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!

[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.

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.