7mm-08 Remington
Also called: 7mm-08, seven-mil-oh-eight
A mild, efficient round based on the .308 case, loved by hunters who want good bullet performance without heavy recoil.
- Type
- Centerfire Rifle
- Bullet diameter
- .284 in
- Case length
- 2.035 in
- Overall length
- 2.8 in
- Typical bullet weights
- 120 to 150 grains
- Typical muzzle velocity
- About 2,650 to 3,000 fps
- Recoil
- Moderate recoil
- Quarry
- Deer, hogs & pronghorn
- Typical range
- Deer and pronghorn to about 400 yards
- Availability
- Common
What it is good for
- Deer and pronghorn in a wide range of terrain.
- Youth and smaller-framed hunters, with its gentle recoil.
- Short-action rifles where a compact, balanced rifle is wanted.
Where it falls short
- Ammunition choices are fewer than for the .308 or .270.
- It is light for elk and moose.
- Not every store stocks it, so buy extra when you find it.
Easily confused with
- .308 Winchester: the parent case; the 7mm-08 is necked down to a narrower bullet.
- 6.5 Creedmoor: a similar short-action deer cartridge with a slightly narrower bullet.
Field notes
The 7mm-08 puts a 7mm bullet in a .308 case. It offers a comfortable balance of power and recoil, and it fits compact, short-action rifles well.
Related guides
Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.