Quick Answer
The 7mm-08 Remington is suitable for both target shooting and hunting, but hunting requires consideration of bullet expansion, penetration, and kinetic energy, which may differ from target shooting.
Choosing the Right Bullet
When hunting with the 7mm-08 Remington, it’s essential to choose the right bullet for the job. For whitetail deer, a bullet with a diameter of at least 0.284 inches (7.2 mm) is recommended. A bullet with a ballistic coefficient (BC) of 0.4 or higher is ideal for long-range shooting. For example, the Hornady 139-grain InterLock bullet has a BC of 0.384 and is a popular choice for hunting whitetail.
Hunting Techniques
When hunting with the 7mm-08 Remington, it’s essential to use proper hunting techniques to ensure a clean and humane kill. This includes aiming for the heart-lung area, shooting at a close range (less than 200 yards), and using a scope with a magnification power of 2-7x or 3-9x. The 7mm-08 Remington is capable of delivering a kinetic energy of 2,200-2,500 ft-lbs at 100 yards, making it suitable for hunting whitetail deer.
Target Shooting Considerations
While the 7mm-08 Remington is suitable for target shooting, it requires consideration of bullet expansion and penetration. For target shooting, a bullet with a diameter of at least 0.284 inches (7.2 mm) is recommended, but a bullet with a BC of 0.4 or higher is not necessary. A bullet with a heavier weight (140-150 grains) may be preferred for target shooting, as it provides a flatter trajectory and less wind deflection.
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