25-06 or 7mm-08 for Moose/Elk

[Rob]

Anyone use either of these calibers for game larger than Deer? My buddy is looking for something lighter than his 7mm mag for deer, but doesnt want to be limited if a Moose or Elk presents itself in a resonable range. He is looking at the Browing A bolt Hunter. Any comments welcomed. Rob

[30-06]

308.Win, or either of those from what iv read on here are good choice's .
i would pick the 25-06 over the 7MM-08 but i just like the 25-06 caliber just like it's older brother the 30-06. which could also be a good choice for your friend.. just my $0.02

[Will]

I hunted for a spell with a 7mm-08.....wicked Little round and if fed "Appropriate" bullets I'd use it on Moose and or Elk without question ! :smile:

I actually did take a Moose with Hornady 139 Interlocks a few years back....200 meters right through the ribcage, jello lungs and a Moose in the Freezer:wink:

[ROEBUCK]

a 7m.08 is very similar balisticly to a 2.70win without the recoil dont no anything about 25-06 killed a nice bear this year with the 7m.08 only went 20 yards nice gun if you dont want recoil

[RBH]

No experience with either, but if I was getting a new gun today I would look very closely at the 7mm-08. Nice ballistics and moderate recoil (2/3 that of 7mm rem mag). Moderate recoil -> better shooting -> better shot placement -> more effective on game. This is an interesting and practical commentary which relates directly to your question:
http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=huntalaska.firearms

[eric]

I used my 7-08 on the Elk I got this year. 130 yds, took out both lungs, animal only made 15 yds and piled up. 139 grn Hornady light mags. It really depends on where your hunting takes place.I usually take my 35 whelen improved for Moose and Elk but I wanted to see what the 7-08 could do, I was very impressed with the bullet performance. For a lighter recoiling rifle you won't go wrong with the 7-08
Eric

[BCBairdo]

Wife shot a big 171" bull moose last year with the 7mm-08 139 gr Hornady BTSP 42.5 gr IMR4350...only went about 50 yards and died. Great cartridge although so is the 25-06....take your pick....doesn't matter what you use between these if the shot is in the boiler room.

[The Dawg]

I have never owned or used those cartridges, but I do own 2 A-bolts...love them both, would definately buy another one.

[ribber]

I've used a 25-06 for years as a light rifle, It will do anything a .270 will do and with less recoil. Actually with 120 gr. bullets it has more energy at 300 yds than a .270 ,so go ahead your covered for anything up to big bears.:-D

[FullDraw]

I own a model 700 Stainless with a D/M in 7-08 It's a deadly gun with very little recoil. I had a 243 before but wanted something a little heavier in bullet size and still have low recoil. The 7-08 fit the bill, I load it up with 140 Grn TSX and it groups very well for a hunting rifle.

[Kirby]

I have a friend who uses the 7-08 lots, he is a member here he might chime in. But the 25-06 is a great round too.

Kirby

[todbartell]

either can work with good bullets and proper placement, but the 7-08 wins hands down for elk/moose over the 25-06, due to its larger caliber and heavier bullet weight.

Split the difference and go 270 Winchester (which performs damn near as well as a 7mm Rem Mag but with less fire and fuss)

[todbartell]

I've used a 25-06 for years as a light rifle, It will do anything a .270 will do and with less recoil. Actually with 120 gr. bullets it has more energy at 300 yds than a .270 ,so go ahead your covered for anything up to big bears.:-D

incorrect, unless you're comparing apples to oranges in bullet selection

the best 25-06 loads hit 300 yards with no more than 1450 ft-lbs of energy, while most 270 loads with 130-150 grainers hit with 1650-1800 ft-lbs of energy. Given proper shot placement, both will yield great results, but throw moose and elk into the mix and the cartridges larger than 25 cal start to shine.

[Jagermeister]

I own and like the 25.06, never had a 7.08. Had a 7X57 and a 243 once, among others.

I have dumped coyotes, deer and large bull moose with the 25.05, always using a 120gr. bullet. One shot kills. The one thing about these smaller cartridges, and I include the 30.06 here too, is that shot placement is king. Accuracy improves with lighter recoil and a proper fitted firearm.

[Trav]

used the 7-08 on moose, deer and bear. worked great for all of them. gonna try and test it on elk this year!

[416]

l own a 25/06 and wouldn't think twice about using it with a good bullet on anything except maybe big bears. Not to say the 7mm/08 wouldn't do the same just as good if not better. Its personal choice and l prefer the 25/06.

[swampdonkey]

i have got the7-08 used on moose deer elk no problem :-D

[Maverick]

Excellent article RBH. Perhaps we should have a permanent posting of this article as this topic is often repeated ad nauseam.

[ROEBUCK]

the ballistics on 7m.08 after around 100 metres starts to outperform the .270 with a lot less recoil












either can work with good bullets and proper placement, but the 7-08 wins hands down for elk/moose over the 25-06, due to its larger caliber and heavier bullet weight.

Split the difference and go 270 Winchester (which performs damn near as well as a 7mm Rem Mag but with less fire and fuss)

[kloosterboer]

A guy my dad works with has a son that has a 7mm-08 and he has taken moose, elk, deer and gophers with it from ranges over 200 yards so it's a very versatile gun. That should satisfy all you hunting needs.:razz:

[youngbuck]

Never used any of the previously mention calibres but I do own a 7x57 (aka 7mm Mauser). It has a good selection of bullet weights and is a flat shooter. I'd use it on moose and elk. Mine happens to be a featherweight so I barely notice the weight. That being said the recoil is alittle more noticable that the standard weight. Still very little recoil. If your friend reloads, he may want to stay with the 7mm class and maybe he can use the same bullets for both guns.

[300mag]

I own a remington model 7 ss/syn in 7mm-08 and its awesome.I bought it as a sheep rifle and I have used it lots. Last years moose fell victim to it, pushing the 300 yard mark..Hornady 139 gr work awesome and so do the accubonds....I stand by the 7mm-08, easy to shoot which helps to shoot well..
Cheers:smile:

[todbartell]

the ballistics on 7m.08 after around 100 metres starts to outperform the .270 with a lot less recoil

the 7-08 does kick less than a 270, but in terms of downrange ballistics, it does not outperform it

example

The 7mm-08's most ideal load for flat trajectory, good downrange energy and high retained velocity is the 140 grain Nosler Accubond which in most rifles can be launched from 2800-2850 fps. So lets say 2825 fps average.

The 270 Winchester loaded with the same weight Accubond can be pushed to 2950 fps


7mm-08 Rem
+2" @ 100y = 212y zero
100y +2.0" - 2650 fps, 2180 ft-lbs
200y +0.5" - 2480 fps, 1910 ft-lbs
300y -6.6" - 2315 fps, 1665 ft-lbs
400y -20.2" - 2160 fps, 1450 ft-lbs
500y -41.3" - 2010 fps, 1250 ft-lbs

270 Win
+2" @ 100y = 223y zero
100y +2.0" - 2770 fps, 2390 ft-lbs
200y +1.0" - 2600 fps, 2105 ft-lbs
300y -5.2" - 2435 fps, 1845 ft-lbs
400y -17.2" - 2280 fps, 1615 ft-lbs
500y -36.0" - 2125 fps, 1405 ft-lbs

So the difference is small, but the 270 does hold an edge. More powder = more velocity

Also means more recoil

Average 7-08 probably weighs 7.5 lbs scoped, and the average 270 probably 8 lbs. Recoil energy stacks up like this :

7mm-08 Rem - 15 ft-lbs recoil energy
270 Win - 19 ft-lbs recoil energy


Both are tame enough for almost anyone to master. Both are excellent cartridges. :cool:

[Will]

Both are tame enough for almost anyone to master. Both are excellent cartridges. :cool:
Yes but only one was derived from the '06 which makes it very Ghey.......:rolleyes: