Which Rifle?

Bella · September 26, 2009, 12:30 AM

You are planning a deer hunt. You have two rifles that you have been working and practicing with. They are both Remington rifles. One is a model 7 bolt action in 7mm-08. The other is a 742 semi-suto in .280 Remington. The bolt action does very well Nosler 140 grain ballistic tips while the .280 likes Speer's 160 grain soft point. The bolt action does group slightly better, but the semi-auto groups plenty well enough for deer.

The hunt will take place in an area where the shot should be no more then a hundred yards, one hundred fifty tops. A short hike will be involved to get into position. The topography is semi-heavy timber with some meadows here and there.

So, if you had the two above mentioned rifles to pick from for this hunt, which would you take with you?

Swampghost · September 26, 2009, 12:47 AM

Having been here for a while the 7mm will win.

You could be more specific on the 742. The earlier models had some problems. I have a later mod. that is a tackdriver.

Inside of 200 yds. it all depends on you. I'd stretch either one beyond that, both are capable.

Art Eatman · September 26, 2009, 08:35 AM

Whichever one you like the feel of "more better". As far as the guns or cartridges, there's no practical difference. But, me being lazy, I'd probably pick the lighter of the two.

BoneDigger · September 26, 2009, 10:10 AM

I agree. Either will work. I personally would choose the 7mm-08 but only because I like that cartridge a lot. However, the deer won't be bale to tell a difference.

Todd

rodwhaincamo · September 26, 2009, 10:29 AM

Mod 7 because it's lighter, and the -08 is plenty. And I'm a little biased (7mm-08 is to me the finest cartridge for North America within 300 yds).

72gator · September 26, 2009, 01:01 PM

I like both cartridges, but I personally prefer the .280. However, all things considered that model 7 7mm-08 would be hard to beat. That would be my choice.

thekyrifleman · September 26, 2009, 03:59 PM

Flip a coin!!!!!!

GeauxTide · September 26, 2009, 10:01 PM

Only auto rifle I own is an SU-16B. Ain't going to hunt deer with an auto.

Swampghost · September 26, 2009, 10:25 PM

I find the weight issue a non-issue and generally use heavier rifles. They tend to be more accurate and better balanced.

I'm smiling toward 60, smoke over a pack a day, drink (yes) am I worried about a pound or two for my rifle? NO!

September 26, 2009, 12:30 AM	#1
Bella Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Posts: 341	Which Rifle? You are planning a deer hunt. You have two rifles that you have been working and practicing with. They are both Remington rifles. One is a model 7 bolt action in 7mm-08. The other is a 742 semi-suto in .280 Remington. The bolt action does very well Nosler 140 grain ballistic tips while the .280 likes Speer's 160 grain soft point. The bolt action does group slightly better, but the semi-auto groups plenty well enough for deer. The hunt will take place in an area where the shot should be no more then a hundred yards, one hundred fifty tops. A short hike will be involved to get into position. The topography is semi-heavy timber with some meadows here and there. So, if you had the two above mentioned rifles to pick from for this hunt, which would you take with you?

September 26, 2009, 12:47 AM	#2
Swampghost Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: Florida, east coast Posts: 2,106	Having been here for a while the 7mm will win. You could be more specific on the 742. The earlier models had some problems. I have a later mod. that is a tackdriver. Inside of 200 yds. it all depends on you. I'd stretch either one beyond that, both are capable. __________________ NRA Patron Member

September 26, 2009, 10:10 AM	#4
BoneDigger Senior Member Join Date: July 22, 2005 Location: Tyler, TX Posts: 660	agreed I agree. Either will work. I personally would choose the 7mm-08 but only because I like that cartridge a lot. However, the deer won't be bale to tell a difference. Todd

September 26, 2009, 10:25 PM	#9
Swampghost Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: Florida, east coast Posts: 2,106	I find the weight issue a non-issue and generally use heavier rifles. They tend to be more accurate and better balanced. I'm smiling toward 60, smoke over a pack a day, drink (yes) am I worried about a pound or two for my rifle? NO! __________________ NRA Patron Member

September 26, 2009, 08:35 AM	#3
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Whichever one you like the feel of "more better". As far as the guns or cartridges, there's no practical difference. But, me being lazy, I'd probably pick the lighter of the two.

September 26, 2009, 10:29 AM	#5
rodwhaincamo Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,246	Mod 7 because it's lighter, and the -08 is plenty. And I'm a little biased (7mm-08 is to me the finest cartridge for North America within 300 yds).

September 26, 2009, 01:01 PM	#6
72gator Member Join Date: September 17, 2009 Location: Bedford Co, Pennsyltucky Posts: 56	I like both cartridges, but I personally prefer the .280. However, all things considered that model 7 7mm-08 would be hard to beat. That would be my choice.

September 26, 2009, 03:59 PM	#7
thekyrifleman Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2007 Location: Northern Ky Posts: 254	Flip a coin!!!!!!

September 26, 2009, 10:01 PM	#8
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	Only auto rifle I own is an SU-16B. Ain't going to hunt deer with an auto.