Overlap?

ajvigs · Jun 26, 2014

With a 7mm08 in the stable, I am questioning whether a 308 (FN SPRA1) is going to be a good purchase, as the 7mm08 with 140's for hunting and 160's for targets seems to overlap significantly with the 308 Winchesters offerings, with the .284 offering better ballistics....

Thoughts?

The other idea right now is to keep running the 7mm08, and instead of the 308 jump to a '06 M70 (I have a lead on a Ultimate Shadow for a STEAL) having GAP or SAC put it into a Manners and run that...

tddeangelo · Jun 26, 2014

Just a suggestion...

Take that deal on the 30-06, do the stock work as planned, but also have JES work their magic and make the 30-06 into a 338-06, 35 Whelen, or 9.3x62. Then there will be little question of overlap with a the 7-08, but tons of fun and capability with the rifle.

I had an M70 Classic in 30-06 rebored to 35 Whelen, and it is my go-to rifle. Set in a McMillan, topped with a Swaro Z3...it's a heck of a hunting rifle.

Anonymous · Jun 26, 2014

I'm pretty new to the 7-08, but I know one thing. If I'd have discovered the 7-08 30 years ago I'd not have a .308...

In my opinion, if you've got a good 7-08 there's no reason at all to have a .308 or the '06 (or the .270Win and .280 for that matter) since they are all basically doing the same thing. Sure there are some differences but they don't amount to much in the field.

To get to the next level you need a .300 or to go up in bore size to the .338 or .35

BK · Jun 26, 2014

I don't know what your 7-08 is, but I don't really see there is a whole lot of overlap between what I assume is a sporter weight 7mm and an 11.4 pound stripped .30. If you're going to be hunting the hills with a 13+ pound rifle, you're tougher than me!

DrMike · Jun 26, 2014

There's a measure of overlap in all cartridges; so, a little overlap has never been a problem for me. You are leery of recoil, so the .308 will serve you well without kicking you from under your hat.

JD338 · Jun 26, 2014

I would pass on the 30-06 and go with a 300 WSM and/or a 35 Whelen.

JD338

Elkman · Jun 26, 2014

"Overlap is good"

BK · Jun 27, 2014

Elkman":of882itn said:
"Overlap is good"

Quoted the guy with six .300 magnums and two .30-06s...

wildgene · Jun 27, 2014

...what you (& Scotty) really need is a .325 WSM... :roll: :twisted: :mrgreen:

Elkman · Jun 27, 2014

Quoted the guy with six .300 magnums and two .30-06s...

Not exactly only (2) 300 B's. (1) 300 WM, 3 7MM's, (1) 06, a .308 and a few more to fill in the gaps. The remaining mostly have historical value, except for the 45's and 50's. As I said "overlap is good"

BK · Jun 27, 2014

No, I meant I have six .300 mags, two 7WSMs, two 7RMs... Yeah, overlap doesn't bother me.

Elkman · Jun 27, 2014

Really BK, we have pretty much the same tastes, that must mean something ????

BK · Jun 27, 2014

You're a sick, twisted degenerate too? LOL

Elkman · Jun 28, 2014

Yup ! And old !!

filmjunkie4ever · Jun 29, 2014

I vote for the .30-06 if its hunting you have in mind. The .308 is generally a more accurate round but, having said that I shot a 3 shot cloverleaf you could cover with a dime at 100 yards with 165 grain Ballistic tips @ a pedestrian 2800 fps from my Model 70 .30-06 the other day.

The 7mm-08 and .308 are like owning a .270 and a .30-06...one of them will get all the use and the other will get traded off eventually. I have owned 4 .270s over the years, but that .30-06 has stayed with me for nearly half of my life.

A .308 would be redundant but its purely preference! Good luck with whatever you choose!

But I know in your heart you want the Winchester Model 70 in .30-06!

Oldtrader3 · Jun 29, 2014

My 1997, USRAC, .30-06 Model 70 is the most accurate rifle that I own and I do not own a rifle that shoots over MOA groups.

super-7 · Jun 29, 2014

Oldtrader3":227br0ey said:
My 1997, USRAC, .30-06 Model 70 is the most accurate rifle that I own and I do not own a rifle that shoots over MOA groups.

You need to buy more guns then , ya gotta have atleast one Redheaded step child of a rifle in the vault. Lol .

pre6422hornet · Jun 29, 2014

I will be the odd ball, but if you want an opinion about the FNSPR, I will give it. Seems not to many people own these absolute sweethearts. Heavy yes, but then again it is a tactical rifle. McMillan stock is very nice. I have owned one since late 2006, and it is a true 1/4 MOA rifle with 5 shot groups. I have done nothing to this rifle except do a little trigger work. I mounted a Burris FF2 3.5x10x50 in Weaver mounts on the rail and have never looked back.

Great rifle for the money ( they were ALOT less expensive back then).

sask boy · Jun 29, 2014

I really believe that if you have a 280AI and the 35 Whelen you just about have it covered :wink:!!
PS. But if the right deal comes along I would likely purchase something in the 6.5 family as well.

Blessings,
Dan

longrangehunter · Jul 1, 2014

The 7mm-08 will run circles around a 308 ballistic wise. They both are great for finding and making ammo from any of the brass available in tough market conditions, another plus. The 7mm is still better then a 308 Winchester unless you're caught out in the field/a foreign country during war time. That said, unless this 7mm-08 doesn't shot very well, you might be wise to keep it?

Having said that, any time you can make a case from the parent case or something that it's made from and widely available in the market or otherwise..... in the field, overseas, etc. Try to use something from this group vs. a less then available cartridge that ceases to exist in the market place. Just food for thought.

Honestly you need to ask what task will you use it for? And is it adequate enough or marginal? Are we talking ELR Trophy hunting, high mountain hiking breathing through a straw type of place or pick-up truck with the bench in the back? These are the questions that you'll need to focus on. Overlap is a gray area, but with all things there are give and take! Are you recoil sensitive? This is were any big 7mm will benefit a shooter over the bigger brother the 300. I don't care about how macho you may/or may not be, but recoil will effect shot placement to some degree for a given caliber in any situation. The question is, is it necessary and will you practice with it enough to become proficient..... 95% of the time for Game Animals. That's a high rate and one that I'd place when making shots on Game, only because I don't like crippling animals. I prefer dead in under 1 minute as a success to end a hunt.

The 30-06 Springfield is a classic and will remain so. It widely available almost anywhere in the World and will take any Big Game Animal cleanly with the right ammo and a well placed shot..... the last part is true for any cartridge as well. If I were to travel the World to hunt, the '06 would be the cartridge to bring, ammo will be had anywhere.

With so many cartridges available it boils down to circumstances that you'll need to address. That will rule out what not and what to use. Just think about it and what will fill the need?