243,25-06,7MM-08 WHAT ONE
- Thread starter roode301
- Start date
dan brothers
New member
so who wins...?
anyone do a total of recommendations...?
anyone do a total of recommendations...?
MTCoyoteSlayer
New member
.25-06. I was in your exact situation at one point. I have shot coyotes and deer with mine, and all of them have dropped in their tracks. Can't vouch for its efficiency on elk, but I know many people who have shot them with a 25. 85 grain winchester factory loads for coyotes, 120 grain federal premium/ fusions for deer and elk.
If you have a .308, the 7-08 is just overlap imo. If you're going Elk hunting, take the 308. For everthing below Elk, pretty hard to beat the versatility of the 25-06. As much as I love the Swift, the 25-06 beats it pretty handily when the winds blowing and distances stretch beyond 300 or so yards. All that being said, if you want the ultimate .25..check out 257Roy!
Anyway, of your choices, go 25-06!
Here's a few of my 25-06 kills from the past season. Also shot a big Javelina as well that's not pictured. Seems if you can scope it, you can kill it with the 25-06.
Anyway, of your choices, go 25-06!
Here's a few of my 25-06 kills from the past season. Also shot a big Javelina as well that's not pictured. Seems if you can scope it, you can kill it with the 25-06.
2muchgun
New member
I'm thinking it all comes down to bullet choice. I would not hunt elk with a 243 personally.
Between the other 2, my bullet choices would be:
.257=115gr TSX
7mm=120 TSX or heavier premium bullets of various makes like NPs, or Accubonds, and the like.
Both of above said 2 bullets can be pushed to about the same velocities out of the given cartridges. The 7mm having a very slight edge in BC and a noticeably larger frontal diameter.
For Varmints:
Just about any .257 bullets
7mm=100gr HP bullets from Hornady or Sierra, most likely
The 7-08 has infinitely more good bullet choices for elk than the 25-06.
The 25-06 has infinitely more good varmint bullet choices than the 7-08.
IMO, shooting an elk with not enough bullet is a no-no. But, shooting a prarie dog with a 50 BMG is fun.........
Between the other 2, my bullet choices would be:
.257=115gr TSX
7mm=120 TSX or heavier premium bullets of various makes like NPs, or Accubonds, and the like.
Both of above said 2 bullets can be pushed to about the same velocities out of the given cartridges. The 7mm having a very slight edge in BC and a noticeably larger frontal diameter.
For Varmints:
Just about any .257 bullets
7mm=100gr HP bullets from Hornady or Sierra, most likely
The 7-08 has infinitely more good bullet choices for elk than the 25-06.
The 25-06 has infinitely more good varmint bullet choices than the 7-08.
IMO, shooting an elk with not enough bullet is a no-no. But, shooting a prarie dog with a 50 BMG is fun.........
I really love my Savage Model 11 GCNS Wood Stock Bolt-Action 7mm-08.....looks like the 7mm-08 are gaining in popularity here!
Why would You choose a different Rifle if they happen to be out of stock?If Your wanting a certain caliber Rifle any Gun Dealer or Supplier should quote You a price on any Caliber and Brand,Make and Model of Rifle You want...and You should shop around and see which Dealer will give You the best price.Times are tough and money is tight....most places around here where I live are competative and try to give You a better deal,I saved over $100.00 shopping around looking at Gun prices at over 10 different major Guns Shops and Retail Stores before making my choice!
Why would You choose a different Rifle if they happen to be out of stock?If Your wanting a certain caliber Rifle any Gun Dealer or Supplier should quote You a price on any Caliber and Brand,Make and Model of Rifle You want...and You should shop around and see which Dealer will give You the best price.Times are tough and money is tight....most places around here where I live are competative and try to give You a better deal,I saved over $100.00 shopping around looking at Gun prices at over 10 different major Guns Shops and Retail Stores before making my choice!
In2b8u
New member
I would go with the 7mm-08 all the way. A very underestimated cartridge. It is a do all round. Soft recoil, extended range. A lot of guys are shooting comps and LR with the round. Will get you past 1000 if that is a concern for you.
Easy to find factory ammo for from cheap PRVI to Nosler custom and all in between. (The cheap PRVI shoots under MOA on mine and both of my kids 7 08's). Easy to load for, accurate load data is like tripping over a log in the woods.
This round is a deer dropper, and I would not hesitate to put one through an elk if the opportunity presented itself.
All of the cartridges you listed are proven and lend to good accuracy. IMO the .243 is the minimum for larger game and shot placement is critical. Have I seen elk harvested with it? Yes. Would I use it on elk? No.
The 25-06 is a Dandy. But If I were going for a quarter bore in a long action I would choose the .257 Weatherby, just because.
The 7-08 fits your ticket as the do all. I do not think this round will let you down.
Good luck with your choice.
Easy to find factory ammo for from cheap PRVI to Nosler custom and all in between. (The cheap PRVI shoots under MOA on mine and both of my kids 7 08's). Easy to load for, accurate load data is like tripping over a log in the woods.
This round is a deer dropper, and I would not hesitate to put one through an elk if the opportunity presented itself.
All of the cartridges you listed are proven and lend to good accuracy. IMO the .243 is the minimum for larger game and shot placement is critical. Have I seen elk harvested with it? Yes. Would I use it on elk? No.
The 25-06 is a Dandy. But If I were going for a quarter bore in a long action I would choose the .257 Weatherby, just because.
The 7-08 fits your ticket as the do all. I do not think this round will let you down.
Good luck with your choice.
Well guys I went a little out of the box or bought a cal. I didn't have on the list.I went with a 6mm rem just like the short action and because I was going to be shooting more predators I liked the bullet slection better for me but thanks for all the help and info.When I find a 25-06 or 7mm-08 in a heavy barrel in ruger or remington I will have one of each.