7mm-08 Remington Ammo: Ballistics, Best Factory Loads & Hunting Performance
Introduction to 7mm-08 Remington
The 7mm-08 Remington is a versatile, high-performance rifle cartridge that combines flat-shooting ballistics, manageable recoil, and excellent accuracy. Developed in 1980 by necking down the .308 Winchester case to accept 7mm bullets, this round has gained a strong following among hunters, target shooters, and long-range marksmen.
The 7mm-08 Remington excels in deer hunting, big game hunting, and long-range shooting, offering a balance of velocity, energy, and penetration while maintaining lighter recoil compared to larger calibers.
Best 7mm-08 Remington We Sell At Pro Armory:
Why Choose 7mm-08 Remington?
Hunters and marksmen prefer 7mm-08 ammo for several key reasons:
- Excellent Ballistic Performance – Provides a flat trajectory with high velocity and great downrange energy.
- Reduced Recoil – Less recoil than .308 Winchester, making it a great choice for youth hunters and recoil-sensitive shooters.
- Superior Accuracy – The high ballistic coefficient (BC) of 7mm bullets improves wind resistance and precision at longer ranges.
- Versatile for Hunting & Target Shooting – Ideal for deer, elk, hogs, and even some long-range precision shooting.
- Wide Ammo Selection – Available in multiple bullet weights and styles, including soft points, polymer-tipped hunting rounds, and match-grade ammo.
7mm-08 Remington Ballistics: What to Expect
Factory-loaded 7mm-08 ammunition typically fires a 120- to 150-grain bullet at speeds between 2,700 and 3,000 fps, delivering impressive energy while maintaining accuracy.
Typical Ballistics Data (Factory Ammo)
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Bullet Weight
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Muzzle Velocity (fps)
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Energy (ft-lbs)
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Wind Drift (10mph @ 500yds)
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Bullet Drop @ 500yds (inches)
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120 gr Barnes TTSX
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3,000 fps
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2,398 ft-lbs
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~12 inches
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~42 inches
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140 gr Hornady SST
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2,860 fps
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2,539 ft-lbs
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~13 inches
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~45 inches
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150 gr Federal Fusion
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2,770 fps
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2,556 ft-lbs
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~14 inches
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~48 inches
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The high velocity and excellent sectional density of 7mm-08 bullets contribute to deep penetration and efficient energy transfer, making it an excellent big game hunting cartridge.
7mm-08 Remington vs. .308 Winchester: Key Differences
One of the most common comparisons among shooters is 7mm-08 vs. .308 Winchester, as they share the same parent case.
- 7mm-08 Remington – Lighter, faster bullets with a higher ballistic coefficient, offering flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift.
- .308 Winchester – Uses heavier bullets, which provide more kinetic energy on impact, making it better suited for larger game at closer ranges.
For long-range shooting and deer hunting, 7mm-08 Remington often has the edge due to its superior velocity and flatter trajectory.
Best 7mm-08 Remington Factory Ammo
If you're looking for factory-loaded 7mm-08 ammunition, here are some of the top-performing loads for various applications.
Best 7mm-08 Hunting Ammo
- Hornady Precision Hunter 150gr ELD-X – Outstanding for deer and elk hunting, offering controlled expansion and high energy retention.
- Federal Premium 140gr Nosler AccuBond – Great for big game hunting, featuring deep penetration and superior weight retention.
- Barnes VOR-TX 120gr TTSX – A lead-free hunting load with high velocity and deep penetration.
- Remington Core-Lokt 140gr PSP – A classic hunting round, delivering reliable expansion and proven performance.
Best 7mm-08 Target & Match Ammo
- Hornady Match 140gr ELD-M – One of the best long-range target loads, providing exceptional accuracy and consistency.
- Berger 150gr VLD Target – Designed for precision rifle competitions, offering high BC and minimal wind drift.
- Federal Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing 140gr – A premium match-grade factory load for long-range precision shooting.
Reloading 7mm-08 Remington for Maximum Performance
For reloaders, 7mm-08 Remington offers plenty of flexibility with various powders and bullet options. Some of the best powders for consistent accuracy and velocity include:
- H4350 – A top choice for long-range precision loads.
- Varget – Known for temperature stability and clean burning.
- IMR 4064 – A great option for medium-weight bullets and accuracy tuning.
Reloading 7mm-08 ammo allows hunters and shooters to optimize their performance for specific rifles and applications.
Is 7mm-08 Remington Good for Hunting?
Yes! 7mm-08 Remington is one of the best all-around hunting cartridges, excelling in deer, elk, and hog hunting due to its high velocity, deep penetration, and flat trajectory.
Best Uses for 7mm-08 Hunting Ammo:
- Deer Hunting – 140-150gr soft points or polymer-tipped bullets for optimal expansion and accuracy.
- Elk & Moose Hunting – 140-150gr bonded or monolithic bullets for deep penetration and controlled expansion.
- Hog Hunting – 120-140gr fast-expanding bullets for quick and ethical kills.
Best Rifles Chambered in 7mm-08 Remington
Many manufacturers produce high-quality 7mm-08 rifles suitable for hunting, target shooting, and long-range applications. Here are some of the best:
- Tikka T3x Lite 7mm-08 – A lightweight hunting rifle with exceptional accuracy.
- Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon 7mm-08 – A precision bolt-action rifle designed for long-range hunting.
- Ruger American Predator 7mm-08 – An affordable, highly accurate hunting rifle.
- Savage 110 Storm 7mm-08 – A weather-resistant rifle with an adjustable AccuTrigger.
- Remington Model 700 7mm-08 – A classic rifle, known for accuracy and reliability.
Final Thoughts: Why 7mm-08 Remington is a Top Choice
The 7mm-08 Remington is a versatile and powerful cartridge, offering flat-shooting ballistics, excellent energy retention, and moderate recoil. Whether you’re a big game hunter, long-range shooter, or someone looking for an all-around effective rifle round, 7mm-08 ammo delivers outstanding performance.
For those looking for the best factory ammo, reloading data, or precision rifles chambered in 7mm-08, this cartridge remains a top choice for hunters and target shooters alike.
