7mm vs 308 vs 338? Making myself nuts

[brianakell]

7mm remington mag, normal ol' 308 (7.62x51), and 338 winchester mag

Thinking of picking up a new rifle. Would like something good for reaching out a ways , just for bragging for bragging rights.

Seems 308 is lacking compared to the other 2 for energy, and on longer distance, accuracy.

338 is pricey, and somewhat rare. Although even current, is on the shelf, where 308 is out of stock.

7mm seems slightly more common that 338, slightly less expensive than 338. Seems maybe more rifles made in 7mm over 338 as well. 7mm seems a little more off the shelf ammo choices, and a little more of it on the shelves currently than 338.

Ballistically 7mm and 338 are way ahead of 308 of course. However 7mm being smaller, I get to thinking the pistol thing "45 never shrinks down to 9mm". So makes me think the 338 would be a better choice for elk. Now the flip side, 338 seems a little overkill, potentially wasteful on deer. Which gets me spinning back to maybe 308 makes the most sense, and just learn to deal with it for longer range.

So yeah, fence sitting, and keep flipping back and forth? Currently arguing with myself, and losing! [Bang]

[dwalker460]

Take a look at the 300WSM, less(er) recoil, easier to find (usually) 308 bullets with great selection, less powder per round, and great ballistics.

[Dryfli]

I shoot a 7 easy to find ammo shoots flat and easy to find reloading supplies for. I would always recommend to shoot all 3 if you can to see what you like. I also load 175 grn and they work well for elk just look at my avatar.

[blm28]

I own and have hunted with all three. In my opinion the .338 is the best for long range shooting. I have had good luck using the nosler 180 Gr Accubond (reloads).

[Kraven251]

The other thing to keep in mind 7mm and 308 you can get decent glass for ~$300, for a 338 you are spending $700+ for something that the rifle won't tear apart.

There are scopes that say they can handle it, in the ~$300 range, but after you read some testimonials and reviews it paints a different picture.

I have a preference for 308 because it is a pretty common round, and it is a utility caliber. That said, you need to figure out what suits your needs best. Factor what is your comfort range for taking a shot, what are you hunting, and then determine how much take down power each rifle is going to have at that range. A 7mm and a 308 are doing the same damage more or less, a 338 may tear up the animal too much, and 7mm and 308 is significantly cheaper to shoot.

[Rucker61]

I shoot .308 and reload to get around 1500 ft-lbs at 500 yards at 8000 feet for elk. With nice recoil pad it's pleasant to shoot. That said, good luck finding much in .308 ammo and reloading components right now. 7mm seems much more available on the shelf right now. The 7mm does seem to use about 50% more powder than a .308, if reloading supply availability is an issue.

[fly boy]

I have a .308 for hunting/shooting. Love it. My buddy who shoots a 30-06 gives me grief about it. I think it comes down to Ford or Chevy debate. find what you like and stick with it. As long as you are comfortable with your rifle, you will be able to do just about the same as it's counter part.

Just this year I stepped up into a 7mm because my Step-Father FINALLY handed it down. I have been begging for years. I only wanted it for the bigger = better satisfaction.... plus the .308 will be a new "plinker"


Savage .308 Model 11, synthetic stock with a limbsaver pad... I can shoot 2 boxes without hesitation. I have a nice Burris Fullfield II scope that hasn't moved on it yet.
Parker-Hale 7mm, wood stock... she starts to wear on you after a box, but I am sure a limbsaver will change that.

[Rucker61]

Savage .308 Model 11, synthetic stock with a limbsaver pad... I can shoot 2 boxes without hesitation.

I've got a Limbsaver on my Tikka T3. With a sissy pad, I could shoot 100 rounds of .308 and then go shoot four rounds of 12g trap - twice a weekend. The .308 is a fun round to shoot, for sure.

[<MADDOG>]

I guess my questions would be, how far is "reaching out a ways" and what is your recoil tolerance?

[Zombie Steve]

Take a look at the 300WSM, less(er) recoil, easier to find (usually) 308 bullets with great selection, less powder per round, and great ballistics.

I like this idea. Short action, roughly 10% less powder than a 300 win mag, 10 feet less drop at a thousand than a .308 and will hang in there against .300 win mag performance up to about 180 grain bullets. That, and I hate the stupid, useless belt on the old magnum cartridges. [Coffee]

It's a potent, efficient cartridge that will take you out past a thousand yards pretty easily.

.338 Win mag is gonna hurt and get expensive fast.

[brokenscout]

300WM

[dwalker460]

I have both a 308 Savage model 11 and a FN PBR in 300WSM, and for long range knockdown there is no contest. The 300WSM will throw 200gr pills out past 1000yds with more energy than the 308. A decent 308 will shoot out to 800yrds, but it takes an exceptional 308 gun to hit anything much past that. The 338LM is probably the best answer, but its expensive. The guns are expensive, the bullets and optics are expensive, and I myself cant justify $5 bucks a round or more in a hunting gun. the 300WSM fits the bill. In a platform like the PBR the heavier stock, a good recoil pad, and a brake will put the recoil down to or below that of a stock 308 hunting rifle, you can build one on most 308 actions, like the model 11, 700, etc, and it uses the same projectiles and primers as the 308.

[Rucker61]

I have both a 308 Savage model 11 and a FN PBR in 300WSM, and for long range knockdown there is no contest. The 300WSM will throw 200gr pills out past 1000yds with more energy than the 308. A decent 308 will shoot out to 800yrds, but it takes an exceptional 308 gun to hit anything much past that. The 338LM is probably the best answer, but its expensive. The guns are expensive, the bullets and optics are expensive, and I myself cant justify $5 bucks a round or more in a hunting gun. the 300WSM fits the bill. In a platform like the PBR the heavier stock, a good recoil pad, and a brake will put the recoil down to or below that of a stock 308 hunting rifle, you can build one on most 308 actions, like the model 11, 700, etc, and it uses the same projectiles and primers as the 308.

Totally agree. When I feel the need for a big boy gun, the .300 WSM is the cartridge I'm going for.

[CO Hugh]

It all depends on what you plan to use the rifle for, as well as if you will handload or buy factor ammo. The bullet selection for 7mm and 30 is much better than 338.

Reaching out a ways can be vague. You probably have the most versatility in the 7mm, light bullets, antelope or deer easily. Recoil should be manageable.

308, good for elk to about 350 yards, and with different loads, smaller game. Mild recoil.

I don't have any experience with a 338, but from discussions with people, probably only needed on 400 yard plus elk.

The 7mm and 308, along with 270, and 30-06 have killed tons of elk, solid bullet selection, Barnes X Bullet, and shot placement more important than magnum velocities.

[soldier-of-the-apocalypse]

what about .338 lapua?

[Troublco]

I think some of it IS the Ford vs. Chevy debate; and some of it depends on range and/or animal size.

I have a .264 Win Mag, .308 Win, .30-06, and .338-06. The .308 (Rem 700 BDL) is my go to gun, almost every time. I've used it on Coyotes, Antelope, Deer, Elk, and a couple other things. I only got the .264 after deciding not to take a couple of extra-long shots with my .308, and the .338-06 is my Moose medicine. (The .30-06 is my backup for the .308.) The last Elk I took was with the .308 at 350 yards using a 165gr Sierra GameKing HP, and it was a big cow. The .308 is plenty for most things. I think the 7mm Mag is about even with the .308 as far as versatility, I just don't like the lighter bullets; I'm not a fan of velocity over weight. I do actually have a 7mm Mag, but I don't hunt with it and it's almost certainly going to be rebarreled to .300 Win Mag.

[dwalker460]

what about .338 lapua?

covered that:


The 338LM is probably the best answer, but its expensive. The guns are expensive, the bullets and optics are expensive, and I myself cant justify $5 bucks a round or more in a hunting gun.

[osok-308]

I like my 7mag. I've thought about trading it for a .308 bolt action, just for ammunition prices. I'm sure most shots you'll take the extra fps of a 7mm won't matter.

[sako55]

338 Winchester mag is nice. I inherited one from the old man that was a custom build. It hurts to shoot on your shoulder and the wallet (about $45 a box). I have leupy on it and has held up with the recoil. If you take long shots at big game this will work.

[streetglideok]

It all depends on what you want to do with it. 308 is a great chambering, and is about even up with an '06 with 150gr bullets. 7mm Rem Mag is one of the most popular belted mags, well one of the most popular mags out there. Its a little more recoil than an '06, hits hard and shoots flat. Ammo is pretty easy to find. If you load for it, which you should, you can improve ballistics with the new powders available. I shoot mostly 160gr Noslers thru mine on top of Retumbo. 338, it depends on your flavor. 338winmag isn't as popular here as it is in Alaska, but its a good chambering none the less. Hammers like a 375H&H, but shoots flatter, with a sharper recoil. If you reload, bullets are easy to find especially with the boom of 338RUM and Lapua. 225gr and 250gr is all you need for anything in north america. Now 338RUM, 338Edge, and the 338 Lapua offer impressive numbers, and sadistic recoil unless you shoot with a sissy brake,lol. The RUM and Edge lets you use traditional long action rifles without having to hog out the front of a bolt to make it work. Lapuas give you a slight advantage in powder capacity, if any, unless you blow past max loads. Gets pricier with the thirst for powder, 100gr or more in each case. I myself have a 300RUM, 300winmag, 7mm mag, and a 375H&H. Love to shoot them all, and I strictly load my own ammo for them. Buy one of each if you can.

[Trout Hunter]

Shoot the .308, used to shoot both a 7mag and .338 win mag. Here is my take on them.
.338 is too big IMO for anything smaller than elk. Just destroys too much meat on deer and smaller game. I like to eat what I am hunting for. Sweet round but but without a muzzle break the recoil is pretty brutal with heavy handloads. For a moose hunt I would consider it.
7mag. I like it in heavier bullets personally 175 is slower but the bullets are a very good BC and tend to hold true down range very well. For me the recoil was the reason to get rid of point. Call me a pansy but for the limited extended range over a .308 I figure its hunting, If I can't close the yardage to make the .308 relevant well then I need to improve my hunting skills.
.308 What I started on and what I shoot now. 165 Grain for both elk and deer out to 500 yards and pending conditions you are good to go IMO. Last elk i shot was 458 yards and anchored my bull. Recoil is more manageable than the other two. Burns less powder and up to elk is a great round.

[<MADDOG>]

I do love these threads where people interject their favorite calibers that were not included in the original post's question...

Money per round, in comparison to the money spent on a hunt (unless one lives on hunting land, which 95% of us do not), pales in comparison.

So, digress back to my original questions; how far is "far" is far? As another member pointed out, a .308 will easily accomplish the mission out to 500 yards, given the shooter knows the dope. The 7 and 338 will fair better with drop and wind (the real kicker IMO), but not exceptionally so unless you are going distances exceeding that. From what I know, and I don't know it all; point blank range for .308 and a .338 (depending on bullet), is a little over 200 yards. 7mags will be about 250, again bullet dependent.

My next observation: I've seen knuckleheads out at the range that couldn't hit a Mack truck with 7 's and .300 magnums (Weatherby/RUM/pick your flavor) at 100 yards because they were scared of the recoil, and they don't fair much better in the woods because the "flinch" gets ingrained in their brain. A .338 is not for the timid, and probably has double the recoil of a .308, and at least 1/3 more than a 7RM. Yea, I know, you can put a brake on it; just blow your hunting partner's eardrums out...

I have personally seen, and also heard of, bulls taking multiple 140's and 150's from 7 mags and acting like nothing hit them; and when they did realize something hit em, they ran for quite a ways... So my suggestion is to follow another member's advice and do not go below 160's, regardless of caliber. They seem to do quite better, especially the good ole' Partitions. Also as Trout stated, I believe a 338 might cause too much damage, but I haven't seen that round's effects, so that might be bullshit; I dunno.

So, with all that being said, I say pick what you can effectively shoot, and by that I mean how well can you dope drop and wind, and handle recoil. Either way, just stick to a heavier bullet.

Those are my thoughts; good, bad, or indifferent.

[dwalker460]

Money per round is important because it takes practice to hit a target at long range, and practice takes rounds downrange. The more those rounds costs, the less people tend to shoot them. The worse the recoil is, the less they shoot that gun. It is all relevant.

I was faced with a similar choice recently and did not pick the 338 Lapua or a 7mmSTW or 7mmRM mostly because of recoil, availability of projectile types, and cost per round.

[brianakell]

How far, wanting to make shots at 1k. Not hunting at that range, just because I want to! Hunting, currently I wouldnt take a shot over 300yds. With the equipment/experience I have now, thats all I feel I could be sure I can make the shot needed. So Im looking for rifle/caliber to grow into I suppose. As for recoil, limbsavers are fantastic, and winter coats add quite a bit too.

Poking around more, WAY more choices in 7mm than 338wm. I think winchester makes 3 times as many rounds for 7mm.

[streetglideok]

How far, wanting to make shots at 1k. Not hunting at that range, just because I want to! Hunting, currently I wouldnt take a shot over 300yds. With the equipment/experience I have now, thats all I feel I could be sure I can make the shot needed. So Im looking for rifle/caliber to grow into I suppose. As for recoil, limbsavers are fantastic, and winter coats add quite a bit too.

Poking around more, WAY more choices in 7mm than 338wm. I think winchester makes 3 times as many rounds for 7mm.

You'll no doubt find alot more factory ammo options for the 7mmrem mag. If you can handle the recoil of a 30'06, then the big 7 wont be an issue. Heck my wife shoots 300winmag with no brake. Now if you are looking at 1k yard shots and want to get serious, then you should really consider reloading, IMO. Alot of people favor the 338 caliber for long range stuff now, with the availability of 300gr bullets, as long as you have enough powder to push them, ie RUMs, Lapuas, Weatherbys, etc. For the 7mm crowd, the 7mm rem can get it done, but for the heavys you might consider the STW and 7mm RUM, but keep in mind the reputation for burning out barrels. Practice is a major factor, and it will take a decent amount with a heavy recoiling gun, hence I own a few to rotate thru at the range. Make sure you are onboard with the idea, you need a great scope, not anything from Simmons, or Tasco. At 1k yards, with a cheap scope you're gonna have real issues, not to mention they likely will not withstand recoil.

[Zombie Steve]

Well shucks. They would all work for 1,000 yard targets or 300 yard hunts. You'd have to learn trajectories on any of them, and meat destruction is going to depend more on bullet construction than anything.

So you could just say get the one you think is coolest and learn thy firearm.

But...

The forums (and deer camp conversations) would be considerably diminished if we couldn't nit-pick over the trivial little details.

[Coffee]

[C Ward]

338 WM is not a reliable 1K yard caliber , the bullets that would be used for that can not be pushed fast enough because of case capacity .

The most important question is the budget allowed for this endeavour . Most all times the answer to the question posed with the given info is 308 .

[Zombie Steve]

338 WM is not a reliable 1K yard caliber , the bullets that would be used for that can not be pushed fast enough because of case capacity .



Just playing devil's advocate here, but why not? Sierra's data has a 300 grain matchking supersonic out to 1,700 yards.... and that's going 2400 fps from a 21-1/2" barrel. BC is shown between .75 and .768.

[Dunno]

[dwalker460]

The 308's effective range is about 800meters, it will hit out further but it takes a lot, generally it will just make expensive holes in the ground. Out past 1000yds you are typically looking at 300WSM, 260Rem, 338Lapua, and similar.

[C Ward]

You may get 2200ish with a 300 SMK in a Win mag case , there isn't enough throat and most of the bullet is jammed into the case . There way better choices to push the 300's

I'll remember my 308 is no good past 800 meters next time I go out and am making reliable hits to 1300 yards , its not about distance but distance where the bullet goes trans sonic . A 175 at 270ish MV goes trans sonic about 1350

[dwalker460]

Not 300MAG
300 Winchester Short Mag

To quote the fellow above:

Short action, roughly 10% less powder than a 300 win mag, 10 feet less drop at a thousand than a .308 and will hang in there against .300 win mag performance up to about 180 grain bullets.

I have both 308 and 300WSM, and for longer range shooting the 300WSM was what I ended up with after exploring many options.

With HybridV Hodgon a 168grSMK will leave the barrel at around 3100fps MV

[brianakell]

Someone mentioned it, burning out barrels. Barrel life significantly different between 338WM, 7mmRM?

[dwalker460]

I have no grip on barrel life. Some guys run hot loads all the time and burn out barrels in as little as 800-1000 rounds, others have barrels shoot consistently for 2500 or more rounds. Just not sure there is a solid answer to that question.

[C Ward]

Cant say ive ever seen a 300 grain 30 cal bullet so look at the post above that asking about 338's


7 mag is good for about 2k ish rounds .The 338WM will be better because it is less over bore than a 7 but not hugely so because your burning similar powder charges .

[Zombie Steve]

You may get 2200ish with a 300 SMK in a Win mag case , there isn't enough throat and most of the bullet is jammed into the case . There way better choices to push the 300's




I couldn't agree more; just saying if the guy wants one rifle to do it all, any of them can work.

[brianakell]

Well shucks. They would all work for 1,000 yard targets or 300 yard hunts. You'd have to learn trajectories on any of them, and meat destruction is going to depend more on bullet construction than anything.

So you could just say get the one you think is coolest and learn thy firearm.

But...

The forums (and deer camp conversations) would be considerably diminished if we couldn't nit-pick over the trivial little details.

[Coffee]

Right, we can all say "your caliber stinks mine is better" Seems bullet drop with the 308 is double or more the 7mm. While that can be overcome, seems the 7mm would be superior by a long shot at a distance. And while Ill only take a 300yd shot now, Id certainly like to be capable of taking longer shots on critters knowing it would be a kill shot not a wound shot.



338 WM is not a reliable 1K yard caliber , the bullets that would be used for that can not be pushed fast enough because of case capacity .

The most important question is the budget allowed for this endeavour . Most all times the answer to the question posed with the given info is 308 .

Someone told me 338wm is withing a couple percent points of 338 lapau. Ive not researched that, and lapua is out on every account anyway. But since you are seemingly arguing against the 7mm, and for 308, Im curious if you had any examples? I think I saw in long range section there were a number of folks that said you knew what you were talking about, so any knowledge from someone doing what Id like to do, Im all ears!

Or the question I may not want the answer to.... Do I need 2 rifles, one for hunting, and one for 1k yd target shooting?

Found federal has a nice comparison: http://www.federalpremium.com/products/rifle.aspx

[Kraven251]

I like .308 because it is very common and the ballistics are pretty good, but if you look on store shelves right now, there is a ton of 7mm. So shooting something that is a very common round isn't always the advantage when there is a shortage.

Did a bit more asking with some of my elk/moose hunting folks at my office and most of them own or have owned both platforms, the majority of them are running 7mm for hunting. I still like my .308, but based on their experience the 7mm seems to be the better hunting round.

[Troublco]

Right, we can all say "your caliber stinks mine is better" Seems bullet drop with the 308 is double or more the 7mm. While that can be overcome, seems the 7mm would be superior by a long shot at a distance. And while Ill only take a 300yd shot now, Id certainly like to be capable of taking longer shots on critters knowing it would be a kill shot not a wound shot.


I use, and have used, my .308 out to 600 yards and it has worked perfectly; with the exception that I'll limit my shots on elk to about 450 yards with it. I have a scope with a rangefinding reticle for almost exactly the load I'm using, and as this load is ballistically nearly identical to the load I used for highpower competition for years I am very familiar with it and comfortable shooting it that far. I use the same .308 load for all my hunting, unless it's going to be bigger than elk. The only limiting factor that I've found is the wind; my .264 Win Mag bucks the wind a lot better than the .308 when you get out that far, and as the bullets have a higher BC it carries energy a bit better out there.

I don't think the 7 mag is going to be the deciding factor as to whether or not you'll be achieving kill shots vs. wound shots out past 300 yards vs. the .308. Energy doesn't make up for shot placement. However, the 7 mag's additional energy, if you're using bullets up toward the heavy end of its spectrum, can give you an additional edge; other than that it's the old adage of practice, practice, practice. There's also the old saying...Beware the man with one gun, he probably knows how to use it.

As to the hunting gun/target gun question? Hunting guns tend to be lighter, for carrying; and target guns are heavier, since you're going to be shooting them a lot. You could use one for both, but either way it'll be a tradeoff.

[C Ward]

On the difference between the 338 Win Mag and the Lapua , the Lapua is 400 - 800 FPS faster with any bullet you want to push and that is huge . Good high BC match bullets in 338 start at 250 grains and the WM will push them around 24 - 2500 , the Lapua is at 29 - 3100 depending on the barrel .

Long range shooting is about consistency , which means handloads or high quality match ammo . Since you shied away from the reloading question we'll assume this means your going to run factory ammo . There is no factory match ammo in 338WM and none that I know of in 7 RM so that leaves 308 .

Reloading adds a huge amount more flexibility and caliber choices . The 7mm calibers have a lot of really good bullets available but nobody other than the custom shops are loading ammo with them so its a handloading proposition . In 338 with the standard magnum bolt face action the RUM is a way better option because it is ballistically the same as the LM . The same ammo issues here though with it being a handload only option .

The issue with hunting bullets that are typically used with the factory 338WM and 7RM ammo is they are generally low BC bullets that dont fly as well as the match bullets . There are some exceptions , the Nosler Accubonds have good BC's for hunting bullets . The other issue with typical hunting bullets is due to there construction methods , they are more prone to center of gravity problems than the more conventional construction of match bullets . This leads to fliers and repeatability issues . Another thing is good hunting bullets are usually more expensive than the match stuff also .

The number to pay attention to in the ballistic charts is the wind number , the bullet path number is going to be a constant that is corrected for with the scope to match up point of aim with point of impact . The wind hold will be the variable that will be different every shot and the less that is the bigger error budget you have to work with when making the shot . The numbers on the ammo manufacturers sites are ok but typically not accurate representation of real world results and a better source is to go to JBM and run the numbers there .

In a do all rifle there are going to be compromises that are going to make it not optimum for any one task . Hunting guns are usually lighter with thinner profile barrels where target guns are typically heavier . If i was building / buying one gun to hunt with and shoot targets with also I'd lean towards the target size since the amount of use would lean way more to that end since most guns for hunting get used 1 or 2 times a year and target stuff can go on year round .

Another part of the equation is practice . Magnum calibers have more recoil and the lighter the rifle is the harder it is going to be to make reliable and more importantly repeatable shots . 308 is going to make practicing easier with lighter recoil and less cash expenditure for ammo . Get off the bench and get in the dirt and shoot how its going to be used in the real world . They're are no game animals in Co that 308 wont work on except maybe moose so given the parameters laid out thats why 308 would be my choice .

Your budget and game plan will make a huge difference in which direction I'd point You towards .

[streetglideok]

Well said C Ward. RUMS, and Lapuas are huge step up in power from a 338 winchester mag, as well as recoil. No matter the caliber, if you are really serious about long range shooting, then reloading is something you need to consider. From my experience, factory ammo is a joke compared to handloaded ammo.

[One Shot]

There is some good insight in this thread. I'm stuck in a similar situation for a new hunting rifle. I cant really decide on the 7mm Rem Mag or the .300 win mag. But this thread is giving some good info on the 7mm. I'll be interested to know what you decide to go with.
What gun are you looking at getting?

[brianakell]

Ended up with 7mm mag. 300wm, didnt seem as good for comparison wise in energy/drift/drop. Which can all be compensated for certainly. But 7mm seemed more common, and seemed more choices in ammo as well. Like has bee said, I think any of these calibers will do what I want, I just wanted something more that 308, without getting into really limiting choices, availability or selection.

On another note, what I picked up is a savage 110E model J in 7m mag. I can find the "e" was 63-88 but thats the extent I can find info on it. Anyone who has any insight would be appreciated! I find nothing for what "model j" means either.

Ok, found the "e" was economy. Stock, trigger, and magazine were cheaper. Refinishing the stock, and floating it, mag, whatever, and trigger, we shall see. Sill cant find what model j is.

Oh, and likely similar vintage redfield stamped made in denver scope, typically pretty reliable? for getting out past 400 or 500 Im planning on something else, in the meantime, this will be on there, see what is does!

[fly boy]

I have an older savage Model 11 in .308. Even a stock trigger can be adjusted some. I have mine down to 3.25 trigger pull and almost no creep.

[bkincaid]

I think you'll like your pick.

There's only one degree of dead!

[Ralph]

The .338 Win. Mag., at its inception, was touted as the best long range elk cartridge ever. You can take it from there.

[bowhunter]

338 is awesome. My wife shoots mine standing unsupported. 7mm is good I took an antelope at 442yds in WY a few years ago. 300wm is good as well. No overall winner, mostly preference and right tool for the right job. Dont be afraid to go bigger.

[sniper7]

I shoot a 7 easy to find ammo shoots flat and easy to find reloading supplies for. I would always recommend to shoot all 3 if you can to see what you like. I also load 175 grn and they work well for elk just look at my avatar.

I thought that was a jackalope!

J/k



300WM is a better choice. Not as much recoil as the 338. Bigger than the 7, good choices on ammo, and will take any animal in Colorado without a problem. Shot placement is what matters, You can shoot an elk with a 50 bmg but if you hit him in the leg he will just run on 3.

Your 7 will work just fine though!