Not looking to build this soon, but want to see what my options are:
Looking to use 130-150gr bullets, not strictly a target / paper puncher. Would prefer ability to use whatever poly and metal large frame mags (shorter COAL). 20" barrel. Will probably want a 0.75" gas block to keep weight reasonable if carrying.
Precision:
Before I figure anything else out, I want to see if platform will be "precise enough" - assuming build / parts are good and I can shoot a (precision large frame) gas gun properly, what size groups can I realistically expect from Tipped GameKings, Hornady Interlock, and various Speer offerings in this weight range? Am I realistically looking at < ~2-3 MOA 10 shot groups?
150gr SMK for target shooting - can I still realistically expect ~1-1.5 MOA 10 shot groups?
Feeding / reliability:
Most importantly - Does case geometry of any particular cartridge in this class allow for inherently better feeding?
Is one going to be easier to sort out with the gas system, buffer, spring rate / length, bolt carrier, etc.
Brass:
I see 7mm-08 brass is usually commercially available. How time consuming is it to form 7mm-08 brass from 308 if I really need to?
I see that WTO says that 7 SAW can be formed from 308 with just a full length resize (i.e. 1 step) - looks like it's just necking down and pushing the shoulder down a bit and to 30 deg from 308. Anyone experience otherwise?
7cm hasn't been standardized, but are most chambers cut for 6.5cm brass that has had a 7mm mandrel run through it (maybe with the neck shoulder junction back a tiny bit?)
Velocity and powders:
Looks like these have similar velocities. WTO states that 6.5x47L powders work well for 7 SAW. Is one easier to load for overall? Is one going to be very compressed with a popular powder and polymer mags?
Looking to use 130-150gr bullets, not strictly a target / paper puncher. Would prefer ability to use whatever poly and metal large frame mags (shorter COAL). 20" barrel. Will probably want a 0.75" gas block to keep weight reasonable if carrying.
Precision:
Before I figure anything else out, I want to see if platform will be "precise enough" - assuming build / parts are good and I can shoot a (precision large frame) gas gun properly, what size groups can I realistically expect from Tipped GameKings, Hornady Interlock, and various Speer offerings in this weight range? Am I realistically looking at < ~2-3 MOA 10 shot groups?
150gr SMK for target shooting - can I still realistically expect ~1-1.5 MOA 10 shot groups?
Feeding / reliability:
Most importantly - Does case geometry of any particular cartridge in this class allow for inherently better feeding?
Is one going to be easier to sort out with the gas system, buffer, spring rate / length, bolt carrier, etc.
Brass:
I see 7mm-08 brass is usually commercially available. How time consuming is it to form 7mm-08 brass from 308 if I really need to?
I see that WTO says that 7 SAW can be formed from 308 with just a full length resize (i.e. 1 step) - looks like it's just necking down and pushing the shoulder down a bit and to 30 deg from 308. Anyone experience otherwise?
7cm hasn't been standardized, but are most chambers cut for 6.5cm brass that has had a 7mm mandrel run through it (maybe with the neck shoulder junction back a tiny bit?)
Velocity and powders:
Looks like these have similar velocities. WTO states that 6.5x47L powders work well for 7 SAW. Is one easier to load for overall? Is one going to be very compressed with a popular powder and polymer mags?
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