7mm WSM rifle build

[leoestby]

I'm planing my first rifle build for longrange shooting. The plan is to shoot berger 7mm VLD Hunting bullet, 180grs with G7 0,337.

The caliber I'm thinking of is 7mm WSM due to high Velocity.

My gunsmith recomended a rem 700 action (long) (I'm on a budget) what do I need to do to this for gaining better precission?

Any recomandations on stocks for the 700 action? I like modular chassies, but dont need it around the barrel (just butt stock)

Someone shooting the 7mm WSM?

 

[HoytFlinger]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

I don't have a 7 WSM, but I would get a Stiller Predator long action. By the time you blueprint the 700 action, anywhere from $200-400 depending on what all you want done,you could've came close to buying a Predator that needs no work straight out of the box.

I like the KRG Whiskey-3 chassis, but it is kinda spendy so I don't know if it fits your budget, around $900. Don't know if the long action Whiskey-3 is shipping yet, but you can preorder them.

 

[yellowjacket]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

I was building a 7wsm on a rem 721 action with PT&G bolt till I found a deal here on the hide. There is nothing wrong with building on a Rem LA

 

[RyanScott]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

Are you in Europe?

 

[Peepaw]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

I'm another one for the Rem 700 LA. I'm doing a 7MM Rem Mag build based off a Rem 700 LA.



Also, reason I went 7Mm Rem Mag is become ammo is more readily available. I know you are probaly handloading from what your original post said, and so am I. However, I like the fact that I can still go in my local Wal Mart, Academy, OudoorWorld, Gun Range, etc.. and pick up 7MM Rem mag ammo. It's everywhere.

 

[leoestby]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RyanScott</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you in Europe? </div></div>

Yes

 

[mcfred]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

If you're on a budget, I'd put money into the barrel and optics first.

 

[Peepaw]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: McFred</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're on a budget, I'd put money into the barrel and optics first. </div></div>


Optics...definitely an area that can't be undersold here, for sure. For the most part, you get what you pay for when you buy glass. There are some real good "budget friendly" scopes out there that wont break the bank.

When I first got started, I wanted to go all around budget, just to make sure I was gonna stick with it. Didnt want to spend money on something I was gonn aput down 2 weeks later and never pick up again.

I went with the Vortex Viper for first "long range" scope...6.5-20X44. I'll tell you what, that for the money, this scope is one of the better deals out there.

yes, better scopes out there, way better scopes for that matter. But, doing budget, I think it's hard to pass for what it goes for. Memory serves correctly, I paid under $400 for it.

But yes, whatever route you go...do homework, pick up good glass.

 

[leoestby]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

I have an Nightforce F1 with MLR2 reticle

What kind of modular stocks do you recomend? (for 700 clone)

I really like the whiskey 3 chassis, except the alu block in the front...

 

[leoestby]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

Any recomandations for powder on the Bergers VLD Hunting 180grs?

Would like a powder that performs good in different temperatures... High velocities would be good to... ;-)

 

[B.Bates]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: leoestby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any recomandations for powder on the Bergers VLD Hunting 180grs?

Would like a powder that performs good in different temperatures... High velocities would be good to... ;-)

</div></div>


try h-1000 if that doesnt work 4831sc both extememly temp stable.

 

[leoestby]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

Thanks, same for 180grs Hybrid?

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

It wouldn't be any different. Hybrids, Hunting, match VLDs or what have you. 4831SC is my powder of choice.

 

[Dibby]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: leoestby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have an Nightforce F1 with MLR2 reticle

What kind of modular stocks do you recomend? (for 700 clone)

I really like the whiskey 3 chassis, except the alu block in the front... </div></div>

My 700 is in a Mcree precision. If I were to build another, I would consider the XLR Evolution chassis.

 

[yellowjacket]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

62 grains H4831sc

 

[leoestby]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

Thanks! This is helping me allot!

I'm gonna neck turn my winchester brass, about 90-95% of the surface around the neck, and I'm using an redding Type S neck die and wondering about the bushing size for turned-winchester brass? I'm ordering 2 or 3 bushings, due to that's cheaper for me living in Europe rather tha re-order and pay extra shipping fee's.

 

[leoestby]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

This is my plan for the rifle right now:

Hansen action (custom made in my country) Its a 700clone with M70 safty. Integrated 20MOA picatinny rail, 2,992inches long box magasin's and jewell trigger. Really good reviews, but expensive...

Adjustbe McMillan stock, the HTG version. (M40a-1) due to price and more suited for hunting. I might mount adjusteble recoil pad as well...

Walther c/m barrel in 1:9twist 26" long with supressor mounted.

Nightforce 3,5-15x50 F1 with MLR2 reticle. I have nightforce scope rings.


Anyone know the differences in recoil; unsuppressed lightweighted 308Win compared to this rifle....?

 

[mcfred]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: leoestby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Anyone know the differences in recoil; unsuppressed lightweighted 308Win compared to this rifle....
</div></div>

The can will definitely help, plus your build will probably end up heavier than a 308 sporter. It should not be a problem at all, and if it does you can always try some lighter bullets and still be WAY ahead of the 308 in terms of ballistics.

For 180s I'd try retumbo or H1000. I think 4831 is too fast, or if you just reduce the load then you're not taking advantage of the WSM case. Good luck.

 

[ctmyers67]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: yellowjacket</div><div class="ubbcode-body">62 grains H4831sc</div></div>
try 62.2 grains with 162 amax

 

[yellowjacket]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

180 Bergers over 62 grains of H4831sc. It what George Gardner recommends all I can say is it works. Try it and never look back

 

[cypriss32]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

That shit works plan and simple. 2.935 COAL ALL OF MY 7WSM's Shot that load AWESOME. I now dont do load development with 180s and just shoot the shit outa those.

 

[Outlaw45]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

I have a Stiller Predator in 7wsm, krieger 24" 1 in 10, and a McMillian A3. I shoot 168 VLD with 64gr H4831sc. I'm getting 2895 fps and is a half MOA gun. Just the other day I loaded up new unfired brass with my load of 64gr of H4832sc and it shot 3 tenths of an inch at 100 yards. New brass go figure.

 

[jcann]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

Leoestby

If your just lightly cleaning up your Winchester necks disregard what I'm about to say.

You probably already know this but if you don't it would be wise to find out the diameter of the neck on the reamer your smith is using before you start turning your brass. I understand your concern of having consistent neck wall thickness but if you trim your necks too much on a "no turn" chamber you will end up overworking your brass through the shooting/reloading process and decrease your brass life. The only way to fix this is to anneal your brass about every third reloading. When I checked on my 7wsm build with GA Precision I was told they use a 0.320" diameter reamer which is a no turn neck. If you need info on neck turning check out Accurateshooter.com. Just my 2 cents.

 

[leoestby]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jcann</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Leoestby

If your just lightly cleaning up your Winchester necks disregard what I'm about to say.

You probably already know this but if you don't it would be wise to find out the diameter of the neck on the reamer your smith is using before you start turning your brass. I understand your concern of having consistent neck wall thickness but if you trim your necks too much on a "no turn" chamber you will end up overworking your brass through the shooting/reloading process and decrease your brass life. The only way to fix this is to anneal your brass about every third reloading. When I checked on my 7wsm build with GA Precision I was told they use a 0.320" diameter reamer which is a no turn neck. If you need info on neck turning check out Accurateshooter.com. Just my 2 cents. </div></div>

Interesting reading this! I'm new to neck turning, so I appreciate this help also... I do anneal my brass e every third reloading. I'm not ordering tightneck barrel, and the plan was to get 90-95% clean cut around the neck, or could it bee better to just sort out bad brass and shoot unturned brass?

I will sort brass by wheight, flash hole concentric anyway...

 

[leoestby]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

Seems like I have to use H4831sc due to that's the only available recommended powder. But most of you recommend this so that shouldn't be a problem.

What velocity's could I expect in a 26" barrel with this powder? (180grs VLD)

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

It will vary one peoples load. I have seen it anywhere from 2850 to 3050. I am running 66.7grs of 4831SC and run them at 3015FPS. My low node is 64.2 that runs 2875fps.

 

[yellowjacket]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

I'm getting 2850 and hope it gets me better barrel life than pushing it faster

 

[knockemdown]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: leoestby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks! This is helping me allot!

I'm gonna neck turn my winchester brass, about 90-95% of the surface around the neck, and I'm using an redding Type S neck die and wondering about the bushing size for turned-winchester brass? I'm ordering 2 or 3 bushings, due to that's cheaper for me living in Europe rather tha re-order and pay extra shipping fee's.

</div></div>

I have a GAP 7Wizzer on a Surgeon 591 and lightly turn the necks of Win brass, just to true them up. For resizing, I run a .312 titanium bushing in a Type S FL die, bumping the shoulder back a mic'ed .002" each time.

64.0gr H4831SC behind a 162Amax .010" off lands is nirvana for that rifle...

good luck with yours!

 

[ProudKiwi]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

I would personally go a 7/300WSM purely from a brass perspective. You will still get plenty of velocity and slightly better barrel life. Also a longer neck.

 

[VKC]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

I use H1000 powder for my 7wsm since I have a short action mag action. But in a long action you can also go with retumbo.

Nothing wrong with the rem 700LA, except maybe consider upgrading the extractor latter but that is not absolutely needed.

 

[6XC]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: leoestby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm planing my first rifle build for longrange shooting.</div></div>

May I suggest one of these instead:

In my opinion the Sauer 200 STR, in 6.5x55, is the most sensible long range rifle one can buy in Scandinavia.

A used STR should be cheaper than your proposed 7mm WSM build. It will be cheaper to shoot (cheaper ammunition and better barrel life). STR is a switch barrel rifle. Brass, bullets and ammunition are made in Sweden and Finland. Norma's 130 gr VLD bullet has a G7 BC of 0.294 according to Bryan Litz. Norma's Diamondline Fält ammunition has a good muzzle velocity. (I have measured V4 = 884m/s with DL Fält and my 67cm 6.5x55 barrel).

 

[leoestby]

Re: 7mm WSM rifle build

Hi, I'm ready to order my custom rifle, and need some help with barrel contour, chamber spec and barrel length....?

The stock is an McMillan HTG/adj that takes contours up to #8
I'm ordering an Krieger SS barrel

Will 24-26" inches be to short, or should I go for 28" (I'm shooting supressed, so I'm concerned about the lenght and wheight)


What about chamber spec?

I'm changing from 180grs Bergers to 162grs A-max due to price and availability