Thread: 7mm08 vs 7mmSaum for max 500m Hunting

Hey Guys,

i want to build me a real light weight hunting rifle for maximum 500m. More inside 300-400m.

7mm08 & 7mm Saum Norma cases are available. Nosler and Hornady Bullets, too.

I want only one of this both calibers 7mm08 or 7mm Saum.

What would you prefer ?

thank you very much.

7x61mm aka .270win lol but a 7mm/08 will be easier all round for you of your two choices.

I have both those cartridges, 708 will do that.

Do you research on what projectile you want to use. You maximum range will be decided by the projectiles minimum terminal velocity on game and you practiced shooting at that range in various weather conditions.

7mm08 with the 162gr will do that.
Well my one did before I rebarreled it.
But a tikka 7mm08 set up with a long action bolt stop and magazine, so I could seat projectile long

Thanks very much. Yes i have read a lot about the 162 eld-m. Also the 140gr Ballistic Tip. Barrel length would be 20“

SAUM brass is not always available, but it will give you extra range for when your skills improve and 500 is no longer your max distance.

7mmsaum is cooler but if you only want to shoot to 500 708 is all you need and cheaper option


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There are plenty of off the shelf light weight 708’s available from Kimber (had one a sweet wee rifle less than 6lb) Sako, Tikka, savage etc so would have thought if you were going “build” a rifle wouldn’t you want to do that for a cartridge like the 7saum which you can’t get off the shelf?
My 7saum started out as a T3 in 7mag laminated stock and its been fun turning it into the Saum new 20” bbl stock mag tally rings etc. 3.3 kg incl suppressor and scope. Not super light but I find the recoil when shooting 180 eldm to be tolerable.

Go middle of the road and get a 284Win. Reasonably good supply of brass.

I had the same question 6 months ago. Could have built a 7-08 or a 7saum as I had actions for both and i chose the 7-08. Looked at both on paper and the 7-08 had plenty of energy out to 600m 1111 foot pounds with a 162 Eldm doing 2520 ( now chronographed). And more importantly the rifle had to be lite, accurate and shoot comfortably with a shortish barrel. I’m really pleased with my choice, the rifle kills really well and is great to shoot, extremely accurate and a pleasure to carry and own.

Welcome to the forum.

I have both the 708 is great low recoil light weight I shoot the 150lrab my barrels only 16” and it’s plenty of grunt I shoot heavier 168-180gn in the saum also great rifles just as light so recoils noticeable

Originally Posted by Edelweiss

Hey Guys,

i want to build me a real light weight hunting rifle for maximum 500m. More inside 300-400m.

7mm08 & 7mm Saum Norma cases are available. Nosler and Hornady Bullets, too.

I want only one of this both calibers 7mm08 or 7mm Saum.

What would you prefer ?

thank you very much.

Get ahead of the game, 7PRC. You'll want the option of buying factory ammo to see if the rifle shoots. If a rifle does not shoot decent factory ammo well (Hornady Match/Precison Hunter or Federal Gold Box) then return to sender...

However, 'light weight & long range' are pairings that don't often go together well.

Read Brian Litz and his TOPGUN (theory of precision), rifle weight is analogous with precision, scope and mounting robustness equals accuracy.

How often do you have the opportunity to practise 500m and further?

I have 500 Norma 7mm Saum Brass, i collected and allready a rifle in 7mm08 chambered 8,5 lbs without Scope.

I‘‘m thankfull for your friendly way!

Greetings @Edelweiss,
Being an old Fudd I would go for the 7mm-08 on the basis of long term availability of brass alone. You will need a longer mag and faster twist barrel than standard though if you want to shoot the long pointy projectiles. I am currently using one shooting 600 yards (550 metres) F class and the rifle and cartridge are not the weak links, it is the shooter. The rifle will be lighter for the same recoil as well.
Regards Grandpamac.