Which Caliber is better for hunting big game?

Question

For those who did not read my questions thoroughly, I asked about three specific calibers (.243 win, 7mm-08, .308 win)...

PLEASE, do not suggest other calibers, as that is not related to my question, nor does it help with an answer...

Answer 1

The 308 is your best choice according to the 2008 Winchester Product Guide for Hunting Big Game.*

Answer 2

243 is a varmint cartridge that can also be used for medium game like deer.

There are a lot of different cartridges in 7mm. 7x57 Mauser has taken every animal on the planet at some time or another, but is best on medium game. 7mm08 is a ballistic equivalent and may be the best balance for whitetail. 7mm Remington magnum burns a lot more powder for a little extra reach, but is also a more comfortable choice than the smaller-cased 7mm's if elk and moose are on your list.

308 Winchester is the parent case for the 7mm08, and there's very little difference between the two. The slightly greater frontal section is preferred by many for elk and moose, but it gives up a little in long-range performance. The difference, though, is miniscule.

Overall, my opinion is that the smaller 7mm's are too often overlooked by people whose needs they fit perfectly.

Answer 3

I assume that you mean big game in North America. The .308 and the 7mm-08 are close in ballistics and either will take an elk or a moose if you put the bullet in the right place. A larger caliber just gives you a bigger bullet moving at about the same velocity. The heavier bullet with more mass gives you an edge in that you can take a shot that might be less than perfect. ie: you can use the heavier mass to break a shoulder and still go through to the lungs and heart. If you use either caliber know that they will work for you, but you will have to do your part by taking good clean ethical shots otherwise you will end up with a wounded animal.

Many people don't live where they can hunt big game regularly so they can't afford to pass up shot after shot until that perfect shot shows up. They are paying a lot of money for out of state tags, trip costs, etc. If these things are factor in your hunting then you might want to consider a bigger caliber.

Answer 4

Of your three choices i would go with the 308 Win

Answer 5

Of the three big game calibers you are asking about the .308 Winchester is the best all around.

H

Answer 6

Your question is insufficient to answer it completely and accurately.

To begin with, "Big Game" like the little desert whitetails and javelina in Texas and Arizona are a completely different sized game than the big corn-fed whitetails of Iowa, or the big and wild feral pigs found in some of the southern states.  Likewise, black bears in Pennsylvania hardly compare with grizzlies in Montana.  Moose in Manitoba far outweigh Wyoming antelope.  Elk in Colorado and Caribou in Alberta have little to compare with California blacktail deer.  And this goes on and on.  (Did I mention the giant bears of Alaska???)  So without knowing actually what the definition of "Big Game" means to you, we can't honestly reply with a proper and accurate answer that can mean much to you.

Likewise, when you say "7mm", are you suggesting the 7mm Mauser cartridge, or the much more potent 7mm Remington Magnum?  I own the latter, but not the other smaller cartridge.  (Here in Alaska, there is little I would use any of your choices for since there are better and more versatile choices to consider.)

If I were only allowed one gun to use ONLY in the lower 48 states for what I would consider "Big Game" being from elk and moose on down, my prefered choice would be the very reliable and very versatile 30-06.  It has been around forever and more than proven its dependability. It has a number of bullet sizes from 110 grains up to 220 grains so it can be used for coyotes/fox up to and including the bigger (but maybe not the biggest) of the Big Game such as those previously listed.

In the Boone & Crockett Regord Book of Big Game Animals, there is a grizzly shown as the property of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.  At one time, it was the largest grizzly ever killed in Alaska.  I was the game warden that confiscated that bear when it was shot in self defense.  It was shot with a 30-06.  (But I don't recommend it!)  For anything else but the biggest bears?  A good choice!

Answer 7

7MM

Answer 8

The 7mm is good for medium size big game but not well for moose or say a grizzly bear. About the same goes for the .308 but the .308 has the advantage of heavier bullets for moose.

So of the two I would go with the .308 unless I was just going after deer, antelope, big horn sheep, and mountain goat. For those animals may require longer shots which the 7mm would be slightly better. But not by much.

But the fact is if you want to penetrate thick hide, muscle tissue and bone the .308 with 220 gr bullets will out perform the 7mm with 150gr bullets. And a 220 gr .308 round does a number on moose under 100 yards and would be far better bear protection that the 7mm.

Some info on both rounds:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3...

http://www.reloadbench.com/cartridges/30...

And yes the .308 can be used for moose in Alaska, here is the Alaskan Fish and game site listing the .308  for moose;

http://www.wildlifenews.alaska.gov/index...

Answer 9

308 is typically the best overall caliber if you have only one big game rifle.  

Answer 10

308 win if your hunting elk or moose or caribou......7mm should work fine for most white tail and mule dear... I like the .270 for most deer...

Answer 11

None of the calibers you mentioned are recommended or desirable for big game like grizzly bear, polar bear or buffalo except the 7mm might be ok for moose, black bear and elk.  None of those calibers are legal for hunting big game in Africa.

I live in Alaska - my idea of big game might be different from yours.

Hope this helps.

Answer 12

by far the 308 is the depest penetrating makes the biggest entry hole and has a high muzzle energy so it knocks them dead fast and it has such a wide variety of bullets and ammo suited for hunting anything from coyote to moose while the 243 can only hunt game up to the size of antelope ehtically and the 7mm will blow up anything you hunt becuase its too fast but it is good for long range since it is so flat and it has a very flat trajectory but the 7mm bullets will make a big hole but its messy and unethical and the 7mm penetrates deep but the 308 does a better job since it is slightly heavier but it all comes down to where are you hunting if its long range the 7mm might be a better choice but if its short and medium range the 308 takes the cake

Answer 13

7MM would be good, 308 has a bigger bullet!*

Answer 14

out of the three.....its the .308