7mm08 v 280

[ajvigs]

Title says it, are they the same ballistically or what makes one better then the other?

 

[DrMike]

Think of comparing the .308 and the .30-06. The 7mm-08 is based on the .308 case; the .280 is based on the .30-06 case. They are quite similar, with the .280 having a slight advantage in velocity because it has greater powder capacity. The 7mm-08 has a slight advantage in being chambered in a short action. Either will get the job done. It is a question of preference. I've had multiple .280s, and all shot tiny groups. I have not owned a 7mm-08 (though that could change at any moment), but I've worked up loads for quite a number of them; all shot quite well.

 

[ajvigs]

Thats what I figured the comparison was like...I hope I make the right decision

 

[YoteSmoker]

If you get a 7mm08 you'll have made the right decision.

 

[ajvigs]

The 7mm08 will be used for deer and hogs here in Florida, if I go after anything bigger I plan on a bigger rifle...something like a 280AI or 30cal

 

[Tobey284]

I have one of each, both in remington 700's with 24" barrels. My 280 is about 100 fps faster with handloads until I get up to the 160 grainers, at which point the 280 has a more distinct advantage. 100 fps is of little consequence in the field, in my opinion. My 7-08 really shines with 120 to 130 grain bullets, flat shooting and little recoil, pure poison on whitetails and hogs. I run 140s and 160s in the 280 for mountain hunting. I really believe that one is as good as the other for anything in the ungulate category.

 

[Mortis]

Some years back, before the 7mm-08 became as popular as it is now, one of the gun magazines decided to do a North American Hunting test with it.

Over a year, they hunted every game animal in North America except Brown Bear and Griz.

Each hunt was successful, to include the Elk.

I've used a 7mm-08 for nearly 20 years now..... the round preforms very well.

 

[ajvigs]

7mm08 it is.

 

[Tobey284]

you're gonna love it! what rifle are you looking at?

 

[ajvigs]

The rifle is a secret..for now.

 

[jmad_81]

I'm a fan of both. but I've only owned a 7-08. Killed all sorts of critters with it.

 

[Wincheringen]

I own both and like them both. The 7mm-08 has been much easier to reload for though.

 

[YoteSmoker]

Try close to 46 grains IMR4350 or 42 Varget with 140 AccuBond and you will find what you're looking for.

 

[FOTIS]

Doc Mike nailed it.

You can not go wrong with either.

 

[Guy Miner]

Ajvigs - my new hunting partners this year, Steven & Storm, used both the 7mm-08 and the .280 our our antelope & mule deer hunt. They used the 120 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip in both rifles. Four one-shot kills between them.

Details of bullet performance can be found in Stevens posts here under "Roysclockgun" - but the essential thing is that they both produced excellent accuracy and were lethal as all get out on both mule deer and pronghorn. I don't think any of their game ran at all.

Storm used the 7-08, a Howa, and was getting something over 3,000 fps from it, while Steven had his .280 zipping out a little faster. I don't recall his muzzle velocity, but I think it was 3200+ fps. Faster than my .25-06 with 115's!

Just FYI, 'cause I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

Regards, Guy

 

[35 Whelen]

Just had a hunter here from Vermont with a little Browning Micro in 7mm/08 he tracked a nice buck here last week in our first snow of the season and shot him at 75 yds and flatten him with the little 7/08. Nice 193 lb field dressed Whitetail with 8 points eastern count. The more I see of them the better I like that caliber. :!:

 

[ajvigs]

Guy,

I have actually been talking to Steve (RoysClockGun) as he lives here in Florida about a good cartridge for the state. Real nice fellow and a fellow service member. He also said I cannot go wrong with either caliber. For deer and hogs down here, a 140grn NP or AB should do the trick real quick.

 

[gerry]

Both would be great but I can't imagine why a 7mm-08 wouldn't do everything you would want to do plus you get a lot more choice in factory guns than the 280 Rem.

 

[SJB358]

Both would be great but I can't imagine why a 7mm-08 wouldn't do everything you would want to do plus you get a lot more choice in factory guns than the 280 Rem.

Plus, the 7-08 mirrors the old magical 7mm Mauser.... That right there makes it cool in my eyes too. I love the little 7mm Mauser and would have gotten a 7-08 for my boy should that have came around first. Either way, the 280 and 7-08 are great rounds. Light on recoil and high on performance.

 

[ajvigs]

How will the 7-08 handle 'yotes and such? When I head North to my 25 acre farm I would love to use it to down them