7-08, 7x57 or 7mm express

yodave

yodave

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out of the 3 which one and why?

I own all three, don't ask me why, if it were all done to one which one would it be?

I have shot deer, bear and moose with all three, no difference as dead was dead, all 3 get 140-150 grain bullets as anything heavier works better in the 7mm mag, but that's another story as I just want to compare the non belted 7's I own
 
Well out of the 3, the 7mm express,(280rem), has a slight advantage of case capacity for larger bullets and more powder, but the 7-08 has a shorter action and pretty much the ballistic twin to the 7x57 , but all 3 are almost equal. I guess I would pic the the 280 for long range and larger game, the 7-08 for...... or the 7x57 because........I don't know,...they're all pretty much the same thing,...what kind of a question is this,..lolol,,,,they're all good,..lol.
 
I own them all also... if it could only be one it would be the Mauser... I load the 7X57 and .280 with 154 IB's and the 7-08 with 139 IB's... as you say they all do the job... it may be that I prefer my Mauser platforms; Ruger No.1-RSI and M77 MKII... My 7-08's are in a Ruger M77 Compact and Frontier and the .280 is in a Rem 700 Classic... the Rem and Frontier will likely going down the road in the next little bit. I have a lot of components for all three, but I like the Mauser for loading and accuracy in the guns that I have. It also snuggles in well with my 9.3X74R and .45/70 No.1's... I like 7's in general, including the RM.
 
I run 160 grain ABs in my .280. Running at 2800 fps chronographed out of a 22" barrel.

The non magnum 7s are excellent hunting cartridges (well I like the mags too). Flat enough for the prairies. Enough power for Elk and Moose and recoil is mild. Definitely the middle ground for the big game cartridges of North America.
 
me i would prefer the 7 express(280) i use it cause its a do it all round. almost a 7 mag and more than the small 7's. unless i had to have a smaller lighter rifle it would be my first choice of the three. even as a mountain rifle the long action rem 700 only weighs 4 oz more than a short.
 
I just bought a 7-08, but I'm getting soft and the recoil on it is almost "un-noticeable", so the .08 is my pick.. :)
 
I carry the 7x57 loaded with 160 grn.Nosler Part hand loaded and going around 2750 fps.Shot a few animals out to 500 yd..I carry a Ruger #1 light sporter.Very little recoil and quite accurate.Had the rifle for many years.
 
Like others have said, they are all good. Myself I would stick with the 7mm express and use 139 gr bullets. Just personal preference but I can't say any thing bad about the other two. Almost like splitting hairs!!
 
My personal choice would be the 7x57, I have two M70, featherweights. One new, one push feed 1972 error, both give fine accuracy, with several loads to same point of impact.
The old seven mill allows large heavy bullets, in my case 162 a-max, to be loaded long and fitted to mag,
Just spent a couple of days, hand loading for the new M70 featherweight, a-max at 2700, and interlock 154 gr are 1/2 higher, both at about 1/2" for multiple groups, at several different powder weights, and 140gr accubonds are giving about 1' to a bit more with same point of impact as a-max.
Three different powders, three bullets all, 1/2 to 1" groups within inch of each other. vertical spread only.
Lot to like about that.
I have a soft spot for the mauser, just a nicely balanced, Cartridge.
 
The 7 express...aka ....280 and the 280AI push the 7RM. But in truth the only reason i would buy one is a great deal or found one of these before i find a 7 RM.

Between the 7-08 and 7 mauser, the clear winner would be the 7-08 simply because of the greater ammo availability. The short action VS long action argument is a non starter...if 2 OZ of weight makes a difference...quit hunting and go to the gym. But thats logical, and i handload. SO MY CHOICE IS THE 7 MAUSER.

I handload, and also have a 7 mag .....so dont need to try to hot rod a non mag 7. My 7x57 is a M77 MkII i got off the EE. Its my fuddy walking rifle for the south province....unfortunately it seems to not go for many walks....the plastic stocked 06 does.

My M77 is a nice light rifle, a great walker and properly loaded a real killer.
 
What more does one want?

A 140gr projectile at 2850+ is going to put any kind of meat on this country on your table.(all of the above will do it)

Now, just pic a rifle, your chambering and go hunting.
 
7/08 if you want a short action. ------> Best option!
7MM Express (280Rem) if you want a long action. ------> Next best.
7x57 if you want a case that doesn't fit anything. -------> Worst option!
 
SuperCub said:
7/08 if you want a short action. ------> Best option!
7MM Express (280Rem) if you want a long action. ------> Next best.
7x57 if you want a case that doesn't fit anything. -------> Worst option!
Click to expand...

7X57, best option when found in a classic rifle like an old Mauser or Brno, for those who value nostalgia, without giving up performance.
.280 Remington, calling it the 7 Express was one of Remington's greatest blunders, not as big a blunder as the 710, but a blunder never the less.
7-08, speaking of Remington blunders . . . it does nothing the .280 doesn't do better, although it was necessary for the Mexicans who weren't allowed to own .308s.
 
^ well, I didn't know what to comment, but I see SC has laid out some info.
I will have to say the 7mm-08 is my 1st choice so far. I have 4 rifles in 7-08 and use them for hunting. And I do love the short action.
I recently bought a 7x57 and have yet to play with it. So, 2nd choice on it, at this time. It may change, never know.
I don't have a 280, but my oldest son has. I haven't had any experience with it, and since it's a long action, I'll have to call it my last choice.
 
"7x57 if you want a case that doesn't fit anything. -------> Worst option!"

lol! Yeah, when I was shopping for a 7x57 there was very very little to choose from to suit my taste. I settled for an M77. I wanted the HDM, but couldn't find a rifle with it anywhere. Some folks even said they don't exist!
 
I prefer classics so my vote is for the 7x57. Just plain cooler. They all do essentially the same thing so it's all about feel. If I was building a rifle for metallic silhouette I would go with the 7mm-08 but for hunting the old Mauser is where my chips would land.
 
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