should I get a 7mm backcountry?

[lcx99321]

Thinking about building a short barreled do it all rifle recently. I wonder what do you guys think about the 7mm bc? I originally wanted a 20 inches 300wsm, but the velocity trade off kind of turn me off, I know it is more than adequate, especially I don`t hunt long range, but still want the extra "juice" to be there in case I need it. I looked into 7mm bc, not a big fan because I can`t reload for it, and factory load can`t seem to get the desired accuracy.

I contacted federal, they told me the reloading component is in the final stage to be released, which is a good news. what do you think? Anther concern is, even if they can be reloaded, with the higher case pressure, is it tunable like the brass case cartridge?

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Could neck up the 300 WSM to 338 cal or maybe a 338 SAUM Improved using 250gr bullets. Both would hit with more authority than any 7mm offering.

338 bore does better than 7mm bore with fast burning powders as well so you might be able to make up for lost velocity on a 20” barrel

 

[K22]

When you say "do it all" rifle what game species do you intend to hunt?

The problem with short barrel magnum cartridges is that for them to perform to full potential, they need slow burning powders which needs 24-to-26"-barrel lengths to achieve published velocities. Otherwise, you are pushing a lot of unburned powder out of the muzzle.

Unless you are hunting dangerous game, i.e. grizzly bears, with today's modern bonded bullets, it's hard to imagine why a 308 Winchester with a 22" barrel couldn't "do most of it all" in the back country of the US especially since you said you don't shoot long range.

My best friend took a 5x4 Elk in Colorado in 2022 with a 60-year-old Model 88 Winchester in 308 using 165 grain Nosler Accubond factory ammo. It was one shot kill at 178 years. He has taken three black bears in PA and a large number of large deer with the same rifle.

 

[Clancy]

Absolutely not. Stay with the plan.

 

[209jones]

I don't see a big advantage to the 7BC, other than being able to use it with the suppressor. As far as the reloading side of it goes, I'd be perfectly willing to let it ride for a year or two to see what happens once the dies to do it get out there. But, if you have the bug to get one, just get something that is easy to rebarrel, that you really like.

 

[slm9s]

I'd stick with the 300wsm.

 

[L.Sherm]

I looked into 7mm bc, not a big fan because I can`t reload for it, and factory load can`t seem to get the desired accuracy.

This paragraph should make up your mind for you. Search other thread on here and read what FrankG from Bartlien posted.

 

[charlie b]

If I wanted a short and handy hunting rifle it would be a .308 or .284Win. If I needed a bit more and could stand a longer barrel, then a .30-06 or maybe 7 Rem Mag.

 

[msalm]

7 RSAUM is a good one in a short action, makes a nice carry rifle with a bit less recoil that the 300 WSM.

 

[std7mag]

And it's going to do what exactly at short range that the 7mm-08 can't do?
Especially when running a short barrel and suppressor?

 

[msalm]

And it's going to do what exactly at short range that the 7mm-08 can't do?
Especially when running a short barrel and suppressor?

it’ll have 200 fps over the 7-08 w/ 20” and 140-150’s (more?). I just know I built a couple shorts for guys and they turned out to be their favorites. Both 18 and 20”. Also more than a couple 6.5PRC, and a 300 WSM w/ 20” barrel for suppressed and intermediate length action. That one shot over 20 head of game in Africa using the 175 Terminal Ascent and did an incredible job. I personally try to talk them into 22” barrels at least but several guys are going to 18 even and are happy with their choices. All mag cartridges, no standard bf.

Your comment is EXACTLY what I told them to build when they wanted a 20” barrel…they went w/ 7 RSAUM and are planning more along those same lines.

 

[std7mag]

it’ll have 200 fps over the 7-08 w/ 20” and 140-150’s (more?). I just know I built a couple shorts for guys and they turned out to be their favorites. Both 18 and 20”. Also more than a couple 6.5PRC, and a 300 WSM w/ 20” barrel for suppressed and intermediate length action. That one shot over 20 head of game in Africa using the 175 Terminal Ascent and did an incredible job. I personally try to talk them into 22” barrels at least but several guys are going to 18 even and are happy with their choices. All mag cartridges, no standard bf.

Your comment is EXACTLY what I told them to build when they wanted a 20” barrel…they went w/ 7 RSAUM and are planning more along those same lines.

Just seems counter intuitive to me.
Cut the barrel down to 18-20", add a suppressor to cut down on noise. Then chamber it for a magnum cartridge, that really wants a longer barrel and slower burning powder.

Do you get a bunch of unburnt powder in the suppressor?

 

[msalm]

Just seems counter intuitive to me.
Cut the barrel down to 18-20", add a suppressor to cut down on noise. Then chamber it for a magnum cartridge, that really wants a longer barrel and slower burning powder.

Do you get a bunch of unburnt powder in the suppressor?

That I have no idea, but the guys that are using them, say it’s just what they’ve wanted. Even built an 18” 6.5 PRC this last go around. Not cheap builds either, Barlein cf bbl, Gunwerks or Alterra action/stocks. I do know one uses a lot of H4350 w/ most loads.

 

[ATFIV]

Build something you can practice with and go execute quality shots on game

+ or - 100-200fps and BC don't amount to anything at close range.

$4 per shot carbon magnum wizbangers typically see very little practice time and less than optimal "field" results.

 

[joshb]

No!

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I dont think velocity should even be a consideration if you really want to build a short lightweight handy rifle. Just worry about accuracy.

Honestly a 6.5mm chambering might be a good choice as well just for the purposes of low recoil in a small rifle. 6.5 is very capable of anything in North America with a well placed shot using the right bullet. I have seen many big bucks and large bull elk drop like a rock in their tracks to the Berger 6.5mm 140gr bullets over the last 20 years.

 

[precision1]

I get the oh you can shoot 6 hogs cause your gun is quite crowd.lmao not really to funny

I'll stick to 26" barrel and velocity.i don't care what hears me pull the trigger.lol

I don't need a short handy rifle with something hanging off the end.no one else does either

Call me an old fudd idk just common sense