I currently have a custom 7mm SAUM all around type hunting rifle that I also like to load for and shoot for accuracy at the range. I have a standard bolt as well, always wanted to build a straight 284. Just need a barrel, brass and dies, not sure if I would really gain anything going with a 284 for this rifle. Thought or opinions appreciated? Would like to stay with a 7mm but could even go with a 6.5 cal. option.
284 vs SAUM
- Thread starter Dubbo
- Start date
It would be hard to go wrong with a .284 Winchester. Just a bit more versatile and provides better barrel life than the SAUM or 6.5-284. Accuracy is well proven in competition and in hunting. A very easy round to tune and find the right combination of components. Brass is easy to find and doesn't require forming. As another consideration not on your list, the .280 AI will provide a bit more speed if you really want something between the SAUM and .284 win.
Imo a 284 is probably going to be to long for mag feeding, from a short action. Unless your going to shoot light bullets. Then if you are, I would consider a 7-08. I tried a 284 on a Rem SA. I was shooting it single shot, but it still wouldn't eject the fired case. The empty would kick slightly upward, hitting the scope rail. It would then fall back down in. The port wasn't long enough for my finger to reach in and pick the case out. I would have to hook each case out with my chamber flag. It would however eject a loaded round with a 180 smk bullet.
I think a bolt change would be needed also. Larry
He said that he already has both bolts.
Good he can go for it . Larry
Not sure I see the point in going from a SAUM to a 284win. The SAUM can easily be downloaded to 2800-2850 (match barrel lengths) which equals the 284Win, and the HP can be turned way up on the SAUM.
If I was going to switch, I would really switch and go for something like a 6.5x47, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6 Dasher or a strait 243win. Cheaper to load and shoot. Excellent external ballistics out to 1k. The taking of larger game at 500 yards with lighter bullets could be argued, but that's what the SAUM is for.
If I was going to switch, I would really switch and go for something like a 6.5x47, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6 Dasher or a strait 243win. Cheaper to load and shoot. Excellent external ballistics out to 1k. The taking of larger game at 500 yards with lighter bullets could be argued, but that's what the SAUM is for.
You forgot the 260 or a 260 Ai it does the same as a 284 with better barrel life .
Larry
If I was going to choose it would be a 260 AI . Both are a little short on case capacity to push a140 GR bullet . Larry
I've been debating the same thing for a new rifle build. I have a Rem LTR stock and a Bighorn short action. I want it for a hunting rifle for deer/elk out to maybe 600. More important to me is it to still be light and maneuverable enough for quick brush shots at <50 yds. I considered everything mentioned here and ran numbers in Quick Load and JB. 7SAUM is superior to everything IMO. Only downside is recoil. I don't intend to shoot mine for long strings in competition, so the recoil isn't a big factor for me.
I haven't ordered my barrel yet because I am really intrigued by the 7x47. Just not sure if it is worth the extra time/expense of ordering a custom reamer. If you're thinking about a 26" barrel, Baney got 2720fps with nearly 20 less grains of powder than what you'd use in a SAUM.
http://www.accurateshooter.com/guns-of-week/7x47-lapua-wildcat-cartridge/
This thread showed even higher numbers (2775) with a 26" bbl.
http://www.scout.com/military/snipers-hide/forums/5533-reloading-depot/14253669-7x47lapua
I haven't ordered my barrel yet because I am really intrigued by the 7x47. Just not sure if it is worth the extra time/expense of ordering a custom reamer. If you're thinking about a 26" barrel, Baney got 2720fps with nearly 20 less grains of powder than what you'd use in a SAUM.
http://www.accurateshooter.com/guns-of-week/7x47-lapua-wildcat-cartridge/
This thread showed even higher numbers (2775) with a 26" bbl.
http://www.scout.com/military/snipers-hide/forums/5533-reloading-depot/14253669-7x47lapua
There is a big difference between 2720 and the 2950 to 3000 the 7 saum can get. The guys gettimg that velocity was with H4350 and thats not even the best powder for speed. The only advantage to the 7x47 would be less recoil and better barrel life. When I want a hunting gun, I like speed. To me speed kills, more terminal damage and shock. Matt
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Think I'll just stick with the SAUM for now, I have it shooting 168s good with H4831SC, still never tried H4350 or H1000.
7x47 is a neat option more in the 7-08 category IMO.
I do have another stalled project where I want a lighter caliber option but I can't decide on which 6.5mm caliber, or maybe even a a 6mm option. The Creedmoor and 260 info is good.
7x47 is a neat option more in the 7-08 category IMO.
I do have another stalled project where I want a lighter caliber option but I can't decide on which 6.5mm caliber, or maybe even a a 6mm option. The Creedmoor and 260 info is good.
Just for a hunting rifle, considering you won't have a high round count on the barrel from shooting hundreds of rounds, sticking with the saum is probably the best choice. As wind surgeon stated, the 280 ai is a step up but you said it must be a SA. The 284 improved takes the 284 to what the 280ai would be on a short action platform. What your looking for is what I just finished building. 284 SA with a coal of 2.975. It's also a hunting rifle. Figured on using 160-168 ammo to 600 for deer. I'll get 3000 + with good accuracy and plenty of power for the range. I did not want the shehane version as I didn't need it. If I wanted more out of a 284, I'd go to the long action. With 284 bullet BCs, I think that short action platform will do anything I need to 1000 yards. I think your suam will be fine for your needs and can still push 180s faster than the straight 284.
nakneker
Gold $$ Contributor
I have a 280AI built by Beanland, I love it. I also have a 7saum built by a local gunsmith, I love it too. It shoots 180 Berger VLDs with easy at 2850 and is extremely accurate, it prefers H4831sc. Both rifles are very accurate. Friends of mine who have shot both rifles split between favorites. I don't think you could go wrong with either caliber. They are very close to doing the samething. It comes down to personal preference IMO. Both rifles have taken game at long range and the Bergers are very impressive, performing very well. Several kills in the 500-940 range.
If you have the luxury of shooting different calibers before building that might help you. Good brass is available for the .284, 280AI and the Saum, a crazy selection of bullets, a wealth of reloading info too. You might enjoy the 7mm cartridge guide, lots of good info to be found there.
If I was building a .284 hunting rifle I would consider the Defiance action that is between the long and the short actions. I believe it's the Rebel. I used one on a 6.5-284, it was just right, Not too short but not too long either.
If you have the luxury of shooting different calibers before building that might help you. Good brass is available for the .284, 280AI and the Saum, a crazy selection of bullets, a wealth of reloading info too. You might enjoy the 7mm cartridge guide, lots of good info to be found there.
If I was building a .284 hunting rifle I would consider the Defiance action that is between the long and the short actions. I believe it's the Rebel. I used one on a 6.5-284, it was just right, Not too short but not too long either.
You're not going to get any argument from me. I did say, "7 SAUM is superior to everything IMO". But it is worth considering the huge improvement in efficiency of the 7x47, IF a 180 gr. Berger at 2750fps fills your needs. Consider this contrast, based on avg FPS reported for 26" barrels.
7SAUM - 63-65 grains - H1000/Retumbo - 180 gr - 2925fps
- DROP from 200 yds to 600 yds - 61.5" (2.8 mils), 10MPH wind @ 600 yds - 18.5"
7x47 - 43-44 grains - RL17/PP2000MR - 180 gr - 2750fps
- DROP from 200 yds to 600 yds - 70.6" (3.3 mils), 10MPH wind @ 600 yds - 20.4"
I think 7 SAUM is superior to anything in a short action for long range hunting. 284 case is too long requiring the 168,175 and 180 bearing surface to drop below the neck jct. If you use Lapua 6.5x284 brass, you may encounter donut issues after re-sizing. When those longer bullets have to be seated below the donut, those issues will be compounded. 7 SAUM can fit a 180 Berger at 2.98" OAL. For me it comes down to intended use. 7 SAUM for a pure hunting rifle. 284 only considered for 162 grains and lighter. 7x47 if I intend to shoot a higher volume for fun.
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