Ready to venture into the tc handgun hunting. Looking for advise on which cartridge I should consider between the 7mm-08, or 30-06. Will mostly hunt deer, with an hog & black bear hunt as possibilities. I do reload, and will reload either cartridge.

Either one will work just fine. I've had both and always seem to go back to the .30-06 just because of the range of bullet weights I can use with it. If you're contemplating an imminent purchase, just be aware that finding 7mm-08 brass right now is about like finding a unicorn so the .30-06 might be a better place to start and then add the 7mm-08 barrel when component supplies improve.

latts2,

If going for the 30 cal, you should consider the 308 Win. Been real happy with mine! Plenty of ammo, surplus included, plus a great variety of bullets.

Doc

latts2,

I am in agreement with both bobhanson1 and doc with a glock.

Go with 30 caliber. My personal choice would be the
30-06; however with that being said, my son Joe uses his Encore
.308 with deadly precision and kills as many (or more) big game animals
than I do lately.

However, you need to know that you will not go wrong with either caliber; and there are many 7 millimeter fans here.

Gregg Richter

X2

I'm not a fan of the 7mm-08 personally. Many use it but I would go with 06. 308 will do the same with lighter bullets basically but the 06 shines when you want to go with 180s and such due to the case volume.

For the sake of efficiency I would lean toward the 308, of the 30 cals, or the 300 Savage. Of course that would depend on the desired barrel length.

Mark me down as 308 for 1st choice & 7-08 for #2.
If you can find 308 brass you can form 7-08 brass in a heartbeat.

A 308 is not powerful enough to kill big game!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFafJpKGCMs
Seriously, either will work great for what you want.
Choosing good bullets and good shot placement is the real key.
Welcome to the world of specialty handguns!

A friend of mine has a G2 frame with a 30-30 AI barrel and regularly takes game at 200 yds and a 223# buck at 244 paces,its sweet to shoot as well.He uses 150 gr BST.

haha, Ernie, what is the term you use...

30(late)?

Very close!
Three-Oh-Late
or 3-O-Late
Mainly because it takes it so long to get there-grinningfromeartotear!

I run mine with a 270! I do have a 7mm-08 ready,might send it out to become 280AI.

I like the 280AI!

One of my favorite rounds! I'm also, liking the numbers for Nosler 26.

Ernie haven't been on in awhile but I thought it was shot placement and yes I seen some of your pics of your targets you've posted