Thanks for the reply. That information would likely make it even more obvious to the OP that a 7mm-08 would be the better choice of the two. That is, if he's not one of those who likes owning one the less popular calibers.

Why do you ask when wikipedia and youtube are only a click away?

I can't speak to the Creedmore stuff because I haven't yet seen the gap they'd fill for me. Maybe soon though? However, I do have a 708 that I love. It's my go to for deer hunting without a doubt. Mine is a tank, 700 VLS 26" barrel with brake in an Ultimate Varmint stock and 6-24 glass. But it shoots great with 100gr Sierra HP's at 3,225fps for varmint and 140gr GameKings at 2,800 fps on deer and hogs. Terminal performance has never disappointed. I tend to stick with cup and core bullets in the 708, tried some 140gr Accubond's and every animal I shot ran, but left good blood trails and didn't go far.All were visibly feeling it as they ran off. With the Gamekings, most drop or take a couple of staggering steps and drop. I do run the AB's in my .280AI for whitetail and hogs, and the added velocity seems to improve the terminal performance, but I understand long action is not the subject.

Given the two options you consider, and looking at projectiles alone, for hunting the 7mm would get the nod from me anyway. It's just more versatile practically shooting weights ranging from 100gr to 160+ (reloading) which covers the medium game spectrum very well. No flies on the 6mm at all, just for me the 7mm targets the medium game spectrum great while having capabilities both above and below when reloading. A quick search of Midway's factory ammo offerings (my rifle has never fired a factory round) shows a pretty good selection of 708, most focused on, not surprisingly, medium game.

I've had a Tikka T3 in 7mm-08 for years, got it on the recommendation of several folks here and it's a winner. Swapped out the factory stock with a B&C, threw on a Nikon 4-12, made up some 140 grain Sierra Game King loads and the rest is history. It'll kill anything that walks in Texas, at least everything I've shot at (especially hogs) and does it very accurately and dependably. It's probably my favorite "go to" rifle.

Thank you everyone for all the input! I think I've narrowed it down to the Bergara Ridge. It should be a great "do-all" rifle with the benefits of being suppressor ready, and accepts all R700 stocks and accessories. I hunted with a Tikka T3 7 mag last year and really liked the trigger and action but it was almost too light. And I've had several remingtons with no complaints but given their current state of affairs I figured I should steer clear

https://www.eurooptic.com/Bergara-B-14-Ridge-Rifle-7mm08-Synthetic-Stock-22-B14S507.aspx

I've shot a few Bergaras, and so far I see them as a nice rifle. They have all shot well, especially on a hand load. I think you will be happy with your decision for years to come.

My 7-08 is my favorite all around rifle. Better ballistics than a .308 and lighter recoil.

My 13 year old son has been saving his lawn mowing money all summer and is really close to having enough to buy the Tikka T3x. We have been leaning hard towards the 7-08 ....this thread confirms it for me.

I bought a Remington 700 BDL in 30-06 when I was 12 with lawn mowing money and of all my guns it is the one you will pry from my cold dead hand. I am so excited to see him enjoy the outdoors as I do and put his sweat equity into something he will have a lifetime.

That’s awesome, congrats to your son!

Yes, congrats. Unfortunately kids working for what they want isn't so common anymore. And I agree, a T-3X in 7mm-08 is a lifetime rifle. Unless he runs more than 3000 rounds down it. Then rebarrel it, and go again.

Very true, barrels are like tires you use them enough you have to replace them. But that is not a bad thing because if you shoot enough to wear one out you must enjoy that rifle.

Congrats to the young man, good on him for working for what he wants.

Bought my first with money from setting pens in an old 9 pin bowling alley. If i ever get lung cancer.... thats where it will be from lol

Picked up a stainless synthetic Model 7 in the 7mm-08 for my boys to shoot on their hunts. Needless to say it will be one of the last rifles we would part with. It took me a long while to find it and glad I waited.

We also have a stainless T3x in the 7mm-08. I like it better, but the boys sure like the smaller Model 7 in the blind... can't blame them.

I own three 7-08’s so I am biased. It has minimal recoil and can be loaded to suit your pursuit. I have never shot any 6mm besides 243mwin and it’s a farming caliber in my opinion. The 7-08 is much more versatile.

I think the 7-08 is a heckuva round. Mine shines with 120gr Nosler BT’s. I personally haven’t shot anything bigger than a whitetail with it but a friend regularly takes his elk hunting using 140 Nosler Partitions and hasn’t lost one yet.