Guessing 308 because ammo is cheaper and more plentyful.

7mm/08 is just a cool round to have.

Soooo is the 08 worth having over the 308 for whitetail and mule deer?

No

I would stick with the 308. The 7mm08 is a good round, but the 308 has alot wider range of loads.

If you are scared of recoil get the 7mm08

Have you already got a good long-range, heavy caliber rifle? If so, by all means get the 7MM08. Nice-shooting rifle, imo.

NOTE: You will get many opinions on this, just FYI

7mm-08

Personally I would go with the 7mm-08 and if you‘re a hand loader, you’ll fall in love with it, There’s a wider variety of 7mm bullets available than there are 30 cals. I’m just not a 308 fan.

I've shot the 308, and I have a 7MM-08 and if I had to choose between the two it would be the 708.

Ballistics aren't that much of a difference, but the 708 has a slight edge, and the recoil is much less than the 308, with factory loads anyway.

I love my 7-08! But if you already had or found a great deal on a .308 I wouldn't fret! The .308 is more versatile..

Thats a tuff choice.

I would go with the 308 only because I have more experience with it.

Cant go wrong with either one.

You may be able to guess my answer. The only reason not to would be if you plan on plinking with mil surplus.

I haven't checked the ballistics charts, but I would think the 308 would carry more energy since it is a fatter round. However, 7mm-08 is quicker out of the hole, the trajectory is a little flatter. I guess it depends on what you plan on doing with it. Either way, I think their both good rounds. Flip a coin I guess.

308

Owning four guns based on the 308 case (243, 7-08, 308, and 358), they get the job done.
If all you are going to shot is box ammo, go with the 308 as bullet selection will be limited for the 7-08 to 120 and 140gr bullets.
If you handload, go for the 7-08! Having loaded this round for a few years, you will find this cartridge effective on varmits to elk and bear with proper bullet selection!
The Sierra 120gr SPBT w/41gr of VARGET is a deer slayer. Low recoil and highly accurate w/ groups under 1.5 @ 200yds. The round also does a number on pronghorn. For anything larger like elk or bear you need to load a Nosler partition or Barnes in the 150-160gr to ensure you have the punch. Either combinations add up to a honest 200yd gun! I'm a neck shot guy, but these combinations have worked just as well in the boiler room.
Gun selection is limited but good. My wife and son shoot a model seven w/ a 22in barrel. The kick is nothing to both of them w/ the 120gr configuration. Hope this helps.

My son has a 308. No experience with the 7mm-08, so I have no means of comparing.
I personally would go with the 308 for two reasons: 1-as mentioned, there is a larger bullet available if you decide to hunt larger animals & 2- the 308 cartridge can be found just about anywhere (even a lot of Mom-n-Pop stores that carry ammo probably have it).
I don't think you could go wrong with either.

If you reload, go with the 7-08. I say that because I already own one, and want another.

If you will be buying ammo, get the 308.

Nothing in the world wrong with either one, JMO.

Jay