they would have called it the 7 creedmoor it would be a favorite lol

[@bitmastermac]

You’re right!

[@gabrielwest7370]

Bought a 7mm-08 Wetherby Vangaurd for my son. It’s now my favorite rifle.

[@Dr_Xyzt]

You folks have done a nice series on appreciating older rounds. Thank you!

[@boxerdog2311]

My 13 year old son shot his first deer and a bull moose with his xbolt 7mm08 140gr bullet, 7mm08 is a great accurate round

[@kathywilson3107]

Excellent choice for your youngster, well done

[@SpheresOfMadness85]

I would love to see a dedicated .270 win 10 minute talk with y'all 😀

[@5000rgb]

@CharlyRomeo2009 I agree! The main thing the 6.5 Creedmoor has going for it is the factory support. It's a fine cartridge but the main advantage is the throat is cut for longer bullets and the twist rates are appropriate. If the .270 had the support (I don't think match ammo is available in the real world) more people would realize how great it is. Unless you want to step up to ridiculous magnum cartridges there's nothing that shoots flatter and hits as hard or hits harder and shoots flatter, at least not by a significant margin. The biggest downside of the .270 is that you have no reason to buy other rifles.

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

Yep, .270 is an excellent cartridge. I have a 7mm rem mag and like it. But if I was to buy or reccomend one caliber to someone .270 would be probly number 1 or 2.

[@Chris-D9]

I'm just glad you said Win...I try to talk about my .270 weatherby to some amateurs and they think they're shooting the same thing outta their .270 win...and of course theres the wsm, 6.8 and nosler

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

Seems like 270 doesn't have best factory loads. I have a Tikka that's deadly accurate.

[@Asianredneckwoman]

@@chickenfishhybrid44 for someone who only wants 1 rifle here in MT I'd recommend the 7mm rem mag 1st and 2nd choice would be a 270 win.

[@emerylaprade9453]

Bought a mossberg patriot in 7mm- 08 and love it. Thank you for this talk- definitely influenced my choice in chambering

[@christopherhiher5783]

I think we need to hear a 10 minute talk of Ryan doing 7mm rem mag.

[@ShootingAndReloading]

Another great 10 minute talk guys :) With regard to the comment at 20:20 from Ryan on not being able to break 4000 fps with the .204 Ruger, I've found it easy and well below any pressure signs with a 32 grain Sierra over an undisclosed (but compressed) charge of IMR 4895 through a CZ 527 Varmint with a 24" barrel. An absolute laser for short range varminting. Mine, zeroed for 200 yards has a POI never more than 1" from POA between 25 and 235 yards. Wind drift is nothing like as bad as you would think either. I moved from using a .17 HMR to the .204 Ruger, but not because of the longer range issues you mention with the HMR, but because of its short range issues with fox (in the UK). The .17 HMR is travelling so quickly (compared to bullet construction) at short range that the bullet just explodes on the skin rather than penetrating for a clean kill. The HMR was actually better behaved on fox beyond 80 yards where the velocity slowed to permit penetration. In any case, the .204 is obviously ballistically superior in every way, if more expensive to feed. Keep up the good work :)

[@tostacey1]

Love my 7mm08! Get shit for it sometimes but it was the best selling cartridge in New Zealand for years.

[@kieranh2005]

G'day, fellow Kiwi here. I hunt with a .270, but I highly rate the 7mm08 and have considered one. It's a rare day when I'm shooting outside 300m, and the 7-08 will do everything that the .270 will do inside 300m.

[@averageoutdoorsmannz2015]

@@kieranh2005 Yep I mainly hunt down in Canterbury with 7mm08, red and fallow out to 350yards so far and gongs to 650 without a dial scope. Find 270 is a lot of recoil and action length for basically the same thing.

[@BigRedPower59]

I have to agree. The 7-08 is a very under appreciated cartridge. I purchased my first one simply because it was a youth model rifle. I wanted something that was light, fast handling, low recoil and still had the ability to handle 140+ grain projectiles. I wanted something that was easy to get into and out of trucks and tractors that would cover me for anything from skunks and badgers to coyotes and up to deer and pronghorn (I live in Colorado). The 7-08 ticks all of the boxes. If you’re reading this and you’re on the fence about investing in a 7-08, have no fear. It’s a great cartridge. If it has any drawback, it’s the scant availability of factory ammo. If you’re already set up to reload, you will have a great selection of powders and bullet weights with which to customize a load to best fit your needs. Current (2021) situation not withstanding.

[@kirkmartin2223]

7mm-08 is the 6.5 Needmoors mean older brother that just got out of juvenile detention and wants his room back!

[@patleddy6837]

Sprayed coffee out my nose when I read this one. Thanks

[@kirkmartin2223]

@@patleddy6837 I do what I can

[@danietkissenle]

i bet grandpa mauser and grandma swede are going to get involved and slap the 2 into shape

[@cityslacker6221]

I have shot the 7mm-08 for the last 30 years. I switched from the 7mm Mag I shot as a teenager. I shot the 7 along with a .308 for years and only shoot the 7-08 anymore. My favorite favorite cartridge. Nice talk!

[@ryno07962]

I think the 7mm-08 is a great balance of good ballistics, knock down power, light recoil, and is overall a joy to shoot. It really makes for a great general purpose rifle round. With a 150gr ELD-X its is well over supersonic past 1000m and has over 1000ft-lbs out to almost 700m and I can shoot it all day without a problem.

[@Kross8761]

The more important velocity number is when it drops below the bullet's expansion threshold. ELD-X has a lower velocity limit of about 1800-1600fps (it varies bit between calibers but they're all roughly good down to that) once you drop below that velocity then you're going to lack expansion in a serious way. Supersonic is great, but the distance you really need to dial in is that minimum velocity threshold (just spit balling, I'd guess the 7-08 ELD-X you mentioned will expand reliably out to about 650-ish yards. Still nothing to sneeze at, but beyond that your bullet is going to behave more like an FMJ than a hunting round. I love the 7's, I have a 7-08, and a .280AI and they do different things. I tend to load the 7-08 lighter and use it at shorter ranges with something like a 140TTSX out to about 300yds (it will perform farther) but if I want to poke out farther I go with my 280ackley loaded with a 175 ELD-X and I've even got great results with the 180 ELD-M as long as I make sure not to use it too close, beyond 400yds it's traveling slow enough that it holds together well, and will reliably expand at even lower velocities than the ELD-X because it's a thinner jacketed bullet. You just have to take your bullet's velocity threshold into account, don't push a bullet too fast or try to reach too far and you'll have no problems. My general rule of thumb for velocities with certain projectiles is coppers (TTSX, CX, GMX) work best between 3600-2200fps, heavier "hunting" tipped bullets (ELD-X, Corelokt tipped, ABLR) work best between 2900-1800fps and "match" tipped bullets work best between 2400-1400fps (don't push the match bullets too fast and they work extremely well, but they will come apart if they're going too fast, you'll have a hellacious wound cavity, but you might be lacking in penetration) I wish you lots of luck and hope for all of your shots be be perfectly on target.

[@darrylpacholko5495]

I have both 7,s. The Rem magnum is a Moose, Elk gun. The 08 is a deer, pronghorn gun . My effective range is max 450 yards and I wouldn't shoot Moose or Elk with the 08 at that range. Not enough energy left at 450. The 08 is max a 300 yard Moose and Elk cartridge. That's why if I had to have one gun for everything it would be the 7 rem magnum.

[@alecmillard8546]

I own a a Howa 1500 in 7mm-08. Absolute tac driver and is a very underrated cartridge.

[@averageoutdoorsmannz2015]

Underrated guns as well, they have become bloody popular over here in New Zealand as affordable, accurate rifles.

[@beardedbjorn5520]

Howa are THE most popular rifle brand here in Australia. I currently own two and have had quite a few more over the years. I just wish they’d come with a better stock.

[@patchitwood7428]

I have had a 7mm-08 for 2 years. I love it. My son and I have used it to take 5 deer. It shoots accurately, has manageable recoil, hits hard, and is fun to shoot. I wanted his first rifle to be manageable yet last him through adulthood. The 7mm-08 has fit the bill. Also, in my state of Kentucky, there is a .270 caliber minimum for elk. In the unlikely event he gets drawn, this regulation took smaller calibers off of the table.

[@MooseHuntPodcast]

7mm-08 has become my favorite round. It is far from a watered down/youth/weak round.

[@blackie1of4]

My favorite cartridge ❤️

[@MattDonkin430]

I love my AR-10 in 7mm-08, have a couple good bolt guns in it as well, Tikka T3 and a Bergara Premier Approach (they don't chamber in 7mm-08 anymore) and the Approach is a tack driver... I do want to grab a 7mm PRC for long range though. I hand load so it's a lot easier to make good 7mm-08 than find it.

[@shawnbrandon778]

Be cool to see a talk on 280 rem. It's such an underrated cartridge

[@nmelkhunter1]

And usually under used.

[@tomcurran8470]

They did cover 280-Ackley Improved, which is a 280 Remington "improved."

[@stevepuyear2738]

The 7mm08 really shines with the new powders and bullets available. This cartridge with a 24" barrel is a really great cartridge. Most gun manufacturers hamstring the short action cases with 20"-22" barrels. When men were men and could carry a +7.5lb rifle without severe exhaustion 24" barrels were a minimum on most everything. Now that men get pedicures and throw their hair up in a bun before heading to the woods, anything over 22" is just too strenuous to lug around for an hour after sun up, when they must vacate the woods to get a latte and a wifi hotspot.

[@Cannotfindit]

This spot sounds great 😏

[@joshuamagill4342]

You should totally do a video on the 204 and 17 rem. Also the 270 would be cool. Thanks!

[@ckrakra2954]

I think timing had alot to do with 7/08 being overlooked. It came out commercially in 1980 most guys getting the first rifle for deer then had a dad or uncle or someone close that had either been in vietnam, korea or ww2. We had success with 30 caliber stuff then switched to a 556 and not many nam vets I've heard of spoke highly of 556 or 223 so we had this culture of 30 caliber being the best and we inherited that mindset. Hunting is something we tend to pass down and with that we pass down our cartridge bias too. I just recently got a 7/08 I love it. I've found my forever whitetail cartridge. I am a 30 cal convert dad uncle grandad and until recently myself all were either 30-06 hunters or 308. Maybe not the case everytime but something to consider.

[@romeolima5339]

7mm-08 I bought for my kids to hunt with. Best dang deer gun ever with 120gr bullets. I swear to you, it drops deer faster than my 30-06. With 150gr. I believe it has to do with the cross-sectional density, velocity, and jacket thickness. Those three things are perfectly blended in a 7mm-08 for the purpose of hydrostatic shock energy transfer. 👏 However, I love my Ruger #1 30-06 that rifle has a MOA group capability of .30, although me now being 60, I can't shoot a 100 yard 1 hole group anymore. But at one time I had to prove That I was putting them in the same hole. By calling an extra shot to stretch the hole by half the bullet diameter to 3 O'clock. I have never taken the Leupold vari-X 2 off that rifle. With 1/4 inch clicks, you just don't get the cross hairs to settle on dead center like that. EVER!

[@chrisnegenman]

Can you boys discuss the PRC projectiles? Enjoy the “10 minute” talks lol. I own many Calibers and have been pondering purchasing 6.5prc & 300prc. Thanks

[@neilbaker7679]

With regard to 7mm calibres, you overlooked the popularity of the 7mm’s in F-Class. 7saum and 7wsm are well represented, but the .284Win has made something of a comeback, particularly with 180grn bullets (Berger Hybrids, specifically) I would say that 15 years ago, the .284Win was pretty much a dead cartridge. Now you will see several on the firing line of a 1000/1200yd F-Class competition. There is more in the shooting world than just hunting and PRS. Widen your field of view, guys! I have a 7mm-08Rem and I absolutely love it. I shot the barrel out, I shot it so much. When it came time to rebarrel it (Rem 700 short action) I could have chosen pretty much any short action cartridge with a .308 bolt face. I put another 7mm-08Rem barrel on it without hesitation. Keep these cartridge talks coming, they’re great! What does it matter if they go over by 10min or so?

[@jacksonwheywood15]

I shoot a 7 rem mag. I absolutely adore it. Im a heavier guy my forst hunting rofle was a .270 from there a .308 and a 30-06 and now im on my third 7 rem mag. I believe in it 100% with an accurate shot to kill anything on gods green earth out to 600

[@gregalt696]

Love my 7mm-08. Great round. Laid down plenty of game with it.

[@bfdadventure]

Wow! The 41% more powder in a 7 mag for only 9% more velocity over the 708...That’s a stunning discovery!

[@barrychouinard4019]

Said another way, you've got $0.05 less powder in a 7 08 than a 7 RM, and lost 250 fps. I'll take the 250 fps for a nickel.

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

The case is huge, no surprise. Now compare 150 and heavier projectiles, he picked 140 for a reason.

[@WayStedYou]

@@barrychouinard4019 barrel wear?

[@mdixon26288]

Who shoots 140 grain bullets in Rem mag? He obviously hates 7 rem mag for some reason. 7 rem mag shines in 160-175 grain loads. Notice he didn't compare those...

[@bfdadventure]

@@mdixon26288 Lies, damned lies, and statistics. Lol 7-08 is no 7 Rem Mag!

[@landonhinz1993]

Would love to hear about the nosler family of cartridges, in particular the 26 and 28. And also the weatherby cartridges. Also the 280ai would be a great choice

[@bradyotter6385]

Could you do an episode on the .300 savage? Thanks

[@stevenherring2447]

Awesome podcast and video guys. I am from central kansas and it is open farm land and we have large body deer and take long shots. My favorite rifle is my remington 700 in 7mm magnum. 7mm-08 has been on my radar for several years and now I think its time to buy one because that magnum does get heavy by the end of the day.

[@MrDanthemanstan]

Randy Newberg uses a 7mm-08, that's where I first heard about it.

[@robertrich2492]

He said it is a great cal. even elk and black bear.

[@creedbleed8848]

Excellent discussion. Bought a 7mm-08 last year and absolutely love it. Experimented with reloading and my pet round is a Sierra 140 GK over 42.2 grains of varget. Devastating on whitetails. If I were to pursue something larger like elk, I would probably experiment with a heavier bullet like a 150 Nosler accubond or 150 Swift scirroco. I have total confidence that either of those bullets, properly placed, would do the job.

[@harles255]

With autumn fast approaching, AR-15 hunting cartridges would be awesome to cover. 6.8 SPC, 6.5 Grendel, 350 Legend, 450 Bushmaster, 25-45 Sharps, 7.62x39, etc.... What do you think?

[@chateroakfirearmschannel2137]

6.5 Grendel

[@dakotadickens3747]

25-45 sharps are wicked

[@nathanadams1332]

We load my 7mm 08 at 150 Barnes ttx solid copper ballistic tipped rounds at 2800fps. Fantastic deer rifle, massive stopping round for mules and effective up to 300ish round for elk. I wouldn't shoot past 300 for elk but the solid copper Barnes ttx rounds are by far the most effective hunting ammo that we have tried.

[@Mach1daddy]

Would love to see you guys talk about the 7saum. Best cartridge nobody owns.

[@Rushshooting67913]

With the new Winchester StaBall 6.5 powder the 7mm08 is a rocket. 120gr bullets at 3200, 140s at 3000fps plus, 150 at 2910fps, 165 Sierra game changers at 2800. I’ll stick with my little 7mm. My son shot a buck this year with the 120 ttsx at 3200fps and the deer looked to have lifted off the ground and collapsed. Love it.

[@snoprojoe]

280 Remington and 280 AI!

[@fjb4932]

7mm Rem Express ...

[@Eye_Guard]

In this video one mentions the 8mm Rem Mag. It's a "lead balloon" needing a 10-15 minute talk. I'm enjoying these videos, thank you.

[@MrHuntfishdive]

I’d love to hear more on .17s and maybe the 6.5 grendel

[@jacksonlangford8361]

I have been hand loading Barnes X bullets in my 7mm08 since they became available for hand loading many years ago. I have tested several powders and bullet weights I load 120 grain and 100 grain Barnes X exclusively for whitetails always get complete pass thrus with Barnes X bullets you can shoot lighter weight bullets because they retain there weight they don't blow apart. I have been hand loaded for 40 years and I think Barnes makes the best bullets for all applications. Thanks for the great podcasts! 7mmo8 is favorite cartridge along with the 243 win.

[@darrylpacholko5495]

I have a 7mm08 and a 7 Remington mag. I consider the 08 a do all cartridge for everything to ethical distances. 300 yard Moose and Elk cartridge, 500 yard deer cartridge. I wouldn't shoot beyond that 500 yard zone. The big 7 gives me out to 500 on the Moose and Elk, with great bullet selection over the 08. I would like to hear your thoughts on the new 6.8 western, will it thrive and survive. Seems like an odd time to roll out a new cartridge, could be it's death nell.

[@Mpeterson1286]

I have a Savage 110 Scout in 7mm-08 that I got when I was a kid. Light, handy rifle. Fixed power scout scope. Zeroed 1" high at 100 yards and sub-MOA accuracy means i can take a dead hold on a deer anywhere from 30 yards to 300 yards and make a good hit. I've never once had to track one. Excellent north American hunting load.

[@Eggomania86]

I definitely think the 7mm's are underrated. The 6.5's have the competition world, the 30's have a military background. D.W Karamojo Bell's go to rifle was a .275 Rigby which is a 7x57mm Mauser. Karamojo bell was an ivory hunter. One of Jack O'Connor's favorite cartridges was the 7x57mm. The 7mm-08 IS everything 7x57mm Should be. 7mm-08 is a legacy of Paul Mauser. I also think why 7mm-08 isn't that popular is because of marketing. Gun writers don't get paid for telling the Truth. They get paid to convince you to buy shit! The reason why I have respect for Jack O'Connor is because he wasn't afraid to step on the toes of advertisers and manufacturers. He also was a pragmatist. In my opinion 7mm-08 IS a superior cartridge to the 6.5 Creedmoor. You load 7mm-08 with 160gr high bc bullets it's going to perform better than the Creedmoor.

[@peterray5935]

I recently picked up a sweet little Rem 700 Mountain Rifle in 7mm-08. It has quickly become one of my all time favourite rifles.

[@bobkat1663]

IF , you are a hand loader, the 7mm-08 is hard to beat.

[@tbuelter6596]

Love this round - been shooting since 1984 - love speed and "flatness" - thanks for more of the insight on the round

[@kosmicsurfer7886]

I've killed at least 60 deer & one black bear with my 7MM-08. All were easy recoveries; most dropped in their tracks as if they'd been hit by lightning.

[@jdonnelly46]

Love my 7-08 . I own a Tikka 7-08 and it shoots great . Shot them all and this cartridge is the best of the best

[@205jab4]

Its been doing what the 6.5 creedmoor for more yrs and better.

[@willo7734]

the 7mm-08 has become one of my all time favorite cartridges in recent years. It just hits a sweet spot for power, velocity and efficiency that I really love. I started looking into the 7mm SAW and will probably get a barrel at some point. I like tinkering and squeezing whatever extra efficiency I can get and 7mm just scratches that itch.

[@charlesgutzwiller3353]

My 10 year old son my wife shoot 7mm08 I shoot 7mm08ai love 7mm08 we have taken lots of hogs,deer

[@tylarhaugan7908]

Love me the 7mm08 ai

[@michaelkaran7244]

Good talk guys. Absolutely love the spec and tech stuff , super interesting to listen to and not just read. My initial introduction to the 7mm -08rem was awkward to be honest. Short version, bought a bunch of floor raffle tickets for a 30-06 so I could retire my A3-03. I won but was handed a 7mm-08 wtf. I made the adjustment about 12 years ago and there has been less waste and more meat in my freezer since. Big medicine for whitetail. My 08 rides a Boyd's Prairie and wears Sig glass. Sweetheart.

[@kayfrancisco7795]

280 AI and 7mm 08 are 2 of my favorite cartridges

[@johnkaraphillis754]

They are my two primary hunting rifles. X-Bolt in the ‘08 and Christensen in the .280 AI. Hand load and get great results! Great choices

[@VitoBb1978]

Guys loved this discussion on the 7MM-08 Remington, i am a huge fan of the 7MM. Ive owned a Weatherby Vanguard series 1 in 7MM Rem Mag for 30 years, iam not a hunter but the 160 Gr TMK’s & the 168 GR BTHP MK’s make the 7MM Rem a long distance player.

[@robertrich2492]

7mm08 great caliber. Out performs many similar cal. and low recoil. I love my 308 and 7mm08. People can keep hunting with their shoulder busters.

[@robertrich2492]

You are exactly right. I own both also. Great, practical caliber.

[@matthewknight1910]

Which one would you prefer out of the two?

[@robertrich2492]

308 easy to load with a variety of grains. To me the 7mm08 is a pleasure to shoot with low recoil but is called the BABY 270 due to ballistics.

[@robertrich2492]

@@matthewknight1910 7mm08 is fun to shoot with a 20'' -22'' barrel. You can neck down 308 brass to 7mm08. 308 is good as well at moderate range 300yds. but does have a little more recoil.

[@matthewknight1910]

@@robertrich2492 thanks 👍🏼

[@bryantitus6634]

I feel that once you hit .270/6.8 or 7mm, you start to reach into a different realm of actual wounding and better blood trails on deer than loads under it. And the 7mm08 is a fantastic deer load that is realistically ballistically superior to a .308 in nearly every way. A .308 is pretty much limited to 165gr projectiles before you start to cut into powder capacity. 140gr 7mm bullets compare closer to 165gr .30s than 150s that are closer in SD to the 120gr options. And the 150gr loads in the 7mm08 run within 80fps of the .308 with same weight projectiles but perform very close to how 180s in .30 cal would with like construction while providing both higher muzzle velocities and better BCs while not being at the detriment of considerably smaller frontal area that starts to actually noticably reduce wounding capacity. And actually, even in the factory loaded cup and core entry level options, the BC of the .30 cal loads in the same lines are considerably less than the 7mm, and typically before 100 yards the 7mm not only surpasses the retained velocities of the 308 but actually surpasses retained energy, and rapidly does the same to the same projectiles in a .30-06. Even in 'budget' cup and core ammo, it gives you better long range potential than even the 30-06, while having only about 2/3 the recoil, and inside 200 yards they will kill everything they are pointed at just as dead. And I think that's actually the merit that made the 7mm Rem Mag made the most sense at the time of it's inception. There was far less in the means of high BC hunting bullets at the time and the 7mm offered increased frontal area over the existing 6.5s while giving still high BC while allowing far higher muzzle velocities. The recent push of the last couple decades to provide ultra high BC hunting bullets have pushed magnum calibers out of the 'necessity' bracket for shooting larger game at somewhat longer ranges and has really stretched the legs of more standard calibers such as the 7mm08, .308, 30-06, 280, etc.

[@travismassengale4923]

35 Whelen??? Bc I'm thinking about buying one..

[@lockedon8953]

If you want a cartridge that's bigger than a .30 and accurate at short to mid range and hits like a bunch of trains having an orgy. This is your cartridge

[@briant7652]

I may turn one of my rifles into a .35 whelen.

[@chipsterb4946]

Jimmy “my last thought…” at the 11 minute mark in a 21 minute video. I love you guys!

[@pietervanwyk6686]

Ballistic twin of my 7x57. Love the 7mm even though i shoot more 30 cals than anything els. I actually think its a better caliber than the 30.

[@KimDavis-n5t]

I own a brownie 708 lever action too. Marlin x7s with Boyd stocks all three shoot excellent out to 600 yd. Love my TTSX bullets. Have used partitions. 140s before spear boat tail spitzers work. Fantastic also. PS. Love my seven mag who needs a 300?

[@CAS3ROLL]

I'd love to see anything on the savage cartridges especially the 300sav and how it is the parent case to the 308win that nobody talks about

[@anthonyjerussi6343]

I have a Browning BLR in 7mm-08 and absolutely love it. Great caliber in a great gun.

[@timmutina1619]

Great video. I am a huge 7mm 08 fan but you lost me completely with your assessment on the 7mm Mag ... Compare the 2 pushing a 160 grain bullet, or heavier, and get back to me...

[@davidpruyne7340]

Dam good point

[@jmurdock7650]

Just picked up a remington 7mm 08 for a mere $150. Mostly out of nostalgia and a great price. The Man who taught me to hunt passed away and the 7mm08 was what he used to shoot. I'm looking forward to taking it out this year.

[@keithprinn720]

g;ad you are now the custodian of his rifle.

[@MrBarlien]

I've read forum post and heard people say on youtube that the 7mm-08 is a great deer round, but that's about it. I feel like people (mostly Americans) are underestimating the 7mm. I mean, people use the 6.5x55 (swedish) to successfully take down moose in scandinavia, year after year. I don't see why the 7mm-08 wouldn't be a great Elk and even Moose cartridge at

[@andrewpeterson5882]

You ain't lying... forums are littered with American men with fragile egos telling people that choosing anything less than a .300 win mag for elk hunting makes you a pussy or a little girl. It's a huge problem.

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

When you're hunting in the Western US and might only get a shot at a nice Bull at 400 yards it does make a difference. Other calibers certainly can get it done, but obviously there's advantages to magnums and such.

[@andrewpeterson5882]

​@@chickenfishhybrid44 I don't think anyone would ever argue the capabilities of belted magnums and that you shouldn't use one if you want to, eryone should hunt their own hunt, my issue is people who say shit like "if you want to kill elk, you have to use .300 win mag or bigger" or ".300 win mag recoil is fine for anyone besides school girls or grandmas". The fact is, most shooters (yes, even those who claim to fire big magnums without flinching) will develop a flinch due to the recoil of big magnum cartridges, and while that can be trained away, for most people it will result in less bench time, therefore less proficiency and accuracy. And what REALLY bothers me is this stupid toxicly masculine ego thing that goes with shooting big magnums. You don't have to beat your shoulder up to kill elk. Plenty of these smaller cartridges are perfectly good for elk even out to 3-400 yards if you put in the time to practice, and they're a hell of a lot more fun to practice with than magnums.

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

@@andrewpeterson5882 if people literally say you HAVE to use a magnum I would certainly agree. There's a difference between statements on forums talking shit and literally claiming it's mandatory. I understand your point if people truly believe that and mean it and even if they don't that type of thing is annoying and misleading to people that don't know any better. You lose me at toxic masculinity though, that's often over applied.

[@scotteger6271]

15-20 years ago when I was hunting in high school/college...almost everyone I was friends with hunted with a 7mm-08. Seems like certain manufacturers, like Hornady, have ignored this cartridge in recent years. They make some cheap ammo for it and the Precision Hunter, but not their newer Outfitter line, despite having that line in much smaller calibers.