Two popular 7mm cartridges are the 7mm-08 and the 7mm Rem Mag. Both of these cartridges have been used for everything from big game hunting to long range shooting. However, both of these rounds have their respective differences that should be noted when you compare them.
Short Answer:
The 7mm-08 is less powerful than the 7mm Rem Mag, but also has less recoil and is better suited for smaller game like deer. The 7mm Rem Mag is a larger cartridge better for long range shooting and big game like elk or moose.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look at each cartridge individually, their ballistics, and how these two cartridges compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 7mm-08
The 7mm-08, developed in the 1980s, is based on a necked-down 308 Winchester case made to use a 7mm (.284 caliber) bullet. It is commonly used for long range shooters or deer hunters as it is a controllable cartridge with high energy.
Because of the high energy and flat trajectory that the 7mm-08, relative to its size, it is a common round for deer hunting and target shooting within 1000 yards. Additionally, the 7mm-08 has a very controllable amount of recoil making it ideal for smaller frame shooters or shooting for long durations of time.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7mm-08 with a 140-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2850 | 2525 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2731 | 2319 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2615 | 2126 |
| 150 | -1.1 | 1.9 | 2503 | 1947 |
| 200 | -3.6 | 3.4 | 2393 | 1779 |
| 250 | -7.6 | 5.4 | 2285 | 1623 |
| 300 | -13.3 | 8 | 2181 | 1479 |
| 350 | -20.8 | 11.2 | 2079 | 1344 |
| 400 | -30.3 | 14.9 | 1980 | 1219 |
| 450 | -41.8 | 19.1 | 1883 | 1102 |
| 500 | -56.1 | 24.3 | 1791 | 997 |
In-Depth Look at the 7mm Remington Magnum
The 7mm Remington Magnum, introduced in 1962, is a magnum rifle cartridge designed for long-range shooting and big game hunting. It is based on the 375 H&H magnum cartridge but uses a 7mm bullet rather than a .375 caliber bullet.
This cartridge is a popular choice among big game hunters and long range shooters alike. Because of the impressive ballistics and energy retention this cartridge provides it is used to take game as large as grizzly bear and shoot well over 1000 yards.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7mm Remington Magnum with a 175-grain soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2860 | 3178 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2752 | 2942 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2646 | 2720 |
| 150 | -1.1 | 1.7 | 2542 | 2512 |
| 200 | -3.5 | 3 | 2441 | 2316 |
| 250 | -7.3 | 4.8 | 2343 | 2132 |
| 300 | -12.8 | 7.2 | 2246 | 1961 |
| 350 | -20 | 10 | 2152 | 1800 |
| 400 | -29 | 13.3 | 2060 | 1649 |
| 450 | -40.1 | 17.1 | 1970 | 1508 |
| 500 | -53.2 | 21.4 | 1882 | 1377 |
In-Depth Comparison
Ballistics:
The 7mm Remington Magnum has better ballistics due to its larger case and often heavier bullet weights. This is gonna make it a better choice for those who are hunting bigger game like moose or elk. However, at close ranges within 300 yards or for deer sized game, the 7mm-08 will do just as good of a job as the 7mm Rem Mag.
Recoil:
One of the key advantages of the 7mm-08 is its mild recoil. This is going to lend it better for those who will spend long durations of time shooting or smaller frame shooters.
Versatility:
The 7mm-08’s versatility shines in various hunting scenarios that are at closer ranges, especially when maneuverability and quick follow-up shots are essential. However, the 7mm Rem Mag is better for a wider range of heavier applications such as long range shooting or big game hunting.
Conclusion
If you desire a controllable, easy-to-shoot, and closer range cartridge, then the 7mm-08 is the better cartridge. If you are shooting at longer ranges or are going to be hunting big game like moose, elk, or grizzly bear then the 7mm Rem Mag is the more desirable cartridge.