Is the Bob lacking much from the 7mm-08? I have both, don't know which one to take Whitetail hunting this year. Shots will likely be up to 200 yards at the most. I see I have some Hornady ammo in 117 grain 257 Roberts and 139grain in 7mm-08. What would you suggest?
257 Roberts Vs 7mm-08
- Thread starter two-dogs
- Start date
Yes. - dan
I consider the 257Roberts to be perfect for deer but am biased as I have been using one for going on 10yrs now. You do not see many on the EE so I am not alone in that thought. The 7/08 would do just as well as would a host of many other midrange chamberings.
I'd take the rifle that works the best for you. Lightweight, accurate and consistent would all be deciding factors, but the 257 does have added cool factor.
My 257 shoots like this EVERY time I shoot it.
I'd take the rifle that works the best for you. Lightweight, accurate and consistent would all be deciding factors, but the 257 does have added cool factor.
My 257 shoots like this EVERY time I shoot it.
mossyhorns
CGN Regular
- Location
- The city that rhymes with fun
I consider the 257Roberts to be perfect for deer but am biased as I have been using one for going on 10yrs now. You do not see many on the EE so I am not alone in that thought. The 7/08 would do just as well as would a host of many other midrange chamberings.
I'd take the rifle that works the best for you. Lightweight, accurate and consistent would all be deciding factors, but the 257 does have added cool factor.
My 257 shoots like this EVERY time I shoot it.
What he said. Have both sighted in and ready to go and grab the one that tugs at your heart opening morning. Then mix it up every other day. I often do that with my fav's
an awesome plan!
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Fear not the Bob. It'll do the trick on deer quite nicely. I believe John Barsness' wife uses a 257 quite a bit hunting in Montana. I think she steps up to a 7x57 when she goes to Africa.
What are the platforms...? Either will cleanly take a deer... The Bob with slightly more style... Depending on patform. I have used the Bob on half a dozen deer and likewise for the 7mm-08... Can't say I've noticed any difference in the results.
I had a "Bob" in a 700 Classic. It is on it's second barrel. [Shilen CM]
Love this chambering.
With it I have shot Muleys, Whitetails, Black Bear, Moose and a sheep.
Shots have ranged from 30 yards to 375.
My son has now used it for several years, and tallied up a string of one-shot
kills on muleys and WT deer.
It wears a 6x42 Leupold, and I do not believe it has needed re-adjustment
for 5-6 years.
It shoots the 120 Partition awesomely. 50 grains lets it flirt with 25-06 factory
ballistics, and it shoots ¾moa or better consistently.
Regards, Dave.
Love this chambering.
With it I have shot Muleys, Whitetails, Black Bear, Moose and a sheep.
Shots have ranged from 30 yards to 375.
My son has now used it for several years, and tallied up a string of one-shot
kills on muleys and WT deer.
It wears a 6x42 Leupold, and I do not believe it has needed re-adjustment
for 5-6 years.
It shoots the 120 Partition awesomely. 50 grains lets it flirt with 25-06 factory
ballistics, and it shoots ¾moa or better consistently.
Regards, Dave.
257 Roberts and 7mm-08 in Browning Micro Medallion's and Browning BLR's
7mm-08 in Browning X-bolt and Sako A7
at what yardage would the 7mm-08 take over the number 1 position? I'm guessing at about 250, or?
- Location
- Prince Albert, Sk
If you want to debate numbers then the 7-08 will be ahead right out of the muzzle unless you are hand loading a modern custom rifle with toasty loads outa the 257.Even then it will likely be second place.
The 257 pushes 120grain bullets not quite as fast the 7-08 will push a 140.
120 grainers are on the top end of the Roberts menu and bleed quick past the 250ish you speak of.140's are the 08's sweet spot.
Shooting out to 300 on deer? Take the one you shoot the best.
Shooting beyond 300 , the 08 will hold more umph and be less swayed by wind.
The 257 pushes 120grain bullets not quite as fast the 7-08 will push a 140.
120 grainers are on the top end of the Roberts menu and bleed quick past the 250ish you speak of.140's are the 08's sweet spot.
Shooting out to 300 on deer? Take the one you shoot the best.
Shooting beyond 300 , the 08 will hold more umph and be less swayed by wind.
You're right that a 257 is better in hand loaded form in a modern rifle as many factory loads are quite mild for older/weaker actions. The 7/08 would not suffer this.
Most 257 owners who load for the same will be found shooting 100gr cup & core bullets, and a lot of those will be Hornady. It's very easy to get 3000fps with those in a 22" bbl. No need for any more bullet for deer at those velocities.
well then, sounds like the best thing to do is, open the safe door on day 1 of hunting, whichever one calls my name the loudest, gets to go first. Then we switch off for day 2 and so on, just to be fair to them. I've had my Bob's around for quite some time and just haven't gotten to them, yet. The 2 box's of ammo that I have, have been shot off a bit, so I must have test fired them when I first got them years ago. Everybody wears a Leupold scope, so will check zero asap. Hunting season is coming.
Thanks gentlemen. Feel free to add more comments.
Thanks gentlemen. Feel free to add more comments.
With equal platforms... the stylish Bob should get day 1-3... the 7mm-08 later, if required... and this is coming from a very big 7-08 fan... as far as who takes over number one and where... ballistically the 7mm-08 is number one right from the muzzle... but there is more to life in the woods than maximum ballisitics...
Just curious, what do you folks who shoot such calibers think of the 250 Savage. Where / how does that compare? I picked up an old tang safety Ruger Ultra Light in 250 Savage I plan on using this fall during the evening hunts. Anyone here use 250 Savage? Sorry, hope not to hijack.
Matt
Matt
good answer, I'm kinda leaning that way, I'm pretty anxious to see what a Bob and I together, can do............
I've been using a 7mm-08 now for at least 3 years. My Micro Medallion is just so darn awesome and bang on, headshots every time, she's the best of the bunch of aught-8's. The A7 goes if it's a rainy day. My new X-bolt from last Dec still sits brand new and not yet even scoped!
Welcome, no hijack, come on in.
I like gaining the knowledge, too.
My Uncle Willy, back in the 50's-60's in Sask used his 250-3000 for decades. He was known to be one of the best hunters around.
- Location
- Prince Albert, Sk
It's the hunter that makes the chambering shine not the other way around. 
