7MM-08, max range for deer/elk?

[WI2AZhunter]

7MM-08…Thinking either Ruger Gen 2 or Tikka T3x…anyone have experience with either, and if so, thoughts?

 

[Nick87]

7MM-08…Thinking either Ruger Gen 2 or Tikka T3x…anyone have experience with either, and if so, thoughts?

How far can you shoot?

 

[Schaaf]

Depends on the bullet. What would you use?

 

[Forkyfinder]

How much time of flight are you okay with? Depending on bullet - i think thats the more relevant question with todays tech.

 

[elkduds]

Closer is better. One difference between hunting and shooting.

 

[WI2AZhunter]

140 or 160gr, flight time isn’t as big deal to me

 

[BuzzH]

I don't know about "max range" as that is pretty subjective, depends on the nut behind the trigger.

Lots of people probably shouldn't be shooting at game at all, at any range. Some put in the time to put together a proper rifle, use good handloads to squeeze out accuracy, put in the trigger time. They also know when, and more importantly, when NOT to be stretching their abilities.

But, I shot this elk at 620 yards on a dead still day with a 7-08 and 140 grain accubond. I had a solid rest fore and aft, plenty of time, and couldn't get closer.

Shot this one last fall at 454 with a 7-08, also dead still morning and solid rest:

Bullet just behind the off-shoulder:

This day, 300 yards was too far, so crept into 230 or so...and barely gave it enough wind hold with the 7-08 (about 20 inches). I also made sure I shot at one with its ass pointed into the wind so if I didn't give it enough, very worst thing would happen is shooting in front of it.

The trick isn't about max range, but MAX RANGE for the day and situation, some savvy that, most don't.

 

[kodiakisland]

It will shoot as far as you can. I use mine on steel out to 1000yds but would never do that at an animal.

450yds is my max range at an unwounded animal in ideal conditions. The 708 easily fits in that.

 

[Bonasababy]

Solid rest or not is a key consideration.

 

[utah400elk]

I think Buzz uses a 7mm-08 in elk and deer. He might be a great source if he views this one. My son took his cow cross-canyon (laser range finder verified) right at 400 yards. The cow dropped at the shot with 140 Accubonds.

Best of luck.

 

[std7mag]

Personally, I'd go with the Tikka.
Both are accurate enough.
But the Tikka has a better fit & finish.
If you're still undecided, run the bolt on the Tikka. With one finger.
You'll be hard pressed to find a smoother action!!

As far as max range, that depends on a lot of things.
Terrain, weather, how stable is your setup, bullet choice, are you up to it.
Also once you start going past 300 yards the wind is a force to be reckoned with.
I've taken deer at 400+ yards with mine using the 140gr Berger VLD.
But the wind was calm (about 3mph coming from 1 o'clock). I carry a light weight fold up stool on my backpack. Setting up the stool, placing my backpack on it and sitting on the ground is almost as good as being at the bench!
That and I shoot alot at 300,400 yards. About 900 rounds a year.

That being said, my bullet, shot at my velocity puts my max range at 600 yards to reliably expand in an animal.

Another thing to think about is your optics.
Most of my scopes are in the 4-12, or 4-16 power range.
Simply not enough to see mirage.
I can't actually see what the mirage is doing until I get up towards 20 power on the high end.
And depending on the terrain and weather, you want to see what the mirage is doing if you're trying to shoot 500 yards or more.
Case in point would be my first 600 yard F-Open match.
Mirage was going slightly left to right, wind flags which were up higher than the targets was blowing right to left.
The terrain along the sides of the range blocked the wind along the bullet travel path.
I failed to realize this and was trying to hold for the wind, not the mirage.
Needless to say THAT didn't work out well!!

 

[Doublecluck]

About 783 yards at 5000’.

 

[ismith]

A 7mm-08 will kill an elk a heck of a lot further than most people should be shooting at them.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Add me to the "further than your abilities allow" list. But Tikka>Ruger american.

 

[more_cowbell]

Hate to be that guy to chime in with a third option, but if you don't plan on getting something like the Tikka to completely overhaul it with a new barrel, stock etc., you may also want to consider a Sauer 100 if you can find one in that caliber.

I have several T3xs in different calibers, with different stocks/configurations, but recently bought my first Sauer 100 (made in Germany). I like my Tikkas, but in a lot of ways the Sauer "feels" and handles better. Maybe because it's heavier and so it feels more substantial. It takes Remington 700 bases (6-48 screws). The stock feels sturdier than the T3x factory stock, and has a longer LOP as well as actual "bottom metal". They make a few with threaded barrels, though seem to be rare. Doesn't seem to be much aftermarket support for it.

 

[ismith]

Hate to be that guy to chime in with a third option, but if you don't plan on getting something like the Tikka to completely overhaul it with a new barrel, stock etc., you may also want to consider a Sauer 100 if you can find one in that caliber.

I have several T3xs in different calibers, with different stocks/configurations, but recently bought my first Sauer 100 (made in Germany). I like my Tikkas, but in a lot of ways the Sauer "feels" and handles better. Maybe because it's heavier and so it feels more substantial. It takes Remington 700 bases (6-48 screws). The stock feels sturdier than the T3x factory stock, and has a longer LOP as well as actual "bottom metal". They make a few with threaded barrels, though seem to be rare. Doesn't seem to be much aftermarket support for it.

If it can feed 7-08 without jamming go for it. Personally I’d opt for 7mm Mauser, but only because my wife’s 7-08 M700 was so prone to jam.

 

[Frequently Banned Troll]

I don't know about "max range" as that is pretty subjective, depends on the nut behind the trigger.

Lots of people probably shouldn't be shooting at game at all, at any range. Some put in the time to put together a proper rifle, use good handloads to squeeze out accuracy, put in the trigger time. They also know when, and more importantly, when NOT to be stretching their abilities.

But, I shot this elk at 620 yards on a dead still day with a 7-08 and 140 grain accubond. I had a solid rest fore and aft, plenty of time, and couldn't get closer.

Shot this one last fall at 454 with a 7-08, also dead still morning and solid rest:

Bullet just behind the off-shoulder:

This day, 300 yards was too far, so crept into 230 or so...and barely gave it enough wind hold with the 7-08 (about 20 inches). I also made sure I shot at one with its ass pointed into the wind so if I didn't give it enough, very worst thing would happen is shooting in front of it.

The trick isn't about max range, but MAX RANGE for the day and situation, some savvy that, most don't.

Any other details on the rifle and load? I think you once said you also use varget.

I just put a Schmidt Bender PMii on my 700 mtn rifle 7-08 but have never shot it ever over 450yards. I’ve been using 42.1 varget in fed case with Barnes 140. Shoots great but has never been a turret rifle until now.

 

[Frequently Banned Troll]

I also have about 500 of those 140 ABs

 

[Marshfly]

Caliber doesn't really matter. The particular bullet does. Each bullet is designed to expand down to a certain speed. Call or email the manufacturer of your bullet and find out. Could be 2500 FPS. Could be 1800 FPS. Wherever your gun and load puts the bullet at that minimum speed is your max range.

Your shooting ability, the gun's group, and the conditions during the shot all might shrink that range.

 

[slatebuilder]

Max range is farther than most people are capable of shooting.