F-Open, 1000 yards. 7SAUM or 284 Shehane?

[nosualc]

If you were building a 1000yd f-class open rifle from scratch, which 7mm cartridge would you build? A 7 SAUM (mag bolt-face) or a 284 Shehane (std. 308 bolt-face)?

Both will shoot the same high BC bullets, with the SAUM having a little more top end. Any other differences?

I ask because I have an action on order, and have to decide on a bolt-face very soon. Thanks in advance for the feedback.

-nosualc

ps - I already have a 6mmBRX that does well for me at mid-range, I just want to step up to the 7mm bullets at longer ranges.

 

[NateG]

I've been thinking about the same question but for prone long range rather than F-class. And, I don't really want to waste barrel life fireforming a 1000 yard gun. For my across-the-course guns, I don't mind since there are reduced course matches (and the 200 yard line) where I can fireform in place of ammo I was going to shoot anyway. But a dedicated prone gun doesn't offer those "free" fireforming opportunities. So, whenever I get around to building a 7mm prone gun, it'll probably be a 7RSAUM. Though I haven't completely ruled out a straight 284, it won't be a Shehane.

 

[newboy]

i dont shoot a saum so cannot comment,but i have a shehane with 1400rnds down the barrel and its still shooting great and holding the 5 ring at 1000yrds when i do my bit.

shoots in the .2s at 100yrds with 180vld bergers and is a killer round in my thinking.

 

[Steve Blair]

I have both a .284 Win and Shehane. My experience is that the Shehane has a wider accuracy window as well the ability to hit the 2930-2950 node from 32" without undue pressure. The fire forming problem was solved when I retired my first barrel, had Bob Green cut an inch and rechamber the old barrel and new barrel identically. Cheap bullets and moderate loads do a fine job. I recently fire formed 200 cases in 100° heat. Kept an ice chest nearby and a wet towel on the barrel. Every twenty rounds, the towel was re-iced. It would have been smarter to do this in the winter. :-[ [br]
The RSAUM offers a little more velocity at the cost of more powder, less barrel life and no Lapua brass. My first Shehane barrel had 1640 on it at the end of the 2012 Berger Nationals. It did good work for me there.

 

[effendude]

Jon,
As your driver and also your buyer of Crown, can't you just leave me alone in the advantageous 7mm crowd with my Shehane? I need every advantage to run with you on my best days, and now you want to sneak in with a 7mm?

Since you ordered the BATs for both of us, why don't we get both bolt faces?

BTW- You have the sickness as bad as I do now. Admit it.

Scott

 

[Erik Cortina]

284 Shehane

 

[Gadget]

For my 2c worth, go the 7mm saum
Rem brass sorted and cleaned up is fine, I have brass with 15 firings on them, yes the primers are a tad soft to seat.
As for speed you can push the 180 hb in a saum to 3150 if you know how, and it sings sweet.
I have 935 rounds through my Benchmark saum at present and it is still good, will I get 2000, No way!
I personaly like the extra speed I can get, dose it show on range ??? depends on the nut behind the but.
Gadget
P.S. I was at a 1500y shoot a few weeks ago, the 3 x 7mm saums were were going through the target supersonic ( according to the markers ) and they were fighting to mark our target as it was so easy, all 3 put every shot in the black even the sighters.
Now that made my day and confirmed the saum as a great round, IMHO

 

[MrMajestic]

I believe I just read that the USAMU is using the 7mm RSAUM. Love mine!

 

[Preacher]

Another vote for the 7mm SAUM....

 

[captainzeke]

Why not have both I do ;D

 

[Cakes]

Jon- I've been following this thread with KEEN interest!!!! After much thought and realizing your outstanding shooting skills, I've come to this conclusion...you don't need any stinkin 7mm, keep that BRX... it'll handicap you just enough at 1000 to give the rest of us a chance!!! My straight .284 and its operator would consider that a generous token of your good will !!!! Bring that BRX to Harris for the fullbore in October. Eric in DL

 

[wwbrown]

Cakes mentioned coming up to Harris for the Full Bore match in October and I agree. If you want to get your LR zeroes and a little practice at LR come up for our F-class league on Thursday nights, we start shooting at 5:00.

If you need more information contact me with a PM.

 

[nosualc]

Thanks for all the feedback fellas...

A few responses:

Scott, a second bolt from BAT is an option, but an expensive one (like $600 IIRC). And, yes I admit it. I got it bad.

After talking to a bunch of folks, I think I'm going with a 284 Shehane. No offense to the RSAUM or (those who love them), but I think the Shehane offers a few advantages that are hard to pass up: lapua brass, longer barrel life, and only giving up a bit of upper end. I know the US f-class team uses the magnums, but that's not really an issue for me

Eric - You don't need any handicap from me... ("Ladies & Gentlemen! Eric, aka Cakes, 2012 MN state LR champion!"). I can probably run with you at 600, but @1k I 'spect you'd humble me good.

Wade & Eric - I was kinda thinking I was done for the year. Maybe?

Thanks again, guys for the discussion.

-nosualc