Thread: Which Rifle

Originally Posted by hemi23

Thanks for the advice happy i was advised to get 708 over 308 due to stopping power at longer distances is that true?

It's only my opinion but I seriously believe 7mm o8 was invented to simply provide a metric .308
What you were told is not quite true as where was the statement on foot per second and energy
Been through them all. Not much beats this at targets or in the field.

Hemi, you may not know it but many hours have been wasted on the 708 vs 308 argument around these parts and it is a scab that some people love to rip off from time to time

There is in reality very little difference between the two calibres, 308 ammo is slightly cheaper as it is a bit more common

Dogmatix's advice is good - Howas and Vanguards are fine and you can upgrade the stocks later, Tikkas are very popular

Get good optics and spend plenty of time on the hill and range

From the Federal website.

.308 Win 150gn.
ENERGY IN FOOT POUNDS
MUZZLE 100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
2648 2134 1702 1341 1044 807

7mm-08 Rem 150gn
ENERGY IN FOOT POUNDS

MUZZLE 100 Y 200 Y 300 Y 400 Y 500 Y
2339 1979 1664 1390 1151 950

So for realistic NZ hunting conditions, not much in it.
Unless you are an experienced pro, I wouldn't be shooting either calibre past 500m

thanks you for share!

Handle a few options at gun shops before deciding, most brands in your price range will be good reliable rifles and the main deciding factor should be choosing a rifle that fits your body shape well and that you like the feel of.

I'm defiantly not here to argue calibre superiority just advice on calibre selection and brands problem being i like to buy things once so just seeking advice on what rifle to buy once and maybe in ten years change based on my own experience and as stated the only advice i had was 7mm08

If you want to chop the barrel way short for bush work, I think the 308 will keep its velocity better than the 7-08.

Sorry, I'm not trying to argue, see my first post(s), it was about getting out there, shooting with any of the standard deer hunting calibres and brands in NZ.
Honestly the deer isn't going to notice the difference between a well placed .308 vs a well placed 7mm-08.

PS, don't listen to the shop salesperson either.
And don't shop at Guncity either, they charge like wounded bulls.

If you need help, just ask here.

Originally Posted by dogmatix

I would get a Tikka T3 or Marlin XL7 then.

Marlin XL7 7mm-08 | Trade Me

This leaves you cash for a can and a good bit of glass. I have the same rifle, sonic suppressor, still got the budget Bushnell scope on mine though.

thanks guys. i guess the other issue is the terrain id most likely hunt I'm from rotorua so not too sure on the terrain as of yet but would definitely want something i could use in any scenario also.

my current circle of friends certainly have minimal interest in the outdoors cars tickle their fancy more

have kind of been invited to ruahine ranges by a friend of my brothers but that is only one terrain to tackle

Pick a common calibre, (ie a reasonalbe sized hole down the barrel and something most shops will stock ammo for) and have at it.

Get a reasonable quality rifle and a good quality scope.

Mate recently brought a Remington 783 package from a well known franchise and while the rifle shoots supprisingly good the shop should be wacked fitting it with a scope of such quality it does not even have a name and when you look thru it a full coke bottle would be clearer to look thru, not to mention the crosshairs move when the power ring on the scope is moved.

Note: I should listen to my own advice too

People are talking about shooting hundreds of metres here but when you first start, if you can fire at a deer 100m away and it falls down, that's good shooting. Most hunters never go to be able to reliably shoot past 200m, which is why it doesn't matter too much which calibre you use. You just need at least 2000 ft.lb energy at the muzzle (This will be on the ammo box.) Buy once is a good strategy. Good standard cartridges are:
.308
7mm08
6.5x55
270
.3006
Those will be good all rounders and able to be used for a long time, even when you develop skills for longer range shooting (if ever needed). Short range shooting can also be difficult and a good scope and rifle fit help a lot there. Developing shooting skill is where the .22LR comes in. An air rifle will also get you off to a start as its very cheap and in a lot of places can be used at home, but is a bit limited in accuracy for honing higher skill levels.

Ones to avoid for your first rifle are:
.243
.260
.223, .22-250
300 WSM & .300 WIn Mag & 7mm Rem Mag
7.62x39, .44mag
.303
.25-06
anything semi auto, lever or single shot
(all have their merits but aren't all rounders)

Good basic scope brands for a starter are:
Bushnell
Redfield
Leupold
Burris
Weaver
Some would say Nikko Stirling is OK too but if you plan to "buy once" then go for the ones above.
Leupold have the best reputation overall.

Rifles have been covered above.
Second hand can be OK if less than 5 yr old.

Finally, budget for 100 rounds of ammo all the same batch when you start and keep the brass for reloading.
I'm sure others will offer advice on ammo brands if asked

Stick to your choice of 7-08. That's one decision that you have made and its a good choice that you are feeling comfortable about. There is absolutely no reason to waver from it.

The comment about 308 being better in a short barrel is just academic rubbish. "Better" is just a subjective notion.

Now all you have to do is choose a rifle that fits you and feels good and is within your budget. And choose a scope of a reputable brand.

@Tahr nailed it mate

Both the 308win and the 7mm08 rem are excellent cartridges. Your choice of off the shelf factory ammo will be much better in the 308. To take advantage of the higher B.C. of the 7mm-08 you must be a handmade.
Practically speaking both are excellent.