When it comes to choosing the right rifle cartridge, hunters, shooters, and ballistics enthusiasts often find themselves comparing popular rounds like the 7mm-08 Remington and .308 Winchester. These two cartridges are commonly used for hunting and target shooting due to their versatility and performance. However, there are distinct differences in their ballistics, which can influence their effectiveness depending on the shooting context. In this article, we'll delve into the ballistics of 7mm-08 ammo and compare it to .308 Winchester, as well as a few other well-known cartridges in the field.
1. Overview of the 7mm-08 Remington
The 7mm-08 Remington was introduced in 1980, a relatively new addition to the family of cartridges. Essentially a shortened version of the 7mm Mauser, it was designed to offer similar ballistics to the .308 Winchester, but in a smaller, more compact package. The 7mm-08 uses a 7mm (.284 caliber) bullet, which is smaller and lighter than the .308's 7.62mm (.308 caliber) bullet, but still delivers impressive performance, especially in hunting scenarios.
While the 7mm-08 is often compared to the .308 Winchester, its unique blend of accuracy, manageable recoil, and effective range has made it a favorite among hunters, especially those who appreciate its balance between the power of larger calibers and the lightweight feel of smaller rounds.
2. Ballistics Comparison: 7mm-08 vs. .308 Winchester
Velocity
- 7mm-08 Remington: Typically, the 7mm-08 fires bullets in the range of 120-160 grains. The velocity of a 140-grain bullet out of a 24-inch barrel typically hovers around 2,800-2,900 fps (feet per second).
- .308 Winchester: The .308 Winchester generally fires heavier bullets ranging from 150-180 grains, and the velocity of a 165-grain bullet is typically around 2,750-2,800 fps out of a 24-inch barrel.
While both cartridges have similar muzzle velocities, the 7mm-08 generally edges out the .308 in terms of lighter bullets with faster velocities. However, this difference in speed is relatively small and may not be very noticeable in real-world use at moderate distances.
Trajectory and Drop
Both the 7mm-08 and .308 Winchester are known for relatively flat trajectories, though the 7mm-08 is slightly more favorable due to its higher velocity and lighter bullets. This results in the 7mm-08 generally having a slightly flatter trajectory than the .308 at longer ranges, making it easier to hit targets without having to compensate for significant bullet drop.
- 7mm-08: With a 140-grain bullet, the 7mm-08 retains a flatter trajectory, especially at extended ranges, when zeroed at 200 yards.
- .308 Winchester: The .308 generally has a bit more drop at longer distances due to its heavier bullet, which, while excellent for energy retention at closer ranges, can result in more noticeable drop at extended ranges.
Energy Retention
- 7mm-08 Remington: At 100 yards, a 140-grain 7mm-08 bullet can retain around 2,000 foot-pounds of energy. At 300 yards, it will typically have around 1,200 foot-pounds of energy.
- .308 Winchester: A 165-grain .308 bullet retains approximately 2,000 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards, and around 1,100 foot-pounds at 300 yards.
Although both cartridges deliver similar energy at close ranges, the .308 Winchester generally retains more energy further downrange due to its heavier bullet and greater mass. This energy retention can be a significant factor for hunters targeting larger game at longer distances.
3. Recoil and Shootability
- 7mm-08 Remington: One of the advantages of the 7mm-08 over the .308 is its softer recoil. The smaller bullet, combined with the lighter powder load, results in less felt recoil, which can be a critical factor for shooters who want better accuracy and comfort, especially during extended shooting sessions.
- .308 Winchester: The .308, being a larger, more powerful round, generates more recoil. This is particularly noticeable with heavier bullets and high-powered loads. While still manageable, this additional recoil can affect accuracy over multiple shots and can be a deterrent for some shooters, especially those new to high-powered rifles.
4. Comparison with Other Popular Cartridges
While the 7mm-08 and .308 are two of the most popular choices for hunting and long-range shooting, there are a few other rounds worth considering for comparison.
6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor has risen in popularity in recent years, largely due to its excellent ballistics. It is known for its high ballistic coefficient (BC), meaning that its bullets tend to maintain velocity better over long distances.
- Ballistics: A 140-grain 6.5 Creedmoor bullet generally has a muzzle velocity of around 2,700-2,800 fps, similar to the 7mm-08.
- Trajectory: The 6.5 Creedmoor has a flatter trajectory compared to both the .308 and 7mm-08, especially at longer ranges, due to the higher BC of its bullets.
- Recoil: The 6.5 Creedmoor has significantly less recoil than both the 7mm-08 and .308, making it a great choice for shooters sensitive to recoil or those who plan to shoot long-range competitions.
.223 Remington
For those who are primarily concerned with lower recoil and shorter-range performance, the .223 Remington (or 5.56 NATO) is a much smaller round compared to both the 7mm-08 and .308. Its ballistics are designed for rapid follow-up shots and minimal recoil, though it is less effective for larger game at extended ranges.
5. Practical Considerations
When selecting between the 7mm-08 and .308, several practical considerations should be taken into account:
- Purpose: The .308 Winchester is more powerful and may be the better choice for larger game such as elk or moose, especially at longer ranges. The 7mm-08, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for deer and smaller game, thanks to its lighter recoil and versatility.
- Rifle Availability: The .308 Winchester is one of the most common cartridges, meaning there are more rifles, ammunition, and accessories available for it. The 7mm-08, though widely available, is somewhat less common and may be harder to find in some areas.
- Cost of Ammo: .308 ammunition is typically less expensive than 7mm-08, especially when purchased in bulk.
6. Conclusion
Both the 7mm-08 Remington and the .308 Winchester offer solid performance, but they cater to different preferences. The 7mm-08 has a slight edge in terms of trajectory and recoil, making it an ideal choice for hunters and shooters who prioritize comfort and accuracy, particularly at medium ranges. The .308, with its heavier 7mm 08 ammo bullet and greater energy retention, is better suited for larger game and longer-range shots.