7mm hunting rifle build

[fredjake]

I just sent parts with a 7mm bartlein #3 of to smith. I intended on a 7mm-08 but may consider a .284. The rifle is for hunting 22" barrel and 120 to 140 grain bullets. I am using HS gen2 bottom metal if that would stop me from using the .284 I am not sure. Looking for feedback Thankyou.

 

[bheadboy]

I built a 7-08AI and it is great, 3000+ with 140s and very accurate

Bob

 

[ShootDots]

I had (2) 7mm-08's for hunting. Excellent cartridge indeed. For MOST North American game out to a comfortable 300 yards (which encompasses 90+ pct of hunting) the 7mm-08 would be mighty difficult to beat. With a 150gr Barnes TTS or the Swift Sirocco, or some such bone crushing bullet, I would not hesitate to take on an Elk at 300 yards. With the 139gr. Hornady Interlock or some such "deer bullet" you can hammer them about as far as you can hit'em>>but PLEASE REMEMBER, poking away at a majestic animal at distances with a "hope to hit" concept is unsportsmanlike and does a great injustice to the intended game. Stay inside reasonable distances and you will harvest all the game you can imagine with a properly stoked up 7mm-08!

 

[sbhooper]

The .284 would be great, but if you do tons of shooting, the 7-08 would probably be easier on the barrel. 7-08 and some 140 Accubonds and you are good to go.

 

[tonyb]

As recommended above, the 7mm-08 or the improved version if you want to spend the extra money for dies, and the extra time fire-forming. Just remember you may be limited on optimum bullet seating with the short action if you decide on the .284. Best of luck with your new build!

Tony.

 

[normmatzen]

I built a hunting rifle on a VZ-24 Mauser action using a surplus 7X57 barrel. The rifle is sweet! light, low recoil and accurate. I started using 162 gr A-MAX as they are very accurate and have very good ballistics at the ~2700 fps I am shooting them. I took a light black tail buck and a small pig within 30 minutes and one shot with instant death. For these light animals, the 162 A-MAX does too much exit damage, so I went to 140 gr Barnes TTSX.
Bottom line, 7-08 and 7X57 are very similar, low recoil, accurate, great ballistics and will easily kill any North American game. Even with what are considered low velocity, from 2650 to 2900 fps, you still can sight in at 300 yd and be within kill accuracy from 50 yd to 350 yd.

 

[Santee116]

The .284 needs a long action to really shine.

If you have a SA, I would opt for the 7-08. I just finished a 7-08 build, so far its been very impressive. Its got a 22" Bartlein and the speeds have been good.

Getting 2700-2750 with the 162 Amax and RL-17. Getting 3200 with the 120 TTSX and CFE-223. Also found a great load with both the 140 Ballistic Tip and the 140 VLD with Varget, around 2850 fps.

Running Norma brass, and its been great so far. Looking forward to the Lapua brass later this year.

 

[swampshooter]

7x57 and 284 both really need a long action in order to do their best. IMHO the 7-08 would be the better choice. I would not hesitate to hunt elk or moose with the 7-08 and 160 NPT. I've had poor performance from the 160 Accubond on elk three times, I'm done with them.
Modified to correct spelling.

 

[Scott Harris]

The .284 needs a long action to really shine...

+1