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.