As an avid hunter who’s spent countless hours in the field, I can attest that having the right ammunition can make or break your hunt. The 7mm-08 Remington has long been one of my favorite cartridges for its versatility and effectiveness on medium to large game. In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for the best 7mm-08 ammo in 2024 based on years of hunting experience and extensive testing.
Why Choose 7mm-08 for Hunting?
Before we dive into specific ammo recommendations, let’s quickly review why the 7mm-08 is such an excellent choice for hunters:
- Manageable recoil, especially compared to larger magnum cartridges
- Flat-shooting with good long-range performance
- Versatile for everything from deer to elk
- Readily available from major manufacturers
- Works well in short-action rifles
I remember the first time I used a 7mm-08 on a mule deer hunt in Colorado. The mild recoil allowed for quick follow-up shots, and the 140 grain bullet dropped that buck in his tracks at 250 yards. I was instantly sold on its capabilities.
Top 7mm-08 Ammunition Picks for 2024
Federal Premium Trophy Copper 140 gr
Federal’s Trophy Copper line has quickly become one of my go-to choices for big game hunting. The 100% copper construction provides deep penetration and near-100% weight retention, which is critical for ethical kills on larger animals like elk.
Key features:
- 140 grain all-copper bullet
- Muzzle velocity: 2800 fps
- Excellent expansion and penetration
- Lead-free for use in areas with lead ammo restrictions
I’ve used this load extensively on elk hunts in recent years. The penetration is phenomenal, and I’ve yet to lose an animal I’ve hit solidly with it. While not cheap, the performance is worth every penny in my book.
Hornady Precision Hunter 150 gr ELD-X
For long-range hunters, it’s hard to beat Hornady’s Precision Hunter line. The 150 grain ELD-X bullet offers an impressive ballistic coefficient of 0.574, allowing for flatter trajectories and better wind resistance.
Key features:
- 150 grain ELD-X bullet
- Muzzle velocity: 2770 fps
- Excellent long-range accuracy
- Controlled expansion at varying velocities
On a recent pronghorn hunt, I was able to make a clean 400+ yard shot using this load. The wind drift was minimal, and the terminal performance on the animal was impressive.
Nosler Trophy Grade 140 gr AccuBond
Nosler’s AccuBond bullets strike an excellent balance between expansion and penetration. The bonded core prevents separation even on tough game, making this an ideal choice for elk and moose hunters.
Key features:
- 140 grain AccuBond bullet
- Muzzle velocity: 2825 fps
- Bonded core for deep penetration
- Polymer tip for long-range accuracy
I’ve taken several elk with this load over the years, including a big 6×6 bull at just over 300 yards. The AccuBond penetrated both shoulders and the bullet recovered under the hide on the opposite side – that’s the kind of performance you want on big animals.
Winchester Deer Season XP 140 gr
For whitetail hunters looking for devastating terminal performance, Winchester’s Deer Season XP is hard to beat. The large polymer tip creates massive wound channels on deer-sized game.
Key features:
- 140 grain Extreme Point bullet
- Muzzle velocity: 2800 fps
- Rapid expansion for quick kills on deer
- Affordable price point
While I primarily use this load for whitetails, I’ve also had great success on feral hogs. The rapid expansion creates massive blood trails, making tracking a breeze even in thick cover.
Remington Core-Lokt 140 gr
Sometimes you just can’t beat a classic. Remington’s Core-Lokt has been dropping deer for decades, and it remains an excellent choice for budget-conscious hunters.
Key features:
- 140 grain soft point bullet
- Muzzle velocity: 2860 fps
- Proven performance on deer-sized game
- Very affordable
This was the first 7mm-08 load I ever used, and I still keep a few boxes on hand for those “meat hunts” where I’m not looking to break the bank. It may not be the fanciest option, but it absolutely gets the job done on deer and hogs.
Choosing the Right 7mm-08 Ammo for Your Hunt
While all of these loads are excellent choices, selecting the best one depends on your specific hunting situation. Here are a few factors to consider:
Game animal: For deer and hogs, you can get away with lighter, faster-expanding bullets. For elk and moose, err on the side of heavier, tougher bullets.
Shot distance: If you’re primarily taking shots under 200 yards, standard soft points will work fine. For longer ranges, look at options with higher BCs and polymer tips.
Regulations: Some areas restrict the use of lead ammunition. In these cases, go with an all-copper option like the Federal Trophy Copper.
Budget: While premium ammunition often provides better performance, don’t feel like you need to break the bank. Even budget options like Core-Lokt can be very effective with proper shot placement.
Final Thoughts
The 7mm-08 Remington remains one of the most versatile hunting cartridges available. With the right ammunition choice, it’s capable of ethically taking game from whitetails to bull elk. Any of the loads listed above will serve you well in the field.
Remember, the most important factor is shot placement. Practice with your chosen ammunition to ensure you can place your shots accurately under field conditions. With a well-placed shot, the 7mm-08 will drop game cleanly and humanely.
Now get out there and make some memories! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a successful hunt with a cartridge you trust. And who knows, maybe you’ll create your own 7mm-08 success story to share around the campfire.
Happy hunting!