8X57 , 30-06 or 7mm-08
- Thread starter newisland
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Sask_Hunter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Saskatchewan
.223 rem
They are all good. I'd likely take them in this order: .30-06, 8x57 and 7mm-08
The .30-06 and 8x57 can get the 200gr Partitions going +2600fps, which would make for a fine big game load. The reason I rated the .30-06 ahead of the 8x57 is because of fantastic bullet choices, while the 8x57 is quite limited.
The .30-06 and 8x57 can get the 200gr Partitions going +2600fps, which would make for a fine big game load. The reason I rated the .30-06 ahead of the 8x57 is because of fantastic bullet choices, while the 8x57 is quite limited.
My first Moose fell to an 8X57 if memory serves me correctly in 1962.
The handload was a 170 gr. Speer over 4064 powder.
Since then I have taken Moose with a 30-06 using handloads with 165 gr. and 220 gr. bullets.
In spite of having no experience with the 7mm-08, I would have to say that all three are capable of using on the big game you mention.
The first two when handloaded can be very similar in performance and available bullet weights for the handloader are also very similar.
The handload was a 170 gr. Speer over 4064 powder.
Since then I have taken Moose with a 30-06 using handloads with 165 gr. and 220 gr. bullets.
In spite of having no experience with the 7mm-08, I would have to say that all three are capable of using on the big game you mention.
The first two when handloaded can be very similar in performance and available bullet weights for the handloader are also very similar.
Of those 3 calibers I would go with the 7mm 08. It will drop a moose quickly at 350 or 400 yards and doesn't kick that bad. (maybe I shouldn't mention recoil, now the macho guys will chime in about how recoil doesn't bother them, their 12 year old can shoot their magnum...)
guntech - I also shot a huge bodied bull at 200 yards with my 7x57. It died quickly. However, there is a difference between a broadside shot on a 750lb 2 or 3 year old moose and a +1200lb brute 1/4 slightly towards you (never mind head on shots). A bit of hide a rib is easily punctured and then the lungs don't provide that much resistance. But ploughing through a foot of shoulder muscle and some heavier bone on a slight 1/4 to requires some jam. It's not like the .30-06 or 8x57 have huge recoil either.
Bullet enters, bullet expands, bullet kills. Where the bullet travels matters most.
Like a wise man said one day....the 06' is never a mistake and that would be my choice (bullet selection, powder selection, brass availability, ...just easy). As your shoulder becomes weary the 7-08 becomes a fantastic round (still good bullet selection, less powder used, short action to reduce some weight so you can carry a few more rounds in the day pack). Reloading costs if they dictate much would favor the 7-08 slightly but it seems everyone is looking for more horsepower at some point...and there is no replacement for displacement in that argument.
Apples, oranges, meat and potatoes. All will do nicely....now off to make dinner as all this food talk is getting me hungry
Like a wise man said one day....the 06' is never a mistake and that would be my choice (bullet selection, powder selection, brass availability, ...just easy). As your shoulder becomes weary the 7-08 becomes a fantastic round (still good bullet selection, less powder used, short action to reduce some weight so you can carry a few more rounds in the day pack). Reloading costs if they dictate much would favor the 7-08 slightly but it seems everyone is looking for more horsepower at some point...and there is no replacement for displacement in that argument.
Apples, oranges, meat and potatoes. All will do nicely....now off to make dinner as all this food talk is getting me hungry
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I'd go with the 8 X 57. The bullet selection has gotten so much better in the last few years, with everything from Barnes, to Nosler, to Speer, to Hornady, to Norma and so on. Bullet weights go from 150, 170, 180, 195, 200, 220 and so on. I used my 8 X 57 to shoot the vast majority of game I have taken in the last 25 years, only replacing it with an 8 X 64S in the last 3 years. Use 195's or 200's for everything, you won't be disappointed.
I shot my son's K98 in 8x57. I have to be honest, it is a tough call between the 8x57 and the 30-06, particularly with open sights. Both will serve you well. the answer will be in what you like and how the rifles feels to you in shooting position and in looks.
MapleSugar
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- On the loose from NIMH
I agree, except I'd go with a 180gr. bullet in the .30-06 and use it for all the game that the OP mentioned.
mosinmaster
CGN frequent flyer
I feel like the 198/200gr bullet in the 8x57 will do everything for your big game hunting needs within its range. If you need to hunt lighter game, just take a .30-30 or .308.
My 8x57 is a Husqvarna 640 model built on the FN98 receiver. I use the express sights that come with it, so 100, and flip ups for 200, 300. They were zeroed according to the Wehrmacht 8x57 specs so, roughly 198 grs. With the stock irons, I can hit a steel plate the size of the vital zone of a moose at 200 yards pretty consistently as long as I'm stable. The ammo I shoot is the Prvi stuff, so it's loaded to European specs, but the stuff is kind of dirty. The big .323 bullet and KE transfer should be enough at this distance to take a moose down with relative ease. I haven't shot a deer with a 198 gr 8x57, but would it be considered overkill for such light game? I usually use the Marlin 30-30 or 6.5x55 for the smaller critters. Or slugs
My 8x57 is a Husqvarna 640 model built on the FN98 receiver. I use the express sights that come with it, so 100, and flip ups for 200, 300. They were zeroed according to the Wehrmacht 8x57 specs so, roughly 198 grs. With the stock irons, I can hit a steel plate the size of the vital zone of a moose at 200 yards pretty consistently as long as I'm stable. The ammo I shoot is the Prvi stuff, so it's loaded to European specs, but the stuff is kind of dirty. The big .323 bullet and KE transfer should be enough at this distance to take a moose down with relative ease. I haven't shot a deer with a 198 gr 8x57, but would it be considered overkill for such light game? I usually use the Marlin 30-30 or 6.5x55 for the smaller critters. Or slugs
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
All are good cartridges, and its questionable that you could do something with one that you couldn't with another. Having said that, the .30/06 is my darling, so my preference in order is .30/06, 7-08, 8X57 . . . if all 3 rifles were similar.
