Tell me about a 7mm-08

[338winmag]

Looking to purchase a Weatherby Vanguard 2 rifle for the wife. She might use it for hunting (if I can get her past the Bambi story). We would definitely use it for target shooting fun at 100 and 200 yards. The caliber is versatile enough for target shooting fun and if we wanted to use it for hunting, it sounds great too (Antelope, Deer, Elk). The big importance is the recoil factor and that is why I am looking at this caliber in the Weatherby Vanguard 2 rifle. We will also most likely put a muzzle brake on it too.

any and all thoughts are very welcome!

Thanks guys
338winmag

 

[DrMike]

I doubt you will need a muzzle brake on the Vanguard, especially if you load it with 120 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips. Even the 140s won't generate that much recoil. The 7mm 08 us an excellent choice for a new shooter. Keep us posted.

 

[russ808]

+1 for the 7mm-08
Russ

 

[Anonymous]

7mm-08 doesn't generate much recoil and is an excellent performer on game.

The S2s are usually reported as quite accurate and they're fairly heavy for a 7-08. Not a "heavy" rifle but no effort been made to reduce weight.

The mild recoil force and heavier rifle weight will keep the felt recoil to a minimum...it would be unusual that she'll require a brake on it.

 

[SJB358]

That'll be a sweet rifle for your wife Steve. The 7-08 is a great performer and would fill that role of target shooting and deer hunting great. I can't imagine the recoil of mildly loaded 120's being much more than a 243 with 100's. My boy shoots his 243 all day long and hasn't ever complained too much of recoil. Should be a sweet rifle and a great cartridge as well. Scotty

 

[BK]

I don't have an S2 (yet) but I do have an S1, and a Howa 1500 (same rifle, mostly), and I think they are great rifles. I also have a 7-08 (in a Remington) and my advise is to let her shoot it with mild load/light bullets before you commit to a break. I hate breaks with a nearly psychotic passion... noisy, too much muzzle blast, and looks like some sort of social disease on the end of your unit... err, barrel.

 

[338winmag]

Thanks All!

Some great thoughts. I have never shot a 7mm-08 or a 243 so I don't know what the mild recoil really is but your thoughts of firing first is excellent idea. Went to my gun shop and ordered the rifle today. (well they are first looking for it since they did not have it at the local store)

I have the Vanguard 1 and love it except perhaps the trigger but I still shoot great with it. I recommended the Vanguard 2 to a friends wife (30-06) and I helped break it in. It is sweet and the trigger is really decent.

I think that we will have the rifle maybe around the second week of January! Between some comments here and some PMs, I believe this is going to be a great choice!

Thanks again.
Steve

 

[BK]

Whenever Weatherby starts shipping S2s in .240 Weatherby Mag, I'm bringing one home.

 

[JD338]

The 7mm-08 is just right for effecient results with out undue recoil.
Look hard at the 140 gr PT as a do all bullet for your bride. The 140 gr BT is perfect for target shooting,deer, and antelope.

JD338

 

[Wondermutt]

I bought my wife a Savage Edge last year in this caliber mostly for the reasons you were wondering, plus it was cheap. I was unsure if she would like it. It is a winner for her. The youth size stock and light recoil makes it a wonderful deer rifle. I started her off with managed recoil rounds and that was a waste. Just buy some 140g rounds and have at it.

I am now loading 140 Ab's and she can group real nice at 100 yards and can hit a 2.5" group at 200. Not bad for someone who never practices. The recoil is real low.

Good Luck