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  4. 7mm-08 vs 308: Which Rifle Cartridge is Right for You?
Oct 31, 2025

7mm-08 vs 308: Which Rifle Cartridge is Right for You?

Andy Kloss
Table of Contents
  • Why Compare 7mm-08 vs .308?
  • Cartridge Overview: 7mm-08 Remington vs .308 Winchester
  • 7mm-08 vs 308 Ballistics
  • Recoil and Shootability: 308 vs 7mm-08
  • Which is Better for Deer Hunting?
  • What About Elk? 308 vs 7mm-08 for Elk
  • Rifle & Ammo Availability
  • Final Thoughts: Which Cartridge is Right for You?
  • Featured Remington Ammo

Why Compare 7mm-08 vs 308? 

Few cartridge debates carry the same history in the world of hunting and shooting as the 7mm-08 Remington and 308 Winchester. Hunters trust both cartridges to fill freezers, and target shooters trust them to hit the mark with consistent accuracy. 

In this comparison, we’ll break down how these two short action cartridges stack up against each. At the end, you should feel confident in your choice so you can choose the best cartridge for your next hunt or trip to the range. 

Cartridge Overview: 7mm-08 Rem vs 308 Win 

Developed in the 1940s, the 308 Win was created by the U.S. military as a shorter, lighter cartridge with performance comparable to the 30-06 SPRG. After its creation, it was released to the civilian world in the 1950s. It quickly earned a reputation for accuracy, knockdown power, its short action, and its adaptability across the outdoor world. To this day, thousands of shooters bank on 308 Win ammo.  

By the late 1970s, the engineers at Remington saw unique potential in the 308 Win casing. These thoughts led to necking down the 308 Win and loading it with a 7mm (.284 caliber) bullet. Just like that, the 7mm-08 Remington was born, the 308’s sharp-looking younger brother! With excellent ballistic efficiency, softer recoil compared to the 308 Win, and remarkable accuracy, the 7mm-08 Rem is also a noteworthy rifle cartridge.  

Both rounds are undoubtedly proven in the field. Explore both options here: 

  • 7mm-08 Remington Rifle Ammo 
  • 308 Win Rifle Ammo 
7mm-08 on the right and 308 Win on the left

308

7mm-08

7mm-08 Rem vs 308 Win Ballistics 

 Shooting from a standard 24-inch barrel, a 7mm-08 Rem with a 140-grain Remington Core-Lokt Tipped leaves the muzzle around 2,860 feet per second, carrying roughly 2,542 foot-pounds of energy. The 308 Win with a 150-grain Core-Lokt Tipped clocks in at about 2,820 feet per second with 2,648 foot-pounds of energy. 

That’s a near tie at the muzzle. The difference shows up farther out. By 400 yards, the 7mm-08 Rem drops roughly an inch less than the 308 Win and maintains slightly higher velocity, showing its superior ballistic coefficient. 

At typical hunting distances, lets call it inside 400 yards, both are relatively flat, reliable, and deadly. However, when shots stretch beyond that, the 7mm-08’s sleek bullet in similar grain weights holds an edge, and the trajectory is flatter.

ballistics  chart

Recoil and Shootability: 308 Win vs 7mm-08 Rem 

Recoil can play a big role for some when deciding what to choose. The amount of charge and rifle weight are the most significant factors contributing to recoil, so know that you might feel more punch if your bullet is heavier or the rifle is lighter.  

Recoil should be considered if you might take a shot from an awkward position, such as a tree stand or in cold weather with bulky clothing. These factors, in combination with recoil, can make it harder to make a follow-up, as recoil can shift your weight and body posture. 

The 308 Win will produce more felt recoil than the 7mm-08 Rem, but not by much. With roughly 13 ft-lbs of recoil energy from a 7mm-08 Rem, and 16 ft-lbs from a 308 Win, it’s neck and neck. If the shooter is a youth hunter or of a smaller frame, consider the 7mm-08 Rem. Just know that with proper form and practice, anything is manageable.  

Which Is Better for Deer Hunting? 

When it comes to deer hunting, both are awesome. 

With decades of performance and a spanning selection of loads, the 308 Win is not to be underestimated. From light soft points to heavy bonded bullets, it could be the cartridge your grandpap trusted for years, and it still drops deer like a champ. 

However, the 7mm-08 Rem can offer a flatter trajectory at far ranges and lighter recoil, making it easier to get follow-up shots precisely at distance. 

In short: 

  • 7mm-08 Rem: Flatter trajectory, softer recoil, ideal for small or medium game at range. 
  • 308 Win: Broader ammo options and heavier bullet selection, which can make It more versatile for game bigger than deer. 

No matter what your choice, Remington’s Core-Lokt delivers accuracy, controlled expansion, and fantastic weight retention for both calibers. These factors are critical for success in the deer woods. Check out our other blog highlighting hunting rifle calibers! Rifle Caliber Chart: Hunt With the Right Cartridge) 

deer in field

What About Elk? 308 Win vs 7mm-08 Rem for Elk 

Elk demand respect. Elk also demand a cartridge that carries authority at a distance. 

When it comes to bugle chasin’, the 308 Win is more capable. Its short action makes it ideal for compact rifles often favored in mountain hunts, and its variety of heavier bullets ensure deep penetration and consistent energy transfer needed for elk.  

Sure, a 7mm-08 Rem can take an elk with a proper shot and bullet, but the 308’s heavier bullet selection gives it a clear advantage. Explore more in our Best Caliber for Elk Hunting Guide 

elk in woods

Rifle & Ammo Availability 

There’s no denying the 308 Win has a wide variety of loads and rifle styles. Every major manufacturer offers 308 rifles, and shelves are rarely empty of 308 ammo choices. 

The 7mm-08 Rem, though slightly less common, has a dedicated following among rifle hunters. It’s especially popular in lightweight bolt-action rifles, youth models, and compact hunting setups where shootability matters. 

Both are supported across Remington rifle ammo lines, so you’ll find options that fit your scenario in either. 

Shop Remington ammo: 

  • 308 Win ammo 
  • 7mm-08 ammo 

Final Thoughts: Which Cartridge Is Right for You? 

You can’t go wrong with either. 

  • Choose the 7mm-08 Rem if you value flatter shooting, lighter recoil, and all-day comfort behind the trigger. It’s an ideal choice for youth hunters, smaller shooters, or anyone who appreciates lighter recoil without sacrificing performance. 
  • Choose the 308 Win if you want or need to sling heavier bullets, don’t mind the extra kick, or need a cartridge that’s proven to take on most North American game. 

At the end of the day, both trace their roots to the same case, and Remington offers both with a promise of performance in the field or at the range. Big Green has the rifle ammo that’s ready for every trigger pull. 

Explore Remington’s full lineup of rifle ammo and shoot with confidence knowing you’re carrying rifle ammo manufactured and loaded for decades by American workers who live the outdoor lifestyle like you.  

people on top of mountain

Featured Products

Core-Lokt, 7mm-08 Rem

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Core-Lokt Tipped, 7mm-08 Rem


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Premier Long Range, 308 Win


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Core-Lokt, 308 Win


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