7mm-08 for moose?

[Porkchop21 34]

What's everyone's opinion on a 7mm-08 for moose? It seems like most people have a mixed reaction. The girlfriend wants her own rifle and browning makes a nice .308 youth model but its $800. Savage has a youth model but in a 7mm-08, looks like a nice little gun. Just not sure if it would be safe for moose. I don't like chasing things with the chance of not getting it. Opinions please?

[naden 136]

I dont see why you couldnt kill a moose with a 7mm 08 using a delayed expansion bullet and a properly placed shot in a reasonable distance. Out west they are used for mixed bag hunts of coyotes/deer/elk/moose. I dont own a 7mm-08 but Ive always thought that they offered a significant reduction in recoil with out a significant reduction in killing power compared to other popular rounds.

[naden 136]

Another thing to consider is the weight of the rifle and how it fits. On paper a 7mm08 has considerably less recoil than say a 308 or 30-06 but the perceived recoil may be greater than expected on a light synthetic rifle or a rifle that doesnt fit properly. My personal opinion is that, generally speaking, a synthetic stocked rifle doesnt really suit a youth model and counteracts the benefit of lighter recoiling calibres. However stock design can make a difference as well. I have two 308 rifles that are about the same weight and same type of action but the perceived recoil of one is considerably greater than the other. The one with greater perceived recoil has a larger drop at the comb. Here is a link to a rifle recoil table. http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm

[Spectre 21]

Don't know much about the 7mm-08 but you may want to consider how available and how much is ammo as well... I use 30-06 and I know 7mm ammo is more which is why I stayed with the same claiber when I got my new gun.

[Hurketthunter 65]

It can be used for moose with proper bullets and bullet placement. By that I mean no frontal shots or shots through the shoulder. My wife hunts deer with her 7mm-08 but if loaded with partitions it is moose capable. Last time I was at pritchards he had a box or two of 140gr partitions. Something to keep in mind is that finding high end rounds for this caliber can be difficult as it isn't popular in this area. If you handload then it's a non issue. Personally when I bought my wife her first rifle it was a .308 because I knew she wanted to hunt moose and finding ammo would not be an issue. Good luck and enjoy spending time in the field with your girlfriend. Do it right and you will have a hunting partner for life.

Hurketthunter

[PRO V 26]

It will do the job, but as stated above, placement, and type of round used is key you want to make sure you have a clear shot of the engine compartment, or head, distance and cover will not be your friend. I'm sure GMK, or Pritchards, will be able to help you out on ammo. Is your girlfriend an advid shooter?

Mike

[Pro fisherman-Stud Muffin 420]

7-08 will do just fine on moose , bullet choice and shot placement more critical but still not an irresponsible choice or anywhere close. a more than capable cartridge

just an fyi though 7mag or 30-06 has reduced recoil loads you can buy same price i think , you can always go up to regular loads later.

i would try to find rifle with a nice fit and trigger over a specific caliber , dont order form a catalog. make sure it fits her. a poor fitting 30-30 will kick harder than an good fitting magnum.

[Porkchop21 34]

Yes she likes to shoot and his not afraid of the recoil even though she's only 5'3 and 130 pounds. She shot my T3 300WSM last year and held on to it pretty good, what a sight though. Haha. Everyone seems to have the same view, I agree shot placement and ammunition is key.

[dano 8]

Anything that can be done with a 308 can be done with a 7-08. Buy it and go hunting.

[PRO V 26]

.....................Ryan makes a good point on fit.

Mike

[Thefishleclair 175]

My 14 year old daughter has a7mm 08. She is prob 100 lbs at best. She shoots it just fine. As for bullets you can find em around no problem. I never had an issue yet. As for will it drop a moose. I say no problem. Just put the bullet where the money counts

[smokerscully1 16]

Listen to Dano

[Guest Beamer]

Anything that can be done with a 308 can be done with a 7-08. Buy it and go hunting.

X 2 (.284" VERSUS .308) = .024" Difference which is not much, use quality bullets and go hunting

[NorthwestHunter 27]

Its the shooter...not the caliber.

A larger caliber will give you a little more room for error if you hit a shoulder etc....but thats about it.

The 7mm-08 is incredibly similar to a .308 WIN., which has killed many moose.

My first hunting rifle was a Browning BBR in .308 WIN and I killed my first moose no problem.

All about shot placement.

Hope this helps.

Paul

[Buck 120 32]

If you are looking at a 284, my buddy has one on consignment at GMK. Browning, I believe.

[flybum 95]

My little brother shot a 6x6 bull elk last year with his 7mm-08 , no problem at all ... Get out there!