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Common uses: Hunting, Long Range
| Type | rifle (centerfire) |
| Typical load | 140gr Remington Core-Lokt PSP |
| Muzzle velocity | 2860 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2543 ft-lb |
| Published G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.39 |
| Case length | 51.2 mm |
| Overall length | 71.1 mm |
| SAAMI max pressure | 61000 PSI |
| Common twist rate | 1:9.5" |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2860 | 2542 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2621 | 2135 | 0 |
| 200 | 2395 | 1783 | -3.6 |
| 300 | 2180 | 1477 | -13.3 |
| 400 | 1977 | 1215 | -30.3 |
| 500 | 1786 | 991 | -56.2 |
At 1,000 yards, 7mm-08 Rem. (140gr at 2860 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 39.2 MOA / 11.4 MIL, retaining 1095 fps (subsonic).
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | State | Drop (in) | Elev (MOA) | Elev (MIL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 2180 | Supersonic | -13.3 | 4.2 | 1.23 |
| 400 | 1977 | Supersonic | -30.3 | 7.2 | 2.10 |
| 500 | 1786 | Supersonic | -56.2 | 10.7 | 3.12 |
| 600 | 1608 | Supersonic | -93.0 | 14.8 | 4.31 |
| 700 | 1447 | Supersonic | -143.4 | 19.6 | 5.69 |
| 800 | 1305 | Transonic | -210.4 | 25.1 | 7.31 |
| 900 | 1186 | Transonic | -297.9 | 31.6 | 9.19 |
| 1000 | 1095 | Subsonic | -410.2 | 39.2 | 11.39 |
Extended predictions beyond 500 yards are modeled from the same G1 engine — useful for initial DOPE, but outside the 500-yard manufacturer-table validation audit. Confirm with observed DOPE, especially near transonic.
A retained-energy reference only — not a shoot/don't-shoot distance. Real effective range depends on your accuracy, shot placement, bullet construction, and conditions. The ~1,000 ft-lb (deer-sized) and ~1,500 ft-lb (elk-sized) figures are commonly cited rules of thumb, not standards.
Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.
The 7mm-08 is prized as a light-recoiling, flat-shooting deer and general big-game round that punches above its modest case size. Because the slim 7mm bullets carry high ballistic coefficients, it shoots flatter and bucks wind better than the .308 Winchester at comparable weights while generating noticeably less recoil, which has made it a favorite for youth, smaller-framed, and recoil-sensitive shooters. It handles whitetail, mule deer, antelope, and black bear cleanly and is competent on larger game such as elk with well-constructed bullets and careful shot placement. Fed from a short action, it is also a capable target and metallic-silhouette cartridge, and its efficiency means good velocity from standard barrel lengths. Its main limitations are on the heavy end of North American game and at extreme range, where larger-cased 7mm magnums retain more energy.
Remington standardized the 7mm-08 in 1980, adopting a wildcat that handloaders had been building since around 1958 as the 7mm/308. It is essentially the .308 Winchester case necked down to hold .284-inch (7mm) bullets, fitting a short action and retaining the parent case's 20-degree shoulder. Remington first chambered it in the Model 788 and Model 700, and it went on to become the second most popular member of the .308 family, trailing only the .243 Winchester.
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