Building Model 7 in 6.5

[2000gtacoma]

Guys I have 2 model 7 actions that I am wanting to build for lightweight hunting rifles. Looking at building them in a 6.5 something. Thinking either a 6.5x47 lapua, 6.5 creedmoore or 6.5 saum. I have both the 47 lapua and creedmoore. Was leaning towards the saum. I realize components may be harder to find for the saum.

Thoughts?

 

[Just Say Moe]

I would go 6.5 SUAM just because its more different than the other 2. 6.5x47 second. 260 before the CM.

 

[2000gtacoma]

I would go 6.5 SUAM just because its more different than the other 2. 6.5x47 second. 260 before the CM.

That is my exact reason for leaning toward 6.5 saum.

 

[Markman]

If these two actions are not factory for the SAUM/WSM cartridges, you will have feed rail and bolt face modification (or new bolt) to contend with.

 

[Bill Norris]

The custom M-7 makes for a nice hunting rig. Really enjoying mine in 30BR.

 

[2000gtacoma]

These are originally 308. Bolt face can be opened up. Feed rails might be another story.

 

[jr600yd]

Go 260

 

[B23]

I'd go 6.5 SAUM too.

Have the bolt face opened up, a M16 type extractor installed, and use a center feed Wyatt's extended mag box. Their standard extended mag box will get you close to a COAL of 3.00 and if you want more length they also have the Baney box which will get you a COAL of 3.100 but the use of a Baney box will require a small amount of machining.

 

[Markman]

I don’t think you can extend the box on a model 7. It is totally different than a 700 action.. If you do lengthen for a longer box, machining will be done at the front of the mag well as there is no metal to remove on the back end. There is no center trigger guard screw on a model 7, 600 , 660 or 673 like on a 700. Eliminating this screw is how Remington was able to make these actions shorter than a short 700.

 

[Walt Krafft]

6.5BR would be an easy nice little cartridge for that action.

 

[B23]

I don’t think you can extend the box on a model 7. It is totally different than a 700 action.. If you do lengthen for a longer box, machining will be done at the front of the mag well as there is no metal to remove on the back end. There is no center trigger guard screw on a model 7, 600 , 660 or 673 like on a 700. Eliminating this screw is how Remington was able to make these actions shorter than a short 700.

Will a standard length Wyatt's mag box work in the Model 7 if so at least you'd have a center feed mag box that should feed the SAUM case.

 

[Markman]

The Wyatt will fit into the magazine mortice. I’m not familiar with the Wyatt center feed box. I don’t know on a center feed, during loading of a cartridge, if it can be pushed straight down into the box or if it has to be positioned forward of the box lips to insert. Still will have to open feed rails some for the larger cartridge. Once the feed rails are opened up it may be very difficult to go back to the smaller cartridges on the Model 7.

 

[B23]

The Wyatt will fit into the magazine mortice. I’m not familiar with the Wyatt center feed box. I don’t know on a center feed, during loading of a cartridge, if it can be pushed straight down into the box or if it has to be positioned forward of the box lips to insert.

I have Wyatt's mag boxes in a couple Rem 700's and I don't have any problem pushing loaded rounds straight down in the mag box.

Still will have to open feed rails some for the larger cartridge. Once the feed rails are opened up it may be very difficult to go back to the smaller cartridges on the Model 7.

If a person opened up the bolt face that would pretty much eliminate your options of ever going back to smaller cartridges so it'd kind of be moot at that point anyway.

 

[ebb]

What do you plan on hunting with the rifle you are contemplating? Unless some really long ranges or bigger game, I am going to agree with JR600., and his 260 recommendation. Has anyone started making SAUM brass?

 

[alf]

If you can't kill it with a 6.5x47, you probably can't kill it......

 

[B23]

Has anyone started making SAUM brass?

ADG makes 6.5 and 7mm SAUM head stamped brass. If you aren't familiar with ADG they make very good quality brass. Last week Precision Reloading had 6.5 SAUM brass in stock but I think I got the last box they had because it showed out of stock after I placed my order. It also comes up for sale in the classifieds on this forum and others like it.

I just looked and it shows ADG having six boxes of 6.5 SAUM brass in stock right now so if you want some I'd nab it now cause it won't last long.

6.5 SAUM (Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum) - Atlasdg.com

IF THE PRODUCT IS OUT OF STOCK – SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE! 6.5mm SAUM (Short Action Ultra Mag) – ADG manufactured brass is optimized not only for consistency in performance, but also for durability. One of the ways we accomplished this is by...

atlasdg.com

 

[JB10]

If you are going to hunt deer size and smaller what about 6mm creedmoor? I know you did not mention a 6mm but will have a little less recoil than a 6.5 in a light rifle. Just a thought.

 

[SongdogHunter]

Guys I have 2 model 7 actions that I am wanting to build for lightweight hunting rifles. Looking at building them in a 6.5 something. Thinking either a 6.5x47 lapua, 6.5 creedmoore or 6.5 saum. I have both the 47 lapua and creedmoore. Was leaning towards the saum. I realize components may be harder to find for the saum.

Thoughts?

I had an older XR100 I had rebarreled in 6.5 x47L Much more fun now

SDH

 

[nakneker]

6.5 Saum or 6.5x47, two of my favorite cases, no wrong choice between the two. If you didn’t already have a 6.5x47 that would get my vote, there’s nothing wrong with having two either. It’s the easy button for sure, lots of Lapua brass. The Saum has everything a guy could want too, brass is harder to get at times but it’s certainly a fun cartridge, it will smoke a 6.5x47 - but like Alf said, how much more do you need.. Both of them hit higher on the cool and usual chart, always fun to have a rifle a lot of guys haven’t heard of or experienced before. The 6.5 Creedmoor isn't a bad choice, I have two but I‘d do something different, I have one in a Tikka CTR, great rifle but the 6.5x47 and Saum would get my attention if I had two actions and was pondering a 6.5 build.

 

[Kurz]

They still have 3 boxes left as of a few minutes ago:



J/A Outdoors has it listed as being 'In Stock':


https://jaoutdoors.com/product/6-5-saum/

I've been shooting this cartridge since George necked down the 7mm SAUM for the 6.5 GAP 4S.

If supply scares you a little, switch over the 6.5 PRC using anything but Hornady brass and enjoy your hunt and target shooting.