7mm vs .308: A Comprehensive Cartridge Comparison
Choosing the right cartridge for your rifle can be a daunting task, especially when faced with popular options like the 7mm Remington Magnum and the .308 Winchester. Both cartridges have a long history of success in hunting and target shooting, but they offer distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on your specific needs. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the 7mm vs .308, exploring their ballistics, recoil, effective range, and suitability for various applications to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the specifics, let’s establish a foundational understanding of each cartridge.
The 7mm Remington Magnum
Introduced in 1962, the 7mm Remington Magnum (often shortened to 7mm Rem Mag) is a belted magnum cartridge designed for long-range shooting. It fires a 7mm (.284-inch) bullet and is known for its flat trajectory and high velocity. This makes it a popular choice for hunting large game at extended distances.
The .308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) was introduced in 1952 as a civilian alternative to the 30-06 Springfield. It fires a .308-inch bullet and is widely regarded for its versatility and accuracy. The .308 is a short-action cartridge, allowing for lighter and more compact rifles. It excels in both hunting and target shooting applications.
Ballistics and Performance: 7mm vs .308
One of the key differences between the 7mm and .308 lies in their ballistic performance. Several factors contribute to this, including bullet weight, velocity, and ballistic coefficient.
Velocity and Trajectory
Generally, the 7mm Remington Magnum offers higher velocities than the .308 Winchester, especially with lighter bullets. This translates to a flatter trajectory, meaning the bullet drops less over distance. This flatter trajectory makes the 7mm Rem Mag more forgiving when estimating range, particularly at longer distances. For example, a 150-grain 7mm bullet might leave the muzzle at around 3,100 fps, while a comparable .308 bullet might be closer to 2,800 fps. This difference in velocity can be significant when shooting at targets beyond 300 yards.
Bullet Weight and Energy
The .308 Winchester, on the other hand, typically uses heavier bullets than the 7mm Remington Magnum. While the 7mm offers bullet weights typically ranging from 140 to 175 grains, the .308 can effectively utilize bullets from 150 to 180 grains and even heavier. These heavier bullets can deliver more energy on target, which is beneficial for taking down larger or tougher game. The .308 also provides excellent terminal performance within its effective range.
Ballistic Coefficient (BC)
Ballistic coefficient is a measure of a bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance. A higher BC indicates a more streamlined bullet that will retain velocity better and be less affected by wind drift. The 7mm Remington Magnum often utilizes bullets with higher BCs than the .308 Winchester, contributing to its flatter trajectory and improved long-range performance. However, advancements in bullet technology have narrowed this gap, with modern .308 bullets offering impressive BCs.
Recoil: Which Cartridge is Easier to Handle?
Recoil is a crucial factor to consider, especially for new shooters or those sensitive to it. Generally, the .308 Winchester produces less recoil than the 7mm Remington Magnum. This is primarily due to the .308’s smaller case capacity and lower operating pressure. The 7mm Rem Mag, being a magnum cartridge, generates significantly more energy, resulting in a more pronounced kick. While recoil is subjective and depends on the rifle’s weight and design, the .308 is generally considered more comfortable to shoot for extended periods.
Effective Range: Where Does Each Cartridge Shine?
Effective range is the distance at which a cartridge can reliably deliver sufficient energy and accuracy to ethically take down a game animal or consistently hit a target. The 7mm Remington Magnum generally boasts a longer effective range than the .308 Winchester. Its flatter trajectory and higher velocity allow it to maintain energy and accuracy at distances beyond 400 yards. The .308 Winchester is highly effective out to 400 yards, and with proper bullet selection and technique, can perform well beyond that, but the 7mm offers a distinct advantage in long-range scenarios.
Applications: Hunting, Target Shooting, and More
Hunting
Both the 7mm and .308 are excellent hunting cartridges, but their suitability varies depending on the game being hunted. The .308 is a versatile choice for medium-sized game like deer, hogs, and antelope. Its manageable recoil and readily available ammunition make it a popular option. The 7mm Remington Magnum is better suited for larger game, such as elk, moose, and even some African plains game. Its higher velocity and flatter trajectory provide the necessary energy and accuracy for ethical kills at longer distances. When hunting deer-sized game at longer ranges, the 7mm Rem Mag can be beneficial. The .308 is extremely capable, but the 7mm’s flatter trajectory offers more room for error in range estimation.
Target Shooting
The .308 Winchester is a dominant force in target shooting, particularly in disciplines like precision rifle competitions. Its inherent accuracy, manageable recoil, and wide availability of match-grade ammunition make it a top choice for competitive shooters. While the 7mm Remington Magnum can also be used for target shooting, its higher recoil and cost of ammunition can be deterrents. However, the 7mm’s flatter trajectory can be advantageous in long-range target shooting scenarios.
Tactical Applications
The .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) has a long history of military and law enforcement use, making it a common choice in tactical rifles. Its effectiveness at moderate ranges, coupled with its availability and reliability, have solidified its place in tactical applications. The 7mm Remington Magnum is less common in tactical roles due to its longer action length, higher recoil, and specialized ammunition requirements.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
The .308 Winchester enjoys significantly wider availability and is generally less expensive than the 7mm Remington Magnum. This is due to its widespread use in military, law enforcement, and civilian applications. You can find .308 ammunition in virtually any sporting goods store, while 7mm Rem Mag ammunition might be less readily available, particularly in smaller or less specialized shops. The cost of ammunition also tends to be higher for the 7mm, reflecting its magnum status and specialized use. For high-volume shooters or those on a budget, the .308’s affordability is a significant advantage.
Rifle Availability and Action Length
Rifles chambered in .308 Winchester are available from virtually every major firearms manufacturer. The .308 is a short-action cartridge, which means it can be chambered in rifles with shorter and lighter actions. This results in a more compact and maneuverable rifle. Rifles chambered in 7mm Remington Magnum require a long action, which adds weight and length to the firearm. While this isn’t a major concern for some hunters, it can be a factor for those who prioritize lightweight or compact rifles. The short action of the .308 provides a faster cycling time, potentially allowing for quicker follow-up shots.
The 7mm vs .308: A Summary
To summarize, the 7mm Remington Magnum and the .308 Winchester are both excellent cartridges with distinct strengths and weaknesses. The 7mm offers higher velocity, a flatter trajectory, and longer effective range, making it ideal for hunting large game at extended distances. The .308 provides manageable recoil, excellent accuracy, wider ammunition availability, and lower cost, making it a versatile choice for hunting, target shooting, and tactical applications.
When to Choose the 7mm Remington Magnum:
- Hunting large game at long distances (elk, moose, etc.)
- Prioritizing a flatter trajectory for easier range estimation
- Long-range target shooting where recoil is not a primary concern
When to Choose the .308 Winchester:
- Hunting medium-sized game (deer, hogs, antelope)
- Target shooting and competitive shooting
- Tactical applications
- Prioritizing manageable recoil and ammunition affordability
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the best cartridge for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the type of shooting you’ll be doing, the size of game you’ll be hunting, your recoil tolerance, and your budget. If you prioritize long-range performance and are comfortable with higher recoil, the 7mm Remington Magnum might be the better choice. If you value versatility, affordability, and manageable recoil, the .308 Winchester is an excellent option. Research the 7mm vs .308 and consider trying both cartridges if possible before making a final decision. Talking to experienced shooters and visiting a range can also provide valuable insights.
Modern Advancements: Bridging the Gap
It’s important to note that advancements in bullet technology have blurred the lines between these two cartridges. Modern .308 bullets with high ballistic coefficients are capable of impressive long-range performance, while some 7mm loads have been optimized for reduced recoil. These advancements make the decision between the 7mm and .308 even more nuanced, requiring careful consideration of specific loads and rifle configurations.
In conclusion, both the 7mm Remington Magnum and the .308 Winchester remain highly capable cartridges. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses allows you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and shooting style. Whether you’re pursuing large game in the mountains or competing on the target range, both the 7mm and the .308 offer a compelling combination of performance and versatility. [See also: Best Long Range Cartridges] [See also: .308 Reloading Guide] [See also: 7mm Remington Magnum Reloading Data]
