7WSM or 300WSM??

[Beepy]

Long time lurker... but I have agonized enough and I guess I should ask those in the "know"

I have a Savage SA needing a new barrel, I just can't decide on the caliber. I have been shooting LR for awhile, but with 308's. This one I want though for hunting at longer ranges. Long range shots on elk are pretty common where I'm at. I reload so that is not a problem either.

I can't decide if I want the higher BC of the 7WSM, but with the harder to get brass and less common bullet selection


or

The 300WSM and the fact that I already have the bullets and can find quality brass easier at the cost of more recoil and lower BC

This likely be used in matches as well since I use them to practice for hunting.

Any thoughts?

 

[280man]

If elk is the biggest game you plan on going after I would get the 7mm. If moose or any of the big bears interest you I would go 300. Its hard to beat a 30 cal.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I like both of them. You may want to run some ballistics on them with different weighted bullets. Take a look at the fpe, drop, and winddrift to help you decide. If you can't make your mind up those SSFV barrels can be had at a decent price.

 

[rinky]

Id take the 7wsm no questions...

My 7mag can take down anything on this continent and many others. Better ballistics, less recoil.

As far as bullet selection, 140gr-180gr is alot of options. Shooting a 180gr bullet in a 7mm is like shooting a 210gr bullet in a 30 cal.

Winchester brass aint terrific but its not terrible either, its a hunting rifle, you dont need as tight of parameters like u do in comps.

If its going to be a LRH rig youre gonna want that extra BC decimal points, more energy down range for the kill and less wind doping is huge.

Nothing can beat the 7mm for hunting

 

[3737orange]

If you are going to be using it in matchs I would go with the 300 WSM as barrel life of a 7 WSM is very short

 

[mattdienes]

I've been shooting a 300WSM now for 5 years in compition and for deer hunting and would choose it over a 7WSM any day-you have better brass,better bullets and absolutly better barrel life!!They are easy to make&keep shooting well.I'd suggest don't look at bullets to make your decision on a build,you may not be able to shoot the bullet YOU like but the one the gun likes.
Don't get caught up in the high BC crap,it alone does'nt win matches or kill animals.
"If you think you can do well with a 6,6.5.,27.or 28 cal just remember a 30 cal will do better"4mesh ;D

 

[Klong]

Look at the ballistics for the bullets you would use at the velocities either of you choices is capable of in your desired barrel length. It also depends upon what you consider to be "long range" elk shots. Anything up to 700 yards I would prefer the 7 WSM, but anything after that I would prefer either a 300 RUM or a 338 in Edge or Lapua. Lots of diference in shooting a cow elk or a big bull elk at long range.