7mm cartridge help needed

[gemmellsc]

I'm looking to build a 7mm that will fire the 162gr A-max up to the 168gr Berger at about 2950-3000fps out of a 24-26' barrel. Will the .284 do this, or do I have to step up to the WSM or RSAUM?

This will be a bean field/long range setup, and I will be reloading for it.

Tks,
Bill

 

[zuba]

I'm shooting a 17.5' barreled handgun in 7wsm and almost hitting those velocities, I worked up to 2900 with a 168. Personally I'd go with a wsm or saum...

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

.284 will be fine for your purpose.

 

[Sendero_man]

7mm Rem. Mag is another great option.

easily achieve your stated velocities.

168 VLD's at 3040fps out of factory Sendero 26' barrel

 

[M700]

A lot of shooters tend to overlook the good old 7mm Rem mag anymore because it's not fashionable with that big ol' belt on it...

Sure looks to be doing a fine job for you from that Sendero. These days I'm using a 7mm Rem mag from a Ruger Number One. It's no problem getting 3,000+ fps from it with 160-168 gr bullets and book loads. The 168 Berger VLD is shooting well from the rifle too.

 

[gemmellsc]

Thanks for all the feedback. It looks like anything from a .284 will do the trick then. I like the idea of the .284 and the short mags due to being able to use a short action and the stock options are a lot more plentiful. I really like the SAUM, but it looks like it may be a dying breed.

 

[Sendero_man]

one thing that stinks about the short action is if you load the longer higher BC bullets and seat them out, you'll have to single feed them or switch out bottom metal and still might encounter only loading to mag lengths.

 

[gemmellsc]

Senderoman,

Good point on the SA. If I'm only planning on going up to the Berger 168gr VLD,max) would I still be able to get enough powder in there to reach my 2900-3000fps goal with a COAL of 2.8'? I'm leaning toward a WSM or SAUM in a SA due to the aftermarket stock options. I do want a repeater so I planned on having the barrel throated for a 162gr A-max or 168gr Berger set back in the case at 2.8' COAL.

 

[TonyR]

Bill.
Check your PMs.

 

[ForneyRider]

I shoot 7mm Rem Mag with 168gr SMK and the R25 with 68.5gr,MAX) was under your speeds. I have R22 and see if my accuracy is better.

However, I have some 120gr Nosler BT, R22 loads that are the bees knees.