7mm vs 308 vs 338? Making myself nuts

[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.