7mm-08 OR .260 Rem

[FULLDRAWXX75]

I am going to purchase a new rifle for my son to start hunting with (next season). I have been looking at and reading a lot of comments on both the 7mm-08 & the .260 Rem. both pro's and con's.

My son is 13 now, tall, slender and athletic; so far I have worked him from a pellet gun to a .22 and into a .410 single barrel with no problems relative to recoil, He has shot one of my 20 ga. single barrels at the skeet range and didn't seem to complain about that one either. I have a wide variety of weapons to choose from in my safe but feel he needs to have his own.

I guess what I am getting at is..............which one of the two listed above has better performance on a deer sized animal, (max. shooting distance 150 yds, and that is pushing it)reloadability choices (bullet sizes & brands) and of course recoil factor (I don't want him "gun shy" and loose interest in the sport because of that)for a young'en.

I am leaning towards the Rem. Model 7 over the Ruger compact.

Any and all input is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

FDXX75

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

I have both in the Model 7, I actually think the 7-08 has a bit less recoil.

Can't go wrong either way.

Great calibers, great gun.

150 is a chip-shot for either.

In the '08 I like the Hornady Light Magnum 140gr SST, but you can use regular REM Core-Lokt and be just fine.

Ammo for the .260 is harder to find, but I like the Federal Fusion 120gr.

Deer won't know the difference, bang-flop usually.

 

[stik]

both are very good choices. i think 7mm08 ammo is easier to find. i have little experience with the 260 but our younger son has been shooting a 7mm08 since he was 12 with no recoil issues and he's a little feller.

 

[megalomaniac]

There really isn't any difference in the 260 and 7-08, especially with all the newer bullets that have been introduced in the .264 cal over the past 10 years.

 

[Plateau Hunter]

I agree with the others-basically it is a coin toss. However I would get the .260 as I like the 6.5 bore. I have killed a ton of deer with my .260 and with proper shooting techniques 300-400 yards would not be an issue. I like the 8" twist on my Ruger as it can handle 160s if wanted if I ever need to shoot a rogue elephant or bull :D. The .260 is a reloaders proposition however to get the full versatility the cartridge offers. My sister has a 7/08 model 7FS and I load for her also and I have killed a mule deer with her rifle. Both are great rounds. PH

 

[AllOutdoors]

Both are great cartridges.As far as performance on deer size game, there are alot of factors that can be brought to the table.The 7-08 will have a larger frontal area, therefore offering a wider wound channel. The 260 can offer higher sectional densities which should allow deeper penetration. THis is comparing bullets of same weight. Also with bullets of the same weight,(140gr) the 7-08 will have greater velocity than the 260 and a slightly flatter trajectory. When bullets of similar sectional densities are used, 120gr. 260 will have greather velocity and flatter trajectory than the 140gr 7-08. Now when I say greater trajectory its only 1 inch at 400 yrds for either bullets.It will be easier to find factory ammo for the 7-08. They both will handle deer very well. Bullets for the 260 will range in weight from around 80gr. to 160gr. The bullets on the far end of this spectrum will not be practical for deer.120,125,129,and 140gr will be best for deer and are available in many styles. My 260 with a 120gr. Sierra Pro Hunter sitting on top of a max load of H4350 hits hard and penetrates deep. Bullets for the 7-08 will start about 100gr and go to around 175gr. As with the 260, I think we can eliminate the bullets on the far end of this spectrum for purposes of taking deer. I think 120,140,150,and 154gr. are best suited for deer.In the 7-08, I shoot a 120 grain Sierra Pro Hunter over a hefty dose of Varget, and its performance on deer is stellar. The 120gr. 260 bullet definatley penetrates deeper than the 120gr. 7-08. bullet as the sectional densities would suggest. When bullets of the same weight are fired recoil should be about the same. When bullets of similar sectional densities are compared, the 260 with 120gr. bullet should have less recoil than the 140 gr. 7-08. My daughter that just turned 9 has shot a 7-08 with reduced load of H4895 and 120 Sierra Pro Hunter for 3 years now. She has bagged a doe and 2 5 pts. all with 1 shot. THe 260 can be reduced just as well. As far as the rifles you mentioned, IMO the model 7 will have less "felt" recoil than the ruger will. However, I am not familiar with the newer Rugers and only base this opinion on older model Rugers.

Clear as mud, right?
Hope this sheds some light on the practical differences, or lack there of, between these two great cartridges.

 

[knightrider]

my boy has a model 7 in 7mm-08, he is 9 and has no problem with the recoil,140 grain corlockts and it will shoot better than i can, with ole corlockts all have been broadside pass thrus one being shoulder shot , if you ever come through upper east tn your more than welcome to stop in and shoot it to see about the recoil.

 

[Buck Assassin]

If I reloaded I think I would try the 260.

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

Thanks for the info. gentlemen. I was out running errands this morning and thought I would stop at one of the local gun shops in the area, I was driving right by there anyway.........This guy has been in business @ 30 yrs now, a lot of the locals swear by him and the deals he gives, I never did much business with him.

Well, long story short..................I stop and ask about a Model 7 in 7mm-08, he scratches his head and says he never heard of one, then goes in the back room, comes out @ 5 mins later and tells me that Remington doesn't make such a gun, good luck finding one. He claims they are not listed in his gun suppliers book and they are the largest dist. in the world, so much be the gun doesn't exist..................He did have a Ruger compact on the shelf, told me he would take $23.00 off if I bought it today. (@ 5% savings)

I walked out shaking my head, know I rememeber why I didn't do much business with him to begin with.................


FDXX75

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

I've had that happen as well FD,

Remington lists the 7's funny, and more than a few dealers have sworn to me that they never made one, or stopped making them.

They are about, you just have to dig hard to find what you want.

It will be worth it. I looked for a year for a Model 7 stainless .243 for my boy, found one in Oregon 2 weeks ago. It sleeps in the safe now.

 

[jakeway]

A couple years ago I fell in love with the Ruger Compact (though the Model 7 was a close second) and in evaluating the 260 vs. the 7mm-08 I decided it was a toss-up. So I went to a gun show witht the intention of buying a Ruger in either of those two calibers. As luck would have it, the only Compact in the whole show was a 260, so I bought it. It's without a doubt my favorite rifle, though I suspect I'd say the same thing about the 7mm-08 if I had gotten one of those.

My grandaughter shot my 260 at age 10 with no complaints, but she now shoots a 243 because I won't give up my 260 to her. I added a slip-on recoil pad to lengthen the stock just a tad, because I'm 6'1".

You pretty much have to be a reloader to make the 260 practical, though. The factory ammo, when you can find it, costs about $35 per box, and that's with basic, non-premium bullets! I can reload with good quality Hornady bullets for about $10 per box.

 

[mr.big]

all you need to make ammo for either is dies, 308 brass and bullets.

I would get the 260

 

[Kimberman]

260 can be used from varmints to moose, but that's for handloaders. The 7mm08 is better for the non handloader. I would much rather have the 260.

 

[farmin68]

Neither you nor the deer will know the difference in the woods. Dead is dead. All comes down to personal preference or whichever rifle may be available where you shop.

I had the same trouble deciding. Finding a Model 70 Featherweight with pre 64 action in 7mm-08 made my decision super easy.

 

[Tiny]

If I reloaded I think I would try the 260.

Yep and if not the 7mm-08

 

[Tiny]

Thanks for the info. gentlemen. I was out running errands this morning and thought I would stop at one of the local gun shops in the area, I was driving right by there anyway.........This guy has been in business @ 30 yrs now, a lot of the locals swear by him and the deals he gives, I never did much business with him.

Well, long story short..................I stop and ask about a Model 7 in 7mm-08, he scratches his head and says he never heard of one, then goes in the back room, comes out @ 5 mins later and tells me that Remington doesn't make such a gun, good luck finding one. He claims they are not listed in his gun suppliers book and they are the largest dist. in the world, so much be the gun doesn't exist..................He did have a Ruger compact on the shelf, told me he would take $23.00 off if I bought it today. (@ 5% savings)

I walked out shaking my head, know I rememeber why I didn't do much business with him to begin with.................


FDXX75

I've had that happen as well FD,

Remington lists the 7's funny, and more than a few dealers have sworn to me that they never made one, or stopped making them.

They are about, you just have to dig hard to find what you want.

It will be worth it. I looked for a year for a Model 7 stainless .243 for my boy, found one in Oregon 2 weeks ago. It sleeps in the safe now.

One of two things,either they don't really know ,care or just plain don't want to fool with findeing and ordering one and or lastaly want to sale you something you don't want.

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

Thanks for the info. gentlemen. I was out running errands this morning and thought I would stop at one of the local gun shops in the area, I was driving right by there anyway.........This guy has been in business @ 30 yrs now, a lot of the locals swear by him and the deals he gives, I never did much business with him.

Well, long story short..................I stop and ask about a Model 7 in 7mm-08, he scratches his head and says he never heard of one, then goes in the back room, comes out @ 5 mins later and tells me that Remington doesn't make such a gun, good luck finding one. He claims they are not listed in his gun suppliers book and they are the largest dist. in the world, so much be the gun doesn't exist..................He did have a Ruger compact on the shelf, told me he would take $23.00 off if I bought it today. (@ 5% savings)

I walked out shaking my head, know I rememeber why I didn't do much business with him to begin with.................


FDXX75

I've had that happen as well FD,

Remington lists the 7's funny, and more than a few dealers have sworn to me that they never made one, or stopped making them.

They are about, you just have to dig hard to find what you want.

It will be worth it. I looked for a year for a Model 7 stainless .243 for my boy, found one in Oregon 2 weeks ago. It sleeps in the safe now.

One of two things,either they don't really know ,care or just plain don't want to fool with findeing and ordering one and or lastaly want to sale you something you don't want.

After stating he could not find the Remington, he started pushing the sale on the Ruger he had hanging on the wall, even had a SS compact in a .308 he mentioned twice..............

FDXX75

 

[rukiddin]

As far as recoil goes, a 3 year old could shoot my 260. I love it. I shoot handloads with a 129 sst and killed my biggest buck on thanksgiving with it at 245yds. Great little gun.

BTW, I was at bass pro today in sevierville and they had numerous brands and loads for the 260. Mine is Ruger M77 MKII.

 

[encore06]

I have never been able to figure out why my Model 7 .260 performed differently than countless other Tndeer members. Mine was a compact, American Walnut stock and I shot the Remington 120 gr ballistic tips. The rifle had a loud "crack" (sound) and a definite recoil with every shot. I loved the maneuverability of the rifle, but sold it last year to finance my Excal crossbow. Again, this seems contrary to most of the .260 owners I have spoken to. No explanation here, and there was nothing wrong with the rifle.

 

[mr.big]

I have never been able to figure out why my Model 7 .260 performed differently than countless other Tndeer members. Mine was a compact, American Walnut stock and I shot the Remington 120 gr ballistic tips. The rifle had a loud "crack" (sound) and a definite recoil with every shot. I loved the maneuverability of the rifle, but sold it last year to finance my Excal crossbow. Again, this seems contrary to most of the .260 owners I have spoken to. No explanation here, and there was nothing wrong with the rifle.

the short 18.5 inches of bbl makes them louder and sharper..

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

I have never been able to figure out why my Model 7 .260 performed differently than countless other Tndeer members. Mine was a compact, American Walnut stock and I shot the Remington 120 gr ballistic tips. The rifle had a loud "crack" (sound) and a definite recoil with every shot. I loved the maneuverability of the rifle, but sold it last year to finance my Excal crossbow. Again, this seems contrary to most of the .260 owners I have spoken to. No explanation here, and there was nothing wrong with the rifle.

the short 18.5 inches of bbl makes them louder and sharper..

Yep, that would be my guess.

I had a .308 in 18.5 inch for a week, hated it. The 20" barel is oh so much better. Doesn't seem like an extra 1.5 inches of barrel can make that much difference. IT DOES!

 

[jakeway]

If you think the 18.5" barrel has a crack, have you heard a Ruger Compact with 16.5" barrel?

I've been tempted to either get a longer barrel for it, or just get a longer barrelled rifle in .260. I'd definately do that if my grand kids grow up wanting to have a rifle of their own, instead of borrowing Grandpa Jake's. I have three grand daughters, aged 11, 7, and 5. My grandson is only 3, but he has his lifetime Sportsman's license.

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

If you think the 18.5" barrel has a crack, [color:#FF0000]have you heard a Ruger Compact with 16.5" barrel?[/color]
I've been tempted to either get a longer barrel for it, or just get a longer barrelled rifle in .260. I'd definately do that if my grand kids grow up wanting to have a rifle of their own, instead of borrowing Grandpa Jake's. I have three grand daughters, aged 11, 7, and 5. My grandson is only 3, but he has his lifetime Sportsman's license.

I don't want anything to do with a 16.5 inch barrel.

 

[knightrider]

Thanks for the info. gentlemen. I was out running errands this morning and thought I would stop at one of the local gun shops in the area, I was driving right by there anyway.........This guy has been in business @ 30 yrs now, a lot of the locals swear by him and the deals he gives, I never did much business with him.

Well, long story short..................I stop and ask about a Model 7 in 7mm-08, he scratches his head and says he never heard of one, then goes in the back room, comes out @ 5 mins later and tells me that Remington doesn't make such a gun, good luck finding one. He claims they are not listed in his gun suppliers book and they are the largest dist. in the world, so much be the gun doesn't exist..................He did have a Ruger compact on the shelf, told me he would take $23.00 off if I bought it today. (@ 5% savings)

I walked out shaking my head, know I rememeber why I didn't do much business with him to begin with.................


FDXX75

salesman came out in him trying to push something else cause here is my boy 7 in 7mm08

 

[Tiny]

The guy may not have been entirely wrong,only found 2 Model 7's listed on Rem site. & No youth model 7's

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

The guy may not have been entirely wrong,only found 2 Model 7's listed on Rem site. & No youth model 7's

You are correct on the Remington site, they offer the CDL & Predator models.

I have found no less than 6-7 on-line dealers than offer the CDL, Predator, a cheap version (birch wood stock) and a black & blue model(composite stock w/blue barrel)I have even found an anniversary edition in the CDL version.

I think the problem with the shop I stopped at was his supplier didn't offer what I was looking for so he just said, they don't make that gun. It did show the Predator & CDL but nothing in 7mm-08.

As far as the Model 7 being listed as a "youth" gun, I don't think they list it as such, it is already cut down in size compared to the 700, Now the Model 770 is listed both ways if I am not mistaken. (?)

FDXX75

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

The guy may not have been entirely wrong,only found 2 Model 7's listed on Rem site. & No youth model 7's

You are correct on the Remington site, they offer the CDL & Predator models.

I have found no less than 6-7 on-line dealers than offer the CDL, Predator, a cheap version (birch wood stock) and a black & blue model(composite stock w/blue barrel)I have even found an anniversary edition in the CDL version.

I think the problem with the shop I stopped at was his supplier didn't offer what I was looking for so he just said, they don't make that gun. It did show the Predator & CDL but nothing in 7mm-08.

As far as the Model 7 being listed as a "youth" gun, I don't think they list it as such, it is already cut down in size compared to the 700, Now the Model 770 is listed both ways if I am not mistaken. (?)

FDXX75

FD,

The do(or did)offer the Model 7 in a youth model, the only difference was the stock was cut down an extra inch.

 

[Cottontop]

My son is 14. He has been shooting his 7mm08 since he was 10. It is the Browning A-bolt micro hunter. It is a deer killing machine. I carry it myself when I go without him.

 

[6.5 swede]

7mm bullets are easy to come by and if you are planning on reloading I'd look at the 6.5x55. Less recoil. the 260 is a nice round but it doesn't gain anything on 6.5 factory ammo and there a ton of options for reloading a 6.5.