Howdy;
I've only taken a couple of mulies w/ my 7mm/08, so am not an authority on the caliber by any means. Would have had the same result w/ anything from most 6.5 calibers on up, I suspect. DRT. I was using a 162 grain Hornady SST, shots were from about 150 yards and 200 yards. The only issue I have is that the throat is too short to allow use of the RCBS 145 grain Silhouette cast bullet. Go for it; you'll like it.

 

Good choice. I have two. The only downside, I would say is the .270 ammunition is more readily available at most stores. At least around here in NC anyway. If you plan on reloading, that will not be a problem. I am happy with mine though.

 

Only thing that I have seen around where I live was the cost of 7mm-08 compared to other calibers such as the .270, 06, and .308. This was a question that the wife and I worked over when she was choosing her first center-fire rifle. Where we live there is a 10-12 dollar difference in the cost of 7mm-08 to its parent cartridge, the .308. So we decided on the .308 for cost savings and ammo availability in the sticks if we happen to forget it at home.

 

Thanks for the feed back.
I have considered the cost of ammo and do plan to reload.
I am also hoping that the wife will do some more shooting and if I understand correct the 7-08 has less felt recoil than a .270.
Just would like something different, thats why I am looking at the 7-08.

 

You are correct that the 7-08 has less felt recoil than a .270. As well as a .308 for that matter. The 7-08 is close to 30-30 in felt recoil. Here is a link to a rifle recoil table for various calibers and loadings that I use to cross reference when thinking about choosing a new caliber/cartridge.
Rifle Recoil Table

 

Interesting info.
The local gunshop has both the 7-08 and .270 in stock and I keep going back and forth on which on I "really" want. I dont "need' either one but really would like to try the 7-08. Just something about it I guess
I have shot a 270 several times and eventually one will end up in my safe.
Its not a collection if you only have 1, right?

 

Well mrbofis, the good thing about either one is that they will be around for sometime to come! The .270 will have some more "punch" down range than the 08 which is something to consider. But it does come with a price of higher recoil. My preferences run to the 06, mostly because of its versatility, from "mice to moose" so to speak. And 06 levels of recoil don't bother me, since in lever guns my favorite cartridge is the .444 Marlin. Some would say that the 7-08 isn't enough for elk, but shot placement is a lot of the equation when taking game ethically, as well as a cartridge of adequate power for the task. But the recoil of the 7-08 would let a guy practice a lot as well. But then again, you mentioned you have 2 30-06s, so you already have bigger game covered. I'm the kind of person that likes to have dedicated firearms to certain tasks, which I guess is an excuse to own more guns..lol I like an 06 for longer range, and my 444 for the deep timber. Variety is the spice of life for sure!:tee:

 

Thanks,
I agree in shot placement 100%. and the fact that the 30.06 has been my go to for many years. So the 7/08 probably would go on an Elk Hunt.
As stated before Im itchin for something new and would like to hear more opinions on this caliber.
Greg

 

buy both :biggrin: What you said I would go with the 7mm/08. Load it with some Barnes TSX and you would be happy.

 

Ever hear of the 7X57 Mauser? It was used by an old hunter in Africa and havested hundreds of elephants. Modern ammo in the 7mm-08 will surpass the old 7X57 ammo used in Africa. I'm biased as I really like the 7mm's, but you would be hard pressed to find a cartridge better than the 7-08 that is as easy to shoot. And none of those are available in the Marlin XS7. DP

 

And none of those are available in the Marlin XS7. DP[/QUOTE

]

Thanks for the encouragement. I pretty much have my mind set on trying this marlin 7mm-08. I just havent made it back the the local gun shop yet. I live in Idaho and am not new to shooting or hunting. Been at it for 30 plus years so this may be a fun venture with a whole different caliber.
What exactly do you mean by the last sentence? And what has been found to be the best factory loads for this Rifle?
Greg

 

While I don't have the 7-08 in a marlin I have had several. I love the caliber for the relatively light recoil with decent BC bullets. For most of my deer hunting a middle load of IMR 4350 under a 120 gr BT is the ticket. This bullet is constructed slightly heavier than most ballistic tips and it has performed very well on a number of deer with light recoil. I have never stopped one in a deer and accuracy in my current 700 is about .75" for three shots (at one grain under max according to the nosler book). For anything bigger a 140 gr (or even 120 gr) TTSX should work up to and including Moose at reasonable distances.

 

I have an 11 year old and last year my hunting club help and purchased a 30-30 as all of the youngest members the club helps out with the cost of a rifle and shot gun. Well last year he did not get a shot with the 30-30, and I was talking about the 7mm-08 as a good gun for him, low and behold at the local NRA dinner we won a Ruger Hawkeye 7mm-08 and the LOP is something like 12.5" the gun actually fit him better than the 30-30. So this past Saturday here in KY was opening day and at 7:15 he shot a nice 8 point weighed in at 220 lbs. Since I wanted to get him used to the gun all summer he has been shooting the 140 gr REM COR Lock, and they are less expensive than Hornady. He could hit the 9 ring no problem all summer at 100 yards on bags and off. I know the gun is not an X gun, I have two and love them but a free gun that shoots and is accurate is the best gun. So, with a long answer I would start witht he Rem 140 grain and get comfortable, then move to something else for accuracy if you want MOA.

Thanks,

PP

 

8 points and 220 lb sounds like a great deer and a testament to the 140gr Core-Lockt. The soft point has put down no telling how many deer, it's just a matter if your gun can shoot them to your expectations.

 

mrbofis, I was referring to other cartridges such as the 7X57, 260 Rem or the 6.5X55. With like weight and construction bullets, you couldn't tell any difference in performance on a game animal. Just like M&M's, they might wear a different color, but it's all the same when ya use em. DP

 

After re-re-reading your post, I kinda figured that was what you were refering to. Thanks for the clarification
From what I've been reading the 140gr seem to work best in this rifle. Is that the general opinion?
AND---
What scope mounts work best on the Marlins?
Greg

 

I think the general consensus use the factory provided weaver style base, but as you can tell with from my signature, I switch that base out with the Leupold. Just adds a little more confidence for me.

 

I think the general consensus use the factory provided weaver style base, but as you can tell with from my signature, I switch that base out with the Leupold. Just adds a little more confidence for me.

Thanks,
I too have Leupold on all my Rifles.
I appreciate all the feedback! I am sure I will have many more questions. I hope to pick up the 7-08 on Saturday!!!!

 

With the speed the 7-08 has, I have had very good luck with 139gr Hornady BTSP or Sierra Gameking 140's. Have heard good things about the Nosler 120's that another poster mentioned, and I want to work with those this spring in my XS7 rechambered to the 7-08 AI. I think I'll try them in my BLR as well since it has a 20" barrel. Other than an extra 30-50 yd of PBR with the bigger cartridge, I don't see much difference in performance on game than my beloved 280's, and them not much different than the 7 mag. Now, if they would just bring out the 7mm-338 LE in the MXLR, I would have a new flame to lust after. DP

 

1 more question for now,
I see Boyds stocks mentioned alot here. Is the Boyds stock the prefered replacement stock on the X guns?
I like thumbhole stocks and if/when I get my New Marlin that may be a consideration.

Thanks
Greg

 

yes a lot of people put the boyd's stocks on their x7's. i have made many modifications to my stock and have kept the original. if you are not going to buy a boyd's, i do advise you to check your stock. a lot of the x7's have slightly bent stocks, some have the pressure points putting uneven pressure on the barrel etc. i have owned two x7's one was a great little shooter, the other is still a work in progress but getting better. it started out spraying 3 inch 3 shot groups and now it's down to 2 inch 5 shot groups. still not acceptable, but i haven't messed with it for months, been playing with a couple other guns at the moment. as soon as deer season is over, i am going back to that project.

 

Is there a way to check the stock before buying or is this something one finds out after shooting and not getting acceptable groups?
I also shoot a lot off a bi-pod. I have read that this may torque the stock and affect accuracy as well.
Greg

 

Is there a way to check the stock before buying or is this something one finds out after shooting and not getting acceptable groups?
I also shoot a lot off a bi-pod. I have read that this may torque the stock and affect accuracy as well.
Greg

You're right, but if you're thinking of a Boyd's stock, most report the barrel being floated with the simple drop-in. If you are thinking of the Boyd's laminant, I don't see that laminant "torqueing" like the synthetic stock may. The forearm of our factory synthetic stocks are a little flemsy, especially when floated.

 

Hello again,
1 final question on this thread.
I hope to pick up MY NEW 7mm-08 this weekend. Before I do I want to throw this back out there and in my original post I didnt want this to be a 7/08 vs .270 debate.
......BUT.........
After much reading and various opinions it looks like the 7/08 is very comparible to the .270/.308 and maybe even in some aspects the 30.06.
The question is WHY choose the 7/08 over the .270?
For sometime the .270 has been on my wish list but after I pick up the 7/08 wouldnt getting a .270 later be like having 2-30.06's (like I do)?
I'm sorry... I realize this comparrison has been discussed way too many times already.
Thanks
Greg

 

To me, it's simple. The 7mm-08 has a good, flat trajectory, enough stopping power for the tasks (that I'd put it to), and less recoil than the others mentioned. The lower recoil makes for more confidence and less flinch when shooting. Is it big enough for moose or brown bear? I don't know; I don't hunt for them. But, really. What's not to like?

 

While I don't have a 270, I do have some 280's to go along with my 7-08's. Is there a lot of difference, no, but a bit flatter shooting and more recoil with the bigger case. And if you have wanted a 270 for a long time, that's all the reason you need. I have 5 -7mm-08's, do I need that many, no. Is it a duplication, yes. Would I buy another? If she talked to me nice and sweet when I walk by, yep:biggrin:. DP