Any love for the 7mm Rem Mag?
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I have one, with another on the way. Flat shooting, moderate recoil, good LR/ELR cartridge, high BC boolitz available(not necessarily readily available)...what's not to like.
I guess it comes down to what you intend to do with it, and what YOU want.
I have one, with another on the way. Flat shooting, moderate recoil, good LR/ELR cartridge, high BC boolitz available(not necessarily readily available)...what's not to like.
I guess it comes down to what you intend to do with it, and what YOU want.
D
Deleted member 10043
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Just had one built by RWS on a R700 action. I think it is a great caliber and the heavy 168-180s will bring you out past 1000 yards. If I had to peg it for one downfall I would say it is the barrel life. I burned out my factory on at 1,000 rounds but I imagine my Bartlein Barrel will hold up a bit better than the factory Sendero. Maybe that's common for a fast magnum, I am just used to my .223 and .308 haha.
I took one and reversed engineered (rechambered
What do those .308 boolitz look like when squeezed thru a .284 bore?
Good cartridge, belt issues and mediocre barrel life. Make sure it's throated for a 180 hybrid and stock up on retumbo and h1000
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Out of favor right now but a good round. Any magnum has a somewhat brief limited barrel life. Performance costs money. How fast do you want to go and how deep are your pockets?
D
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What do those .308 boolitz look like when squeezed thru a .284 bore?
Finally! I went back and looked and there is a .30 caliber Rock Creek barrel on it.
Dave, of course performance comes at a price. Do the cartridges with big capacities (ala SAUM or WSSM) that are more of a big benchrest style (shorter and fatter like me as I get older) case have any better barrel life than others?
I've read a post or two recently where surprisingly a 300 WM shooter is getting over 2K barrel life shooting 225/230's
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For the average shooter the only reliable reasonably verifiable comparison when considering caliber choice vs. barrel life is powder capacity and bore size. There are just too many variables(rate of fire, cleaning regime, powder type etc.) to ever have an apples to apples comparison. The fact is magnums start to mature in 900 rounds.
I know of a few barrels that were in the mid 2500 range and still competitive in 1K BR but they are very rare, usually owned by a frugal shooter.
I know of a few barrels that were in the mid 2500 range and still competitive in 1K BR but they are very rare, usually owned by a frugal shooter.
Still my favorite deer cartridge . My dad bought this one in the early 70's and is still putting them in the dirt .
Remington 700 BDL
150gr spitzers
Remington 700 BDL
150gr spitzers
There is tones of love for that round. Up here in ND most users are hunters, and point and shoot users.
I just had a 7 STW built for my deer rifle. Finally found some 180 gr Berger VLD Hunting bullets for it so I'll be working up some loads between now and October to find that magical recipe.
The 7mm mag is almost the perfect all around hunting cartridge imo. To me the only things I dont like are the belt and short neck. The 7LRM solves that.
7LRM- no belt, long neck, 180s at 3100ish, factory brass and dies, feeds in a long action with the bullets seated long.
7LRM- no belt, long neck, 180s at 3100ish, factory brass and dies, feeds in a long action with the bullets seated long.
Any love for the 7mm Rem Mag?
I have an old'ish Winchester M70 Westerner (late 70's) that shoots great. Bone stock with an old Bushnell 4x12 scope (also late 70's model) that still rings a 6" plate at 300 yards every time with cheap factory PPU ammo, either 139 or 174 grain...matters not.
Obviously, on this forum, I'm in no way trying to impress with my low budget gear...just trying to answer the OP's question...I love my rifle.
I cannot tell you how many total rounds the rifle has sent down range, but probably less than 300, so while its got plenty of years behind it, it's got "low miles"...
I used to hand load for it years ago...can't remember exactly the IMR powder, but it was a Sierra 162 BTSP and it really grouped nicely. Less than an inch at 100 and I'm no great shot, so it definitely shot nice. Killed plenty of Montana Mule Deer and Antelope back when I was stationed in Great Falls...
YMMV
I have an old'ish Winchester M70 Westerner (late 70's) that shoots great. Bone stock with an old Bushnell 4x12 scope (also late 70's model) that still rings a 6" plate at 300 yards every time with cheap factory PPU ammo, either 139 or 174 grain...matters not.
Obviously, on this forum, I'm in no way trying to impress with my low budget gear...just trying to answer the OP's question...I love my rifle.
I cannot tell you how many total rounds the rifle has sent down range, but probably less than 300, so while its got plenty of years behind it, it's got "low miles"...
I used to hand load for it years ago...can't remember exactly the IMR powder, but it was a Sierra 162 BTSP and it really grouped nicely. Less than an inch at 100 and I'm no great shot, so it definitely shot nice. Killed plenty of Montana Mule Deer and Antelope back when I was stationed in Great Falls...
YMMV
Older Model 70 Classic CRF into a 7mm Rem Mag. Just as you described.
It shoots better than it looks.
<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/740110_630583210506_6699673858938024318_o.jpg" alt="7m4 HAMR" style="width:1119px;height:414px">
It shoots better than it looks.
<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/740110_630583210506_6699673858938024318_o.jpg" alt="7m4 HAMR" style="width:1119px;height:414px">
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I can't have any normal, so mine is a 7x61 S&H. Which is a few years older and a few grains smaller. I like it, just don't have opportunity to shoot it very often.
The 7mm mag is a very accurate killing machine with the proper bullet it can be devestating from short range to long distance. I have owned one for over 20 years in a Ruger. Back then you had to figure out what bullet would be proper for bullet velocity and type animal, because the bullet would not open up for shots under 100 yards because it was moving. Now though that has changed due to changes in bullet development, before I got a 22-250 it filled the gap over my 223 for killing coyotes. You can push a varmint bullet over 4000fps out of it if that is your thing. Long distance shooting with it is marvelous and I have killed a lot of elk with it over the years and still have the same factory barrel on it. It will deliver 1/4 moa with handloads which is all the weapon has had through it since I purchased it. Yes it is like any other maganum the hotter the load the shorter the case life no matter if it is belted or not. You will get a split neck or a thin web or torn case head from pushing it to hard but I get these things in my 338 Lapua if I push it hard. Now I am a 7mm lover, I have a 7mm-08, 7mm STW and of course the 7mm mag. All great platforms for being lethal and accurate, only problem is the magnums take a lot of powder, generally I get 100 rounds from a one pound container of H 1000 or IMR 4350. SO enjoy!
I have an older 7mag. Its post 64, but not sure exactly what year. I sent it to be built by Phoenix custom rifles. Its a laser for sure. Havent killed anything with it yet. Hopefully thatll change this year., lol
Drew first blood last deer season. 403 yds was/is a chip shot to say the least.
<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/131797_616037804616_186310290_o.jpg" alt="2013 WR Buck" style="width:1431px;height:781px">
<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/131797_616037804616_186310290_o.jpg" alt="2013 WR Buck" style="width:1431px;height:781px">
PM sent. Nice rifles in this thread. Thanks to all for the pics. 7mm is great for anything North America.
Huge fan of 7mm here. Berger makes a 180gn bullet with a .674 BC and Hornady's 154gn SST at .525. I'm running the bergers at 3050fps without even getting over book max and not showing any pressure signs and the Hornady's at 3070. There are downsides and upsides.
Hunting Downsides: The bullet is really clicking along and imparts massive damage with lightly constructed projectiles (core-lokt 150's) at close ranges. At longer range it's still a real killer and less abusively destructive. I stopped using it in the woods since those shots were always too close and resulted in huge meat destruction. I would only use it for open country work anymore but I almost never hunt anymore.
Hunting Upside: I don't think there's an animal on the continent that won't go ahead and lay the heck down after a good swat with a 7mag. Controlled expansion bullets helped me with excessive meat damage at close range but only so much. High sectional density in most bullet weights helps penetration. No animal I've ever shot with one has ever had its heart beat another time after the bullet struck. Talkin' dead right there, ain't movin'.
General Upsides are many. Huge range, huge killing power, moderate recoil, plentiful bullet selection from varmint to big game to really big game to match, high BC's are easy to find, every manufacturer I've checked out makes a rifle chambered in 7RM and retail ammo is commonly sitting on just about every gunshop shelf in the country, even in the back woods.
General Downsides: The belt. That damned belt. Grrrr, the belt. Short case neck helps speed throat erosion. Seriously overbore so barrel life is further limited. It's pretty darned loud. You really need a 24" or longer barrel (I lean toward 28"). Limited brass life. Kinda big on the powder appetite.
I use IMR 4350 exclusively with the 7RM. I've done other powders like H1000 and W780S and Retumbo and wasn't happy. I called my dad who's been reloading 7RM for 25 years and he said, "Just get IMR 4350." He was right. Just get IMR 4350. I also use Federal primers exclusively with my magnums.
Hunting Downsides: The bullet is really clicking along and imparts massive damage with lightly constructed projectiles (core-lokt 150's) at close ranges. At longer range it's still a real killer and less abusively destructive. I stopped using it in the woods since those shots were always too close and resulted in huge meat destruction. I would only use it for open country work anymore but I almost never hunt anymore.
Hunting Upside: I don't think there's an animal on the continent that won't go ahead and lay the heck down after a good swat with a 7mag. Controlled expansion bullets helped me with excessive meat damage at close range but only so much. High sectional density in most bullet weights helps penetration. No animal I've ever shot with one has ever had its heart beat another time after the bullet struck. Talkin' dead right there, ain't movin'.
General Upsides are many. Huge range, huge killing power, moderate recoil, plentiful bullet selection from varmint to big game to really big game to match, high BC's are easy to find, every manufacturer I've checked out makes a rifle chambered in 7RM and retail ammo is commonly sitting on just about every gunshop shelf in the country, even in the back woods.
General Downsides: The belt. That damned belt. Grrrr, the belt. Short case neck helps speed throat erosion. Seriously overbore so barrel life is further limited. It's pretty darned loud. You really need a 24" or longer barrel (I lean toward 28"). Limited brass life. Kinda big on the powder appetite.
I use IMR 4350 exclusively with the 7RM. I've done other powders like H1000 and W780S and Retumbo and wasn't happy. I called my dad who's been reloading 7RM for 25 years and he said, "Just get IMR 4350." He was right. Just get IMR 4350. I also use Federal primers exclusively with my magnums.
I've been hunting long range with the 7 mag for over 30 years. Love this cartridge.
I use a 24" # 5 Brux barrel, no brake
140 gr Nosler ballistic tip 65 gr. IMR 4350 @ 3250 fps
These smash Coues deer out to 600yds.
168 Berger Hunting VLD 65 gr. RL22 @ 3000 fps
These for over 600 yds. Last year I shot my Coues buck at 740 yds with these and dropped him on the spot.
Past 600 yds the 168 out shine the 140's with wind and delivered energy.
Just broke mine out last week to get ready for my October hunt and shot 1/4" at 100 with the 168's
Easy to love!!
I use a 24" # 5 Brux barrel, no brake
140 gr Nosler ballistic tip 65 gr. IMR 4350 @ 3250 fps
These smash Coues deer out to 600yds.
168 Berger Hunting VLD 65 gr. RL22 @ 3000 fps
These for over 600 yds. Last year I shot my Coues buck at 740 yds with these and dropped him on the spot.
Past 600 yds the 168 out shine the 140's with wind and delivered energy.
Just broke mine out last week to get ready for my October hunt and shot 1/4" at 100 with the 168's
Easy to love!!
I also love the 7 Mag. My rifle is Identical to Brads expect I am ruining a Nightforce. Last week I was shooting groups in the .2s and .3s Cant wait to take it on my Coues hunt this year. I was there when brad shot his Coues and it freekin hammered it DRT.
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I think the 7mm mag is the best flat shooting cartridge. In terms of performance. Downrange performace, energy, better bullets, velocity and less recoil compared to the bigger 30's...meaning you can shoot the 7mm more accurately and consistent, I feel its the best. Hands down.
My 7mm mag 27" custom barrel is in transit. Have a 112 single shot action waiting for it.
My 7mm mag 27" custom barrel is in transit. Have a 112 single shot action waiting for it.
Well now we know who the members of the 7mag fan club are.. Sheesh..
Nice rifles fellas. Very nice.
I had a 7mag that I bought in high school working in a gun shop one summer. It was a S&W.. Monte carlo stock... Shot great. 1 X wife and a move to Australia later, I had to part with it because I could not trust anyone in my family to watch it for me. When I came back to the US I opted for a 300 WM to replace it with for a few reasons...
Longer barrel life
Heavier bullets with high BC's
Brass is easy to find and reasonably cheap (Was at the time)
And a huge bullet selection in the 30 cal range.
The 300 may not be as flat of a shooter BUT I can shoot a lot further. 240 grain Sierra's just seem to keep going and going.... Considering you don't get to hunt big game all year, 99% of my shooting is done on paper or steel and shooting out to 1500 yards is pretty fun. 180 grain bullets have a hard time with that distance, 230's and 240's, not a problem.
You can use that action for a 300Wm, so I would consider everything. Either is a great rifle, I just think a 300WM edges out the 7MM when you take everything into consideration. Especially if you are a hand loader. I think that is probably why you see more 300wm's than you see 7mm mags out there.
Nice rifles fellas. Very nice.
I had a 7mag that I bought in high school working in a gun shop one summer. It was a S&W.. Monte carlo stock... Shot great. 1 X wife and a move to Australia later, I had to part with it because I could not trust anyone in my family to watch it for me. When I came back to the US I opted for a 300 WM to replace it with for a few reasons...
Longer barrel life
Heavier bullets with high BC's
Brass is easy to find and reasonably cheap (Was at the time)
And a huge bullet selection in the 30 cal range.
The 300 may not be as flat of a shooter BUT I can shoot a lot further. 240 grain Sierra's just seem to keep going and going.... Considering you don't get to hunt big game all year, 99% of my shooting is done on paper or steel and shooting out to 1500 yards is pretty fun. 180 grain bullets have a hard time with that distance, 230's and 240's, not a problem.
You can use that action for a 300Wm, so I would consider everything. Either is a great rifle, I just think a 300WM edges out the 7MM when you take everything into consideration. Especially if you are a hand loader. I think that is probably why you see more 300wm's than you see 7mm mags out there.
300WM is a great caliber. My collection will be topped off with a .50 cal. If I didnt already have a 7mag for a magnum caliber, Id go 300mag. But I dont think the difference would be worth the cost in buying a 300mag when I have a built 7mag. So Id rather put that cost towards a 50
Yeah i have high hopes with the 27". I weighed the pros and cons of the 7mm vs 300wm heavily. Almost 2 months before I went with the 7mm. My 7mm isnt going to be my "go to" gun for everything. I have a 308 for that. I was lookin for a long range, flat shooting and good energy downrange that didnt beat the shit out of me, and got the job done. 300wm was 2nd on my list. IMO you really cant go wrong with either one of them. Both great calibers. I love the huuge selection of 30 cal bullets for my 308. 300 def gets the knod on better bullet selection. But if a guy can land the high BC 7mm bullets, the 7mm beats the 300. IMO. Im a smaller guy and know how to shoot properly to negate some of the big recoil that comes with the big 30's. But why when I can just get a 7mm and still hang with them? Win win situation.
