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

[7's-and-30's]

I've hunted with the 7mm-08 for about 10 years now, and the 7x57 for a few years before that. I've seen spectacular results on whitetails and mule deer, and a few results that didn't impress me (all from the 120 TTSX). When I chased elk, I had the 162 ELD-X at around 2600 fps and was confident it would get the job done, although I never had the opportunity with that rifle. I'd pick the Tikka over the Ruger gen 2 but both are great guns.

My current 7mm-08 is the new Howa Superlite, and even with the 20" barrel, it pushes a 139 Barnes LRX around 2900 fps. which should be good medicine for anything I plan to hunt, especially at altitude which is what that rifle was purchased for.

FWIW, the best 'bang-flop' bullet I ever used in any 7mm-08 was the 139 grain SST. Stunning DRT's with that one and always good exit holes. If I was not interested in tracking and didn't mind lead, that's all I'd ever use. Good luck with your decision.

What powder were you using with the 162s? I tried superformance today and it grouped decent. I dont have a chronograph but I have one on order. Would love to get these around 2700fps.