Well, I'm confused (as usual) I have a Encore 7mm-08 and have used it to harvest a number of whitetails in SC, however when I moved to Oregon and decided to add Elk to my fare, I did not think the 7mm would have enough umph for the Wapiti. I bought a 460 XVR this past winter for the task and have been working on getting it ready for the season. After reading this forum and looking at the ballistics tables for the two cartridges, it appears that the 7mm has more energy at 100 yrds (comparing 160gr 7mm's and 300gr 460's) than the 460 and is definitely flatter shooting. So my problem is would I be better off with the 7mm or 460?? I would certainly appreciate some advice and thoughts.
I have also started handloading this year (a big year, this year). Does anyone have any favorite loads for the 7mm-08?
Thanks for your opinions and advice. Good Hunting.

To my way of thinking it depends upon the distance that you plan on shooting or rather I should say the maximum shooting distance that you are going to hold yourself to. I like heavy bullets making big holes for critters like elk.

i know it may be hard to do, but the first thing you should do is throw the ballistics tables in the trash. they are pretty useless unless you are comparing "like" cartridges and even then they are only a rough guide at best. your .28 caliber 7mm08 has to have velocity to get the desired effect from it's bullet design. it's designed to shoot flatter and further with it's spitzer design and needs velocity to expand the bullet releasing energy and killing the animal. the .45 caliber .460 s&w kills a whole other way. it uses bullet mass and diameter at a lesser velocity to kill. it doesn't need no where near as much velocity to do it's job because it can kill effectively with little or no expansion at all due to it's starting diameter.
comparing the two using chart ballistics is apples to oranges. the 460 within it's range will kill all out of proportion to it's "paper" numbers. it would be my choice hands down up close and for shots longer than the .460 could work, i don't know if my first choice would be the 7mm08. by the time you load heavy constucted "elk" bullets you may not have a big range advantage.

When in doubt, I use the Taylor Index.

Taylor Index = velocity x bullet wt x bullet dia. / 7000

Where:
bw = Bullet weight, grs
v = bullet velocity, f.p.s.
DI = Bullet diameter, inches

Gives a "scale" of say 10 to 60. The higher the number the better.

Hope this helps,

Bill

I agree with Bisleyfan. After watching many Elk killed with rifles, I'm not sure a 7-08 is any better, or even on par with the 460. Yes it is flatter but I (IMHO) don't think a 130-140 from a 12-14" barrel is enough for LONG range Elk. So, we must take range out of the equation, and now they are not even close to equal! Bullet velocity with a 7mm heavy enough that will penetrate may be too slow to expand on Elk at long range??? (IMO)I think I would take the 460 with a heavy slug, limit my range to 150-200 yds?? , and then go kill something. I am also a big fan of big slugs in-big slugs out when hunting, but I do have range limitations. I might be under estimating the 7-08 and I have two very accurate ones, but they are never my first choice for Elk. A 100lb white tail doe is another story! Remember, this is also coming from someone who uses a 375JDJ, 338-06, 500 S&W, and a 416 Rigby for Elk!!
Bottom line-if you have the confidence with a 7-08, go with it.

I knew there was a reason I loved this forum. Thanks for all the great feedback! The 460 it is. I won't be shooting over 150 yds. My hunting buddy (sorry, one of those long-barrel hunters ) is making me take my 300 Mag for back-up for longer distances until I get my first. Some people just don't get it!!! Anyway, it's to the bench with the 460. And now I can tell my better half that the 460 was actually a neccessity! Good Hunting!!

Hmm, both!!! Now that's a thought!! I'll have to get the better half a tag. She'll be so happy!!! Thanks for the input and assistance.

I saw your post on the 7=08mm and I have one and load for it all the time. It'll ake an Elk no problem ad will a 257 AI out of an encore. I use Speer Trophy bonded bear claw bullets and nothin had ever gotten away or up for that matter. Keep working it...Its a great caliber in the encore.