Recently acquired a Savage Axis in 6.5 Creedmore. Thinking of letting it become wife's new deer hunting rifle. Anyone know how the recoil compares to a 7mm-08? Or should I breakdown and get her a .300BO?

Recoil difference between those 2 would depend on stock design and rifle total weight more than the actual cartridge. In the same rifle with similar weight bullets any difference would likely be indiscernible by anything short of a digital scale.

Well, it’s between a 7-08 and 243, with most loads. Souped up 140s won’t feel any different than a 7-08 with 140s, that I can feel. It has less muzzle blast than a 243, especially in barrels under 24”…..which often ends up being more important for smaller shooters, than actual ‘kick’. I view the 6.5cm as a better mousetrap for new/young/small shooters, than the 243…..with many loads, recoil seems closer to the 243, without as much muzzle blast, running heavier game bullets.

I was thinking the same as well. Exact rifle but different calibers should have roughly the same recoil between these 2 calibers. I have not shot a 7mm-08 but I know lots of wives and kids have gravitated towards those calibers.

If you’re chasing recoil, you need to be in the 6MM class, 243, 6MM Creedmoor etc with a PRS type muzzle brake and ear plugs.
If you’re chasing ammo availability(normal times) and tons of different loads, 6.5Creedmoor.

7MM08 is a fine cartridge and would perform fine but if you’re not reloading, in 2021 it’s not really offering much in the way of advantages.

Not necessarily worried with ammo. Will only be a deer hunting setup and may get shot 10-15 rounds per year. Sighting in and 3-4 at animals. I have a few boxes of each so that will get me through the next season or 2 and hopefully availability/pricing will come back around.

I prefer the 7mm08 for deer hunting.

Below is a link comparing the 7-08 and 6.5 CM. BTW a .260 Rem is close to the 6.5 CM in recoil and performance and may be an option.

https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/6-5-creedmoor-vs-7mm-08/

Forrest, why do you prefer the 7mm-08?
Thanks to all for the input to help to make an informed decision.

Comparing short action 6-7MM calibers(243, 6Creed, 260, 6.5Creed 7MM08) is really a waste of time in the grand scheme of life.
Grab one and go with it, they'll all get the job done.

If you're concerned about recoil, put a Limbsaver Airtech on it.

You'll be better served to figure out your favorite bourbon, favorite index fund and favorite place to vacation.

This

Eagle Rare, Vanguard, Alaska
Not worried about the killing ability of the short actions but am worried about the consequences of handing wife a gun she is not comfortable with shooting. It makes everything else I've already figured out much more enjoyable!

Recoil???? Neither the 7-08 or 6.5cm have any recoil. My kids killed there first deer when they were 8, 11, and 14. They used 7-08 and 308 to do the job. The word recoil doesn’t even really apply to those calibers.

Got both... neither kick, both kill deer well with 140 gr bullets.
Some articles say the 6.5 cm is better when you really start stretching out your shots.
But I just don’t see that happening in Bama a lot.

Killed many a deer with my steyr 7mm08…hogs and yotes as well…probably won’t ever switch

I doubt distance will ever be an issue in Bama. She will stay within 250 yards. Lost our prairie lease, it was beside the mountainous Pelham region

I have two Tikkas in 7mm-08 and 6.5 Creedmoor. In all seriousness, the recoil from both is minimal. My wife never feels the recoil when shooting. The two rifles will not make a child flinch.

Hope this helps.
B

It seems to hit a little harder for whatever reason. Just my observation and nothing scientific to back it.

Get some managed recoil loads if that is an issue.

Hornady custom lite will turn your 7/08 recoil down 35%.