Anyone with "expertise" on 308 vs 7mm-08 vs 25-06?

[kumathebear]

Of these 3 calibers, all I ever owned was the 25-06, until one of my son's claimed it as his. So, based on these values, please rate:

1. Maximum distance shot...300 yards
2. Recoil comparison...(Bad Shoulders)
3. Ammunition costs and availability
4. Best caliber to "pass" on to grandkids when my day's are done?
5. Synthetic vs. Wood...any difference on "average" shooting skills?
6. Best "bang" for the $$ on limited budget?

Perhaps TOO many variables/questions...but just NOT informed on these calibers EXCEPT for one of my old LEO buddies who was a "sniper" and used the 308.

Thanks TBH....educate me please!

[trophy8]

7-08 gets my vote by far out of those three. Good long range ballistics if desired. Mild recoil. Lots of choices for ammo especially for a reloader. Cheap. Easy to find. Every manufacturer makes em for the most part. Great kids gun.

I'm not a 308 fan. 25-06 is great I just like the 7-08 more lol

[gumbl3]

Buy one of each..

[artrios]

I have had them all
The .308 is the most popular with lots of options especially on a budget and recoil wise I would put the .308 and the 7mm-08 in same category with the 26-06 with a tad more recoil
I put my wife on a 7mm-08 this year and she loves it
All cals are well within confines of distance with similar ballistics
cheapest ammo is the .308

I prefer the synthetics over the wood just because I guide and weather / weight are my issues/concerns

[kumathebear]

gumbl3, I WOULD if the $$ were there...LOL! I will be checking this thread often...so keep the advice coming brothers/sisters.

[kumathebear]

Thanks...

I have had them all
The .308 is the most popular with lots of options especially on a budget and recoil wise I would put the .308 and the 7mm-08 in same category with the 26-06 with a tad more recoil
I put my wife on a 7mm-08 this year and she loves it
All cals are well within confines of distance with similar ballistics
cheapest ammo is the .308

I prefer the synthetics over the wood just because I guide and weather / weight are my issues/concerns

I really have grown to like the synthetics over wood also. Guess the main reason is I see "every" scratch on my old Avalanche...guess it reminds me of my "battle scars!" But, I have wondered if there is any accuracy lost on synthetic vs. wood? I can't recall seeing any threads/posts on this topic! Thanks for the response...

[Artos]

Of these 3 calibers, all I ever owned was the 25-06, until one of my son's claimed it as his. So, based on these values, please rate:

1. Maximum distance shot...300 yards no big difference

2. Recoil comparison...(Bad Shoulders) 7-08 & 25-06 with 120's equal but depends on weight of weapon

3. Ammunition costs and availability 308 NATO round- most popular

4. Best caliber to "pass" on to grandkids when my day's are done? 25-06-7-08

5. Synthetic vs. Wood...any difference on "average" shooting skills? not on a budget

6. Best "bang" for the $$ on limited budget? savage or entry 700

Perhaps TOO many variables/questions...but just NOT informed on these calibers EXCEPT for one of my old LEO buddies who was a "sniper" and used the 308.

Thanks TBH....educate me please!

Only other real difference is if you prefer a short action vs long action.

The 7-08 is the 308 necked down the .284 & your best overall pick if short action is wanted...I personally love the 25-06 myself but you really have no wrong choices here.

[txsteele]

I traded my sons/wifes 7mm08 to Warwagon and want it back LOL

That thing was a bad mofo.......both of them loved it.

Based on your description, this is my vote.

[bwssr]

wife and I both shoot .308's she has NO issues...

[TxMedic]

All 3 are remarkable calibers...I own one of each for that very reason. For what the OP s looking for, I think a 25-06 in wooden stock...Remmy 700, Win 70 or Ruger M77 would be great

[kumathebear]

thanks and keep 'em coming

[Coach W]

Now that's a question... A necked down 30.06, a necked down 308, or the 308 it's self....

I've never been confronted with this scenario before. Diameter wise it's a 308, vs a 284 vs a 257.... In those diameters I personally think there are way better choices... So I've never even thought to evaluate these three against each other.

My choices (for my own reasons)... 284 would be a 7mm, 308 would be any of 3 calibers (with 308 coming in 4th) and my 257 would be a wby...

So I must ask. How did you narrow it down to these 3?

Then I must say 300 yards is a chip shot with any so that's not a selling point of any caliber.. But what do you plan on shooting with the rifle?

[texizona]

I have used all 3 calibers, but am a much bigger fan of the 7mm-08. I really like a short action and the 7mm-08 shoots flatter with less recoil than a .308.

[Jethro]

To me, between the .308 and the 7-08, the 7-08 wins hands down. Slicker bullets, more velocity, better ballistics, in the same size package.

Throwing the 25-06 in there though, is kind of like comparing apples to oranges, you are in a whole different category of cartridges. I love the 25-06, but wouldn't compare it to those other two at all. It is a long action cartridge which puts it in a different action. I don't really notice recoil much, but if that is a factor I think I would just go with the 7mm and be done. Ammunition/components are easy enough, and you can form cases easily from 308 if you wanted to. Just as many good 7mm bullets as 30 cal bullets too. 7-08 is a sweetheart of a cartridge, just really hard to go wrong with it. It does so many things well by changing the load. From long range to managed recoil loads, lots of options out there.

[kumathebear]

Answers

Now that's a question... A necked down 30.06, a necked down 308, or the 308 it's self....

I've never been confronted with this scenario before. Diameter wise it's a 308, vs a 284 vs a 257.... In those diameters I personally think there are way better choices... So I've never even thought to evaluate these three against each other.

My choices (for my own reasons)... 284 would be a 7mm, 308 would be any of 3 calibers (with 308 coming in 4th) and my 257 would be a wby...

So I must ask. How did you narrow it down to these 3?

Then I must say 300 yards is a chip shot with any so that's not a selling point of any caliber.. But what do you plan on shooting with the rifle?

300 yards is about it on my son's lease, thus the maximum distance. It's very brushy, thick and only 2 "lanes" that provide extended distance shooting. I will probably not hunt anywhere else so again, the reason for 300 yards.
Calibers mentioned were mainly chosen out of curiosity and comments from other posts, friends, etc.
Thanks for the information and opinion