I am building a 7mm that will shoot the 180 gr Berger. My original plan was to build it on a defiance long action chambered for 284 Winchester, with some changes mandated by my CEO (aka wife). She wants a 243 AI so it looks like I will be building 2 rifles. I have the 243 figured out but when it comes to the 7mm I am having a hard time figuring out my best option as a donor action. I want to either build a 7mm wsm or a 7mm300wsm so I am not dealing with belted magnum cases. I know that either the 7mm Remington magnum or the 300 win mag has the appropriate bolt face but I have been reading about problems with the fatter wsm cases not fitting so well. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. This rifle will be a 28" rifle mainly for long distance target shooting but in May I will be making a trip to South Dakota for some pest control and would like to be able to shoot some lighter ballistic tip projectiles so I dont have target projectiles skipping around killing the cows.
- Thread starter slapdud
- Start date
Re: 7mm rifle build
I started with a 284 LA but then decided to bump it up a bit to a 7mm RSAUM. Went with a Stiller Predator LA and it feeds smoothly. Shoots the 180s well. Recoil is nothing like the 7mm wm/300wm. I am only shooting out of a 25" barrel so you should get more out of the 28".
Not sure how far you are shooting but also look at Skyking's 7WSM & 7RSAUM:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2058265&page=1
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...rue#Post3233223
So I would say look closely at 7mm WSM/7mm RSAUM.....
I started with a 284 LA but then decided to bump it up a bit to a 7mm RSAUM. Went with a Stiller Predator LA and it feeds smoothly. Shoots the 180s well. Recoil is nothing like the 7mm wm/300wm. I am only shooting out of a 25" barrel so you should get more out of the 28".
Not sure how far you are shooting but also look at Skyking's 7WSM & 7RSAUM:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2058265&page=1
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...rue#Post3233223
So I would say look closely at 7mm WSM/7mm RSAUM.....
Re: 7mm rifle build
So I called Russ over at Stiller and what an amazing guy to talk to. He said about 3 months for the action. Amazing prices!!
So I called Russ over at Stiller and what an amazing guy to talk to. He said about 3 months for the action. Amazing prices!!
Re: 7mm rifle build
Russ recommended the Predator SA for my 7wsm build shooting the 180's. should show up in October. Great group down there. Gonna check out those Skyking threads, thanks.
Russ recommended the Predator SA for my 7wsm build shooting the 180's. should show up in October. Great group down there. Gonna check out those Skyking threads, thanks.
Re: 7mm rifle build
I have been reading about the "problems" with the belted cases for 20 years and loading for them for over 40 years. They offer more advantages and fewer disadvantages than the other high capacity cases IMO. Do not worry about them if you get the capicity you want. The "short mag" cases do present clear and present problems. Lower mag capicity, feeding issues, more expensive and less avaiable brass. JMO
I have been reading about the "problems" with the belted cases for 20 years and loading for them for over 40 years. They offer more advantages and fewer disadvantages than the other high capacity cases IMO. Do not worry about them if you get the capicity you want. The "short mag" cases do present clear and present problems. Lower mag capicity, feeding issues, more expensive and less avaiable brass. JMO
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: msowa</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Russ recommended the Predator SA for my 7wsm build shooting the 180's. should show up in October. Great group down there. Gonna check out those Skyking threads, thanks.</div></div>
with the long bullets loaded will you be able to eject a live round without pulling the bolt in the predator SA?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: msowa</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Russ recommended the Predator SA for my 7wsm build shooting the 180's. should show up in October. Great group down there. Gonna check out those Skyking threads, thanks.</div></div>
with the long bullets loaded will you be able to eject a live round without pulling the bolt in the predator SA?
Re: 7mm rifle build
Its crazy because I have money to spend now and it is burning a hole in my pocket. I would like to have all the pieces rounded up by Oct 1 but cannot find anything in stock. ie bottom metals, stocks etc...
Its crazy because I have money to spend now and it is burning a hole in my pocket. I would like to have all the pieces rounded up by Oct 1 but cannot find anything in stock. ie bottom metals, stocks etc...
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rth1800</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been reading about the "problems" with the belted cases for 20 years and loading for them for over 40 years. They offer more advantages and fewer disadvantages than the other high capacity cases IMO. Do not worry about them if you get the capicity you want. The "short mag" cases do present clear and present problems. Lower mag capicity, feeding issues, more expensive and less avaiable brass. JMO </div></div>
Agreed. When my gun was chambered in 7RM I found it easy to load for. Different powders, charge weights, and bullet combos all had good to great accuracy. I got 6-7 loadings from plain old Rem bulk brass before the primer pockets opened up. Now the gun is in .284 Win. and I find it a finicky pain in the ass to load for. Don't discount the 7RM just because it has a belted case.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rth1800</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been reading about the "problems" with the belted cases for 20 years and loading for them for over 40 years. They offer more advantages and fewer disadvantages than the other high capacity cases IMO. Do not worry about them if you get the capicity you want. The "short mag" cases do present clear and present problems. Lower mag capicity, feeding issues, more expensive and less avaiable brass. JMO </div></div>
Agreed. When my gun was chambered in 7RM I found it easy to load for. Different powders, charge weights, and bullet combos all had good to great accuracy. I got 6-7 loadings from plain old Rem bulk brass before the primer pockets opened up. Now the gun is in .284 Win. and I find it a finicky pain in the ass to load for. Don't discount the 7RM just because it has a belted case.
Re: 7mm rifle build
This really made me want to do my next barrel in 7mm SAUM
http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/7mm/
This really made me want to do my next barrel in 7mm SAUM
http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/7mm/
Re: 7mm rifle build
I had a few 7wsms......... I have noticed it was super easy to find loads for, and just overall easy to load for.
I can basically say 62.5grs 4831scc and 180gr VLDS shot GREAT in ALL my 7wsms. BUT they were ALL gaps.
I had a few 7wsms......... I have noticed it was super easy to find loads for, and just overall easy to load for.
I can basically say 62.5grs 4831scc and 180gr VLDS shot GREAT in ALL my 7wsms. BUT they were ALL gaps.
Re: 7mm rifle build
I suggest really soul searching how much performance you need.
In 7mm land, I argue the 284 is the sweet spot for performance and durability. The magums certainly outperform it, but at the cost of barrels and recoil
If you choose the 284, just remember it is NOT a magnum. If you try to push it like one it'll tear up barrels like a magnum, but STILL be beaten (performance-wise) by the magnums.
The 7RSAUM nets a nice performance increase over the 284 for only an incremental increase in powder. However, brass is still rather rare.
I suggest really soul searching how much performance you need.
In 7mm land, I argue the 284 is the sweet spot for performance and durability. The magums certainly outperform it, but at the cost of barrels and recoil
If you choose the 284, just remember it is NOT a magnum. If you try to push it like one it'll tear up barrels like a magnum, but STILL be beaten (performance-wise) by the magnums.
The 7RSAUM nets a nice performance increase over the 284 for only an incremental increase in powder. However, brass is still rather rare.
Re: 7mm rifle build
I went 7SAUM, great performance in a small package, if I was building one I think I would use one of the Stiller's or Surgeon. The SAUM's shorter OAL than the WSM may make it better suited for the 180 Berger in a SA.
I went 7SAUM, great performance in a small package, if I was building one I think I would use one of the Stiller's or Surgeon. The SAUM's shorter OAL than the WSM may make it better suited for the 180 Berger in a SA.
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">..... However, brass is still rather rare. </div></div>
Good point - only part on the 7RSAUM I am not happy with....
SG
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">..... However, brass is still rather rare. </div></div>
Good point - only part on the 7RSAUM I am not happy with....
SG
Re: 7mm rifle build
The nice thing about the long action is when I find a range that will let me shoot it I can build my 30-338 and push a AA battery at light speeds.
The nice thing about the long action is when I find a range that will let me shoot it I can build my 30-338 and push a AA battery at light speeds.
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slapdud</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its crazy because I have money to spend now and it is burning a hole in my pocket. I would like to have all the pieces rounded up by Oct 1 but cannot find anything in stock. ie bottom metals, stocks etc... </div></div>
Bugholes has some Stillers in stock now: http://bugholes.com/stiller-actions.php
Not to mention some Obermeyer 7mm barrels....
SG
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slapdud</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its crazy because I have money to spend now and it is burning a hole in my pocket. I would like to have all the pieces rounded up by Oct 1 but cannot find anything in stock. ie bottom metals, stocks etc... </div></div>
Bugholes has some Stillers in stock now: http://bugholes.com/stiller-actions.php
Not to mention some Obermeyer 7mm barrels....
SG
Re: 7mm rifle build
That funny I just got off the phone with bugholes and they are expecting some long action predators in september.
That funny I just got off the phone with bugholes and they are expecting some long action predators in september.
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Overflow10</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">..... However, brass is still rather rare. </div></div>
Good point - only part on the 7RSAUM I am not happy with....
SG </div></div>
This hasn't been my experience. I've had no problem finding it.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Overflow10</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">..... However, brass is still rather rare. </div></div>
Good point - only part on the 7RSAUM I am not happy with....
SG </div></div>
This hasn't been my experience. I've had no problem finding it.
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
This hasn't been my experience. I've had no problem finding it. </div></div>
I guess you're lucky enough to have a local store that happens to have it for you.
Can you point us to so much as ONE place on the internet that has this available? I've looked and come up with a big fat goose egg. Zero, Zilch, Nada.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
This hasn't been my experience. I've had no problem finding it. </div></div>
I guess you're lucky enough to have a local store that happens to have it for you.
Can you point us to so much as ONE place on the internet that has this available? I've looked and come up with a big fat goose egg. Zero, Zilch, Nada.
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Overflow10</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slapdud</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its crazy because I have money to spend now and it is burning a hole in my pocket. I would like to have all the pieces rounded up by Oct 1 but cannot find anything in stock. ie bottom metals, stocks etc... </div></div>
Bugholes has some Stillers in stock now: http://bugholes.com/stiller-actions.php
Not to mention some Obermeyer 7mm barrels....
SG </div></div>
They have a MTU barrel in stock, my smith has krieger that he said is the same contour as a schilen 5.5 hmmmmm decisions.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Overflow10</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slapdud</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its crazy because I have money to spend now and it is burning a hole in my pocket. I would like to have all the pieces rounded up by Oct 1 but cannot find anything in stock. ie bottom metals, stocks etc... </div></div>
Bugholes has some Stillers in stock now: http://bugholes.com/stiller-actions.php
Not to mention some Obermeyer 7mm barrels....
SG </div></div>
They have a MTU barrel in stock, my smith has krieger that he said is the same contour as a schilen 5.5 hmmmmm decisions.
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Can you point us to so much as ONE place on the internet that has this available? I've looked and come up with a big fat goose egg. Zero, Zilch, Nada.</div></div>
That's why I went 7 WSM. I picked up 500 pieces of 7 WSM from Powder Valley.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Can you point us to so much as ONE place on the internet that has this available? I've looked and come up with a big fat goose egg. Zero, Zilch, Nada.</div></div>
That's why I went 7 WSM. I picked up 500 pieces of 7 WSM from Powder Valley.
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
This hasn't been my experience. I've had no problem finding it. </div></div>
I guess you're lucky enough to have a local store that happens to have it for you.
Can you point us to so much as ONE place on the internet that has this available? I've looked and come up with a big fat goose egg. Zero, Zilch, Nada.</div></div>
Powdervalley....nosler IN STOCK: YES
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
This hasn't been my experience. I've had no problem finding it. </div></div>
I guess you're lucky enough to have a local store that happens to have it for you.
Can you point us to so much as ONE place on the internet that has this available? I've looked and come up with a big fat goose egg. Zero, Zilch, Nada.</div></div>
Powdervalley....nosler IN STOCK: YES
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Touche.
Should of specified RP brass...
Nosler basically doesn't even exist to me. It's an expensive way to suck. </div></div>
Nosler is great stuff and I have one set I use for hunting - but $54 for 25 pieces...yeouch or should I say YEOUCH!.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Touche.
Should of specified RP brass...
Nosler basically doesn't even exist to me. It's an expensive way to suck. </div></div>
Nosler is great stuff and I have one set I use for hunting - but $54 for 25 pieces...yeouch or should I say YEOUCH!.
Re: 7mm rifle build
7 - SAUM is a great round and can work well in a SA or LA depending on how the are set up. Talk a good smith and you'll be set.
7 - SAUM is a great round and can work well in a SA or LA depending on how the are set up. Talk a good smith and you'll be set.
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Overflow10</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Touche.
Should of specified RP brass...
Nosler basically doesn't even exist to me. It's an expensive way to suck. </div></div>
Nosler is great stuff and I have one set I use for hunting - but $54 for 25 pieces...yeouch or should I say YEOUCH!. </div></div>
Couldn't agree more, Nosler makes a very good match bullet at a great price but their brass is way to high price.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Overflow10</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Touche.
Should of specified RP brass...
Nosler basically doesn't even exist to me. It's an expensive way to suck. </div></div>
Nosler is great stuff and I have one set I use for hunting - but $54 for 25 pieces...yeouch or should I say YEOUCH!. </div></div>
Couldn't agree more, Nosler makes a very good match bullet at a great price but their brass is way to high price.
Re: 7mm rifle build
When asked he recommended the predator over the tac30 based the desire to use the 180's. Suppose I'll find out. I know it's inletted to allow for an extended box mag.
When asked he recommended the predator over the tac30 based the desire to use the 180's. Suppose I'll find out. I know it's inletted to allow for an extended box mag.
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slapdud</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The nice thing about the long action is when I find a range that will let me shoot it I can build my 30-338 and push a AA battery at light speeds.</div></div>
"Stole my Yoshi"
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...258#Post3387258
But i wouldnt be the first to build one, and cant justifiy it right now.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slapdud</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The nice thing about the long action is when I find a range that will let me shoot it I can build my 30-338 and push a AA battery at light speeds.</div></div>
"Stole my Yoshi"
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...258#Post3387258
But i wouldnt be the first to build one, and cant justifiy it right now.
Re: 7mm rifle build
I liked the saying so much it inspired me to one day own one.
I liked the saying so much it inspired me to one day own one.
Re: 7mm rifle build
Why not a .280 or .280AI?
Brass can be made from plentiful '06 or .270 brass, close to 7RM performance with the AI. Less powder, higher mag capacity.
Why not a .280 or .280AI?
Brass can be made from plentiful '06 or .270 brass, close to 7RM performance with the AI. Less powder, higher mag capacity.
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Overflow10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nosler is great stuff and I have one set I use for hunting - but $54 for 25 pieces...yeouch or should I say YEOUCH!. </div></div>I just ordered 50 cases for $43 in 7mm08. Sure is a big jump in price.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Overflow10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nosler is great stuff and I have one set I use for hunting - but $54 for 25 pieces...yeouch or should I say YEOUCH!. </div></div>I just ordered 50 cases for $43 in 7mm08. Sure is a big jump in price.
Re: 7mm rifle build
So i did some looking around and 7mm wsm brass is slim actually more like slom just left town. I may end up chambering it for 7mm Remington magnum or neck down 300 win mag.
So i did some looking around and 7mm wsm brass is slim actually more like slom just left town. I may end up chambering it for 7mm Remington magnum or neck down 300 win mag.
Re: 7mm rifle build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slapdud</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So i did some looking around and 7mm wsm brass is slim actually more like slom just left town. I may end up chambering it for 7mm Remington magnum or neck down 300 win mag.</div></div>
I shouldn't give away my secrets like this, but Powder Valley has Winchester 7 WSM in stock; even the 1000 pieces order shows stock.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slapdud</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So i did some looking around and 7mm wsm brass is slim actually more like slom just left town. I may end up chambering it for 7mm Remington magnum or neck down 300 win mag.</div></div>
I shouldn't give away my secrets like this, but Powder Valley has Winchester 7 WSM in stock; even the 1000 pieces order shows stock.
Re: 7mm rifle build
I reccomend whenever you can find componentes in these quantities ho ahead and odeer enouh to last you through that barrel, wich in 7wsm wont be much. 100 pc of brass might last you your barrel life. 200 for sure.
I reccomend whenever you can find componentes in these quantities ho ahead and odeer enouh to last you through that barrel, wich in 7wsm wont be much. 100 pc of brass might last you your barrel life. 200 for sure.
