Axis 243 or 7mm 08?

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cjduey

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Newbie here...
I have been waiting for a good price on a Ruger American rancher 7.62x39 but i can buy a new savage axis -7mm or 243 for under 500$ Cdn right now.
It'll primarily be mine and my wife's deer rifle.
Any thoughts?
I'm hoping you don't tell me to wait for the Ruger lol
 
For a deer rifle I'd pick either of those calibers over a 7.63x39. All 3 will kill deer, but the x39 is more limited by range than the other two.

The 7mm08 is a better option if anything bigger is also on the list. 243win has less recoil, could be a factor depending how big your wife is and how she handles recoil.

In my experience 7mm08 ammo is less available than 243win. I'd probably go 243win if I was buying factory ammo, 7mm08 if I was reloading - in fact I'd also get a 270win over a 7mm08 if I was buying factory ammo. My primary hunting rifle is a 7mm08, I think its an absolutely FANTASTIC cartridge, but factory ammo availability, especially in a ####ty situation like you forgot your ammo at home and have to find some quick, just isn't that great for it. Practically anywhere (gas stations, hardware stores, etc) sells 243win ammo if they sell ammo at all.


Edit to add- if you're looking at the Axis, have a look at Reliable Gun's website. They have the Axis 2 on sale right now, add in the $75usd rebate available til the end of the month and you can have an Axis 2 (which has a MUCH better trigger) for about $400 all said and done. They also have a Ruger American in 7mm08 for $600 right now.
 
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My father loves his 243 for deer but I prefer my 7mm-08. Federal blue box 150 grain ammunition works well. I know I'm fine if I ever go for elk or moose.
 
Pick your poison. If you’re a on this site it won’t be your last purchase 😅. I am an axis hater but have been considering buying one in a calibre I’m considering before I buy a nice rifle lol.
 
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Suther said:
For a deer rifle I'd pick either of those calibers over a 7.63x39. All 3 will kill deer, but the x39 is more limited by range than the other two.

The 7mm08 is a better option if anything bigger is also on the list. 243win has less recoil, could be a factor depending how big your wife is and how she handles recoil.

In my experience 7mm08 ammo is less available than 243win. I'd probably go 243win if I was buying factory ammo, 7mm08 if I was reloading - in fact I'd also get a 270win over a 7mm08 if I was buying factory ammo. My primary hunting rifle is a 7mm08, I think its an absolutely FANTASTIC cartridge, but factory ammo availability, especially in a ####ty situation like you forgot your ammo at home and have to find some quick, just isn't that great for it. Practically anywhere (gas stations, hardware stores, etc) sells 243win ammo if they sell ammo at all.


Edit to add- if you're looking at the Axis, have a look at Reliable Gun's website. They have the Axis 2 on sale right now, add in the $75usd rebate available til the end of the month and you can have an Axis 2 (which has a MUCH better trigger) for about $400 all said and done. They also have a Ruger American in 7mm08 for $600 right now.
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You think 7mm08 could take a moose in under 100 yards? I know, right placement of course.
 
7-08 and moose zero problems…….
Even to 300 yards it’s no problem.

120-140 grain monolithic bullets, 150 grain lead core controlled expansion/bonded, zero things to worry about.
 
cjduey said:
You think 7mm08 could take a moose in under 100 yards? I know, right placement of course.
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100yds?? .... I dare say you would be ok out to 300 with a 7-08 or more with practice. I shot my last moose at 250yds with a 7x57 (same as 7-08 ballistics) with a slow going 160gr NP. No issues.
 
cjduey said:
Newbie here...
I have been waiting for a good price on a Ruger American rancher 7.62x39 but i can buy a new savage axis -7mm or 243 for under 500$ Cdn right now.
It'll primarily be mine and my wife's deer rifle.
Any thoughts?
I'm hoping you don't tell me to wait for the Ruger lol
Click to expand...

The 243 Win is a Excellent Deer cartridge and Great for woman shooters with its LOW felt recoil ! I have both cartridges and have shot deer with both and you CERTAINLY do not NEED the extra bullet weight or energy to kill deer out to 300 yards ! jmo RJ
 
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