7mm/08 for Plains Game? Good or Bad?

[Rubberhead]

The answer to these type questions is a complex series of trade-offs many of which are very person-dependent.

The generic (applies to everyone) trade-off is that smaller calibers require more precise shooting. In a hunting scenario the standard deviation of shot placement is greater than it is in more control environments. The higher standard deviation combined with smaller calibers simply translates into more time spent tracking wounded animals and an increased probably of a lost animal.

 

[sgt_zim]

I have the same experience with that same bullet in my .275. The ogive is very proud on them.

The odd thing is the ogive isn't that way on their 9.3 mm, 285 gr Oryx, just the 7mm. And those are the only 2 I've shot. One of these days I'm going to get around to doing some LD for 156 gr Oryx in my 6.5 Swede.

 

[Lone Star Bluegrass]

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The odd thing is the ogive isn't that way on their [emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]. mm, [emoji[emoji6]][emoji6] gr Oryx, just the [emoji[emoji6]]mm. And those are the only I've shot. One of these days I'm going to get around to doing some LD for [emoji6][emoji6] gr Oryx in my [emoji6].[emoji6] Swede.

Yes, that’s been my experience.
It’s a good thing I chamber checked my first batch of loads before I hit the range!

 

[Bandera]

@Bandera
Why?
If the 7x57 is good to 300 then the 7-08 will do the same.
The IP says he is fine to 400 with his set up.
Bob

I like to hunt, part of the challenge is getting in close.
More energy on the target up close.
A 140 grain TSX is at about 2100 ft-lbs at 100 yards and down to about 1450 ft-lbs at 300. Still over 1000 ft-lbs but bleeding energy quick.
It comes down to hunting an animal VS shooting an animal.
What ever your shooting style is then great. Me I want to work in close.

 

[AZDAVE]

Use a quality premium bullets and go have fun. You are also taking your 375 so if you question the 7/08 on Zebra, Gemsbok, wildebeest shot them with the 375. Shot placement is the most important part of the shot.

 

[JG26Irish_2]

I like to hunt, part of the challenge is getting in close.
More energy on the target up close.
A 140 grain TSX is at about 2100 ft-lbs at 100 yards and down to about 1450 ft-lbs at 300. Still over 1000 ft-lbs but bleeding energy quick.
It comes down to hunting an animal VS shooting an animal.
What ever your shooting style is then great. Me I want to work in close.

Thank you Sir. Point taken. I would agree. In fact the longest kill shot I have taken on large game was a deer with a 270 at about 250y. The next longest was Gemsbok at 202y with a 308. Both dropped quickly. I do not make a habit of shooting on game at very long ranges. I live in the Eastern US and our terrain and foliage limits long range opportunities and I too prefer getting close if I can. I can and do shoot alot at longer ranges on targets and enjoy that challenge and am good at it. But hitting a little steel plate at 400 or 500y off a bench or prone is easy compared to hitting a living creature at similar ranges off sticks. Yes, I can hit accurately at 400y with the 7/08, but would refrain from attempting such on game. Still, I am prepping for longer shots than 200y this trip at the advice of my PH. He knows the terrain where we will be and advises that most will be in the 200-300y range. Some could be longer but it would depend on the conditions and the quality of rest that I can get if I would attempt such. My plan is to try to get within 200y on all shots but to be practiced and ready for up to 300y. At 300y my 7mm/08 140g Barnes ammo is at 1643 ft-Lbs and my 150g Swift Sciroccos at at 1674 ft-Lbs. By comparison, the 7mm Mag loaded with the 160g Barnes TTSX is at 2022 ft-Lbs at the same range. All of these examples arrive downrange at well over 2000fps at 300y.

Now here is some food for thought. My 375HH loaded with Barnes 300g TSX ammo arrives down range at 300y at 1842 fps which is about 2260 ft-Lbs, which is not much better than the 7mm Mag. Not to geek out too bad but that is so slow that the TSX might not expand much if at all. Could perform like a solid and zip right thru the animal. Mind you it still hits hard and in fact a few rounds onto a AR500 steel plate at 400y hit so hard that is bent the plate! My long winded point is that I would limit that specific load to about 200y range to prevent failure and IF? I planned to use the 375 further out on game would want a lighter, faster, softer bullet like the 250g TBBC.