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I am old school, for hunting, .243 or .270 are both flat shooters and have been used to hunt for decades. 243 has less recoil, since you have only shot 223, recoil may be a factor. If you are shooting paper with a light weight hunting rifle, recoil could be a major factor, for hunting, not so much as you are not sending 100 rounds down range at a sitting. Might want to consider this.
I don't own a 7mm-08 or 06, or 308, I have shot them all, my range gun is currently a precision rifle in 6.5 creedmoor - I like this round, I hunt with a 270, my son with a 243 - both will kill deer, 270 will take elk, and there are factory loaded hunting bullets available that will get the job done, you reload, so, I bet there are components available also - again, these have been standard hunting cartridges for decades.
308 is a great round, 06 is a long time standard and was the sniper round of choice once upon a time - both have lots of components available. They also have significant recoil unless you load them down. I am new to 6.5 but really like, it, never hunted with it, but it is an accurate round with high BC bullets available. I am not a wimp, but I know I don't like putting more then 2 or 3 boxes of 270 down range in a sitting with a 7lb rifle, 308 kicks harder than 270 in my opinion - so recoil is a factor in a light weight hunting rifle.
For accuracy, 6mm, 6.5mm, 243, 308, 30-06, there are match grade components available - but again get a heavier rifle if you are going to shoot the 30 cals, they can put you off your game or cause you to flinch.
Just my opinion
Dave
I don't own a 7mm-08 or 06, or 308, I have shot them all, my range gun is currently a precision rifle in 6.5 creedmoor - I like this round, I hunt with a 270, my son with a 243 - both will kill deer, 270 will take elk, and there are factory loaded hunting bullets available that will get the job done, you reload, so, I bet there are components available also - again, these have been standard hunting cartridges for decades.
308 is a great round, 06 is a long time standard and was the sniper round of choice once upon a time - both have lots of components available. They also have significant recoil unless you load them down. I am new to 6.5 but really like, it, never hunted with it, but it is an accurate round with high BC bullets available. I am not a wimp, but I know I don't like putting more then 2 or 3 boxes of 270 down range in a sitting with a 7lb rifle, 308 kicks harder than 270 in my opinion - so recoil is a factor in a light weight hunting rifle.
For accuracy, 6mm, 6.5mm, 243, 308, 30-06, there are match grade components available - but again get a heavier rifle if you are going to shoot the 30 cals, they can put you off your game or cause you to flinch.
Just my opinion
Dave
Stevenvalleyky
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I agree with all that except a 308 having more recoil than the 270. In a savage axis with the crappy plastic stock, 270 kicks harder than the same gun in 308. I assume its from the increased case capacity of the 270. I agree with everything else and since elk are not on the menu, a 243 might be a better choice than any of the 4 mentioned. Its a great deer round and can also be excellent for varmits.
Orcon
Member
But the 243 does it even better than the 260 and the 22-243 is even better than both...
BSA1
member
Easy. I made my choice 27 years ago.
My bolt action rifle a Ruger M-77 Stainless Steel All-Weather in .270. I keep it simple with a 6x fixed power scope. With Jack O’Conners pet load it will shoot ½” 3 shot groups consistently at 100 yards. With the modern selection of bullets it will easily handle everything short of Grizzly Bear.
It is about as excellent rifle that can withstand rugged handling as they come.
p.s .270 is as easy to find as 30.06. Here the Farm and Ranch stores even stock .270.
My bolt action rifle a Ruger M-77 Stainless Steel All-Weather in .270. I keep it simple with a 6x fixed power scope. With Jack O’Conners pet load it will shoot ½” 3 shot groups consistently at 100 yards. With the modern selection of bullets it will easily handle everything short of Grizzly Bear.
It is about as excellent rifle that can withstand rugged handling as they come.
p.s .270 is as easy to find as 30.06. Here the Farm and Ranch stores even stock .270.
Steven - you may be right, obviously weight and ergonomics can effect recoil.
I actually added weight to a ruger american 270 (fine sand in a baggie in the stock and pressed down with closed cell foam) to reduce the felt recoil in that plastic stock, also made it balance better, a nice wood stock is still my preference though.
Physics would dictate heavier bullet at same velocity might kick more, but, felt recoil is subjective of course and velocity can affect that as well.
YMMV.
d
I actually added weight to a ruger american 270 (fine sand in a baggie in the stock and pressed down with closed cell foam) to reduce the felt recoil in that plastic stock, also made it balance better, a nice wood stock is still my preference though.
Physics would dictate heavier bullet at same velocity might kick more, but, felt recoil is subjective of course and velocity can affect that as well.
YMMV.
d
someguy2800
Member
Since we have decided to disregard the original question I'm going to change my answer. You need to get a 338 lapua so you can shoot moose at 1400 yards.
Offfhand
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Assuming you have experience with each of cartridges you mention, please explain why they are better. Please site personal experience multiple applications and how they shaped your opinion. Thanks.
That won't be necessary or helpful.
The Savage isn't available in .260 so it's not a possibility.
And I don't want yet another 22, so the 22-250 isn't up for consideration. And I would like a heavier bullet than what is available in 6mm, so whatever the charms of the .243, it also isn't up for consideration.
My focus is on the 7mm and 30 caliber cartridges that the Savage Axis is available in. Thank you.
Orcon
Member
It's not. I'm just poking fun at the notion that necking down a cartridge somehow makes it better.
Offfhand
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OK, I appreciate your loyalty to local dealer, even though it restricts your choices and limits your "branching out."
Stevenvalleyky
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At 200 yards or less, those 2 are ballistically nearly identical. Probably undetectable difference in recoil as well. Probably have slightly better BCs with the 7mm but at 200 yards or less, thats completely irrelevant. 7mm probably has a few less options as well for the reloader, but still plenty of either.
with the exclusions you have added, then, I would say get the 308, I am a 270 fan for hunting, but you said target also, and if you are going to even consider doing any long range precision then the 308 gets the nod over the 270 in my book for available components, there is not much match grade stuff available for the 270 (there is for the 6mm but you excluded that). The 308/270 are so similar I never bothered with a 308, though it was on my list at one time, still might get one if I find the right deal.
Funny I saw probably 30 used 308s at the LGS a few hours ago, and this thread crossed my mind, wondered if everyone was trading them on on 6.5s.
Don't get me wrong, the recoil is not terrible, in the 308, but in a 6.5 lb Axis rifle, you will know you pulled the trigger.
I just did a check, the axis is a 22" standard barrel, and weighs 6.5 lbs. price check says $329 at cabelas,
The Savage 12fv is a varmint configuration, with a 26" heavy barrel in .308 maybe your local dealer can order you one? That is a much nicer rifle, and it adds a couple pounds and a nice barrel for only about $100 bucks more ($419 at cabelas right now).
I know I would prefer the 12 FV given the choice between the two, and it is 8.75 lbs, so it is still light enough to hunt with, and it will soak up a bit more of the recoil from that caliber if you are sitting at a bench sending rounds downrange.
I dont really have anything more to add to this conversation, so, butting out.
Best of luck to you, hope you find one you like.
Happy shooting.
d
Funny I saw probably 30 used 308s at the LGS a few hours ago, and this thread crossed my mind, wondered if everyone was trading them on on 6.5s.
Don't get me wrong, the recoil is not terrible, in the 308, but in a 6.5 lb Axis rifle, you will know you pulled the trigger.
I just did a check, the axis is a 22" standard barrel, and weighs 6.5 lbs. price check says $329 at cabelas,
The Savage 12fv is a varmint configuration, with a 26" heavy barrel in .308 maybe your local dealer can order you one? That is a much nicer rifle, and it adds a couple pounds and a nice barrel for only about $100 bucks more ($419 at cabelas right now).
I know I would prefer the 12 FV given the choice between the two, and it is 8.75 lbs, so it is still light enough to hunt with, and it will soak up a bit more of the recoil from that caliber if you are sitting at a bench sending rounds downrange.
I dont really have anything more to add to this conversation, so, butting out.
Best of luck to you, hope you find one you like.
Happy shooting.
d
CoalTrain49
Member
Those are constrictors like pythons. Size does matter and they get extremely large. I've seen some in the 8-10 range. Had to get one like that out of a rabbit hutch one time. That was exciting.
Oh, 308 because components are everywhere. Easy on the shoulder too. No preference on the maker but Howa has a very nice 2 stage trigger.
someguy2800
Member
I have a 308 in a 6.5 lb gun plus scope, and it is not heavy recoiling in any way to me. I think I could shoot 200 rounds in a sitting with that and not feel a thing. To me a 270 is a lot more recoil than a 308.
Personal preference aside, theres no wrong choice.
If bullet selection is an issue locally, ask your store to keep a few boxes of which ever cal u buy in stock. Ive never had an issue with having my local stores order stuff as long as they dont have to special order it.
Cartridge wise, id be inclined to recommend either the .308 or 7-08, and between those to id go with the 7. That tho is personal prejudice.
That said theres only two cartridges ill never be without(for now anyway), the 06, and the 7 rem Mag. Both are far more than you need for deer at 100yds, but they offer a little added flexibility in terms of heavier bullets. Recoil isnt an issue for me as i shoot at most a box of rounds an outing from any one gun (besides my .458 and PCCs) but both the 06 and 7 do kick harder than any of the other rounds listed. They also deliver heavy for caliber bullets at decent velocity, with less recoil than any of the .30 cal magnums.....i realize the 7 wasnt on the list
If bullet selection is an issue locally, ask your store to keep a few boxes of which ever cal u buy in stock. Ive never had an issue with having my local stores order stuff as long as they dont have to special order it.
Cartridge wise, id be inclined to recommend either the .308 or 7-08, and between those to id go with the 7. That tho is personal prejudice.
That said theres only two cartridges ill never be without(for now anyway), the 06, and the 7 rem Mag. Both are far more than you need for deer at 100yds, but they offer a little added flexibility in terms of heavier bullets. Recoil isnt an issue for me as i shoot at most a box of rounds an outing from any one gun (besides my .458 and PCCs) but both the 06 and 7 do kick harder than any of the other rounds listed. They also deliver heavy for caliber bullets at decent velocity, with less recoil than any of the .30 cal magnums.....i realize the 7 wasnt on the list
OP - sorry to have started the 308 vs 270 recoil discussion, depending on load, rifle, stock config, they are probably close in recoil, my 270 didnt seem to kick as much as my buddys 308 in a similar rifle, but that was my perception.
My point was really that if you had not shot a rifle that recoils like a 308 or 270, you should before you buy one and shoot at least 20 rounds through it in that sitting.
Recoil is subjective, and wears on you, and different folks have different tolerances for it. I don't know anything about your shooting history, other than you have shot a lot of 22 cal.
The bigger calibers kick more than a 223, especially in a light rifle was all I was saying.
d
My point was really that if you had not shot a rifle that recoils like a 308 or 270, you should before you buy one and shoot at least 20 rounds through it in that sitting.
Recoil is subjective, and wears on you, and different folks have different tolerances for it. I don't know anything about your shooting history, other than you have shot a lot of 22 cal.
The bigger calibers kick more than a 223, especially in a light rifle was all I was saying.
d
Thank you.
I think that local "brick and mortar" stores provide a value, so as long as they are selling something servicable at a reasonable price, that's going to be where I go first. It keeps the money in the local economy and employs local people.
montanaoffroader
Member
I'm with you, I prefer to buy local when possible. It's nice to be able to scream and pound on someone's desk when there is a problem, just can't get the same satisfaction with an email 
.
If I were in your situation, I would probably go for the .308 for many of the same reasons others have outlined. Lots of choice in reloading components and a bit less recoil at the range.
Any of these choices will work for hunting, I have used all of them at one time or another and none of them left me feeling like I didn't have enough gun for the job.
Good luck with your decision.
.If I were in your situation, I would probably go for the .308 for many of the same reasons others have outlined. Lots of choice in reloading components and a bit less recoil at the range.
Any of these choices will work for hunting, I have used all of them at one time or another and none of them left me feeling like I didn't have enough gun for the job.
Good luck with your decision.
22250Rem
Member
7mm-08 or .308? For the OP's intended use I could live happily ever after with either one. They're both good all around practical rounds and both respond well to careful handloading which the OP mentioned doing. I can speak from experience on this one as I've reloaded them both for years. Buying stuff locally for them should be easy, it's no problem in my area. If the 308 recoiled a bit more than the 7-08 just look into a quality, high grade recoil pad even if the gun already has one of those cheap recoil pads. Which ever choice you make would be good IMHO.
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