Which short action magnum?

I’m a big fan of the 7 saum but I Do prefer it throated long so it really shines in a med or long action. My next mag will be a 25 in a saum or prc case

7 or 300 WSM is tough to beat

Really hard to make a case against the 300wsm.

6.5 PRC is an amazing cartridge with very accurate factory ammo. It’s tough to beat. I don’t think I’d personally chase well with it. It’ll get the job done, there’s no doubt about it. I also own a 300wsm. I load for both of the cartridges and both aren’t to hard to loud for. I was amazed at how easy it was to load for my 300wsm. I shoot 185 bergers out of mine at 2900fps in a 20” barrel. Super handy rifle and will do a great job on an elk. If you’re really wanting to stretch it you’ll need to bump up to something like the 215 Berger to maximize the range of that cartridge. I would single feed if you went with a 215. The 147 eldm has done a great job for me as well and is a very efficient bullet. You can stuff a magazine full of loaded 147’s without the hassle of single feed.

Another vote for the .300 WSM, well suited for your dual-purpose application.

With you already having a 6.5cm I'd go with a 7saum if you reload or 300wsm if you want more factory options. The prc isn't that much of a jump over the CM.

If you’re getting a long action CDG in the future then 6.5 prc seems to make the most sense for your short action

In the future you can buy all of the barrels throated long to really maximize their potential

I try to make objective based decisions, and really define the purpose. You mention steel out to 1700 and hunting elk/deer in the PNW.

Two very different objectives.

6.5 PRC, 7 SAUM and 300 SAUM/WSM are good options, but the rifle configuration will determine how much you like the rifle.

An 8lb WSM will be great to pack in the woods and put the hurt on elk, but would be a pain to shoot on steel all day. Sure a few rounds, walking out to distance is doable, but it won't be pleasant all day.

If your goal is to shoot more steel, and occasionally hunt, then you could build something around 10lbs and shoot the 6.5 or 7mm. Mild mannered on the range but manageable in the field.

300 WSM - 2 loads, 1 mag length for hunting / steel <1K, and one seated long and single fed for steel beyond 1K. Agree with the caveat above though - if she's lightweight, just focus on your preferred hunting projectile and wait for your long action to build the long range hammer.

300 wsm.

300 WSM, 215 Bergers, medium action, 26” carbon fiber barrel

AMG04 said:

I try to make objective based decisions, and really define the purpose. You mention steel out to 1700 and hunting elk/deer in the PNW.

Two very different objectives.

6.5 PRC, 7 SAUM and 300 SAUM/WSM are good options, but the rifle configuration will determine how much you like the rifle.

An 8lb WSM will be great to pack in the woods and put the hurt on elk, but would be a pain to shoot on steel all day. Sure a few rounds, walking out to distance is doable, but it won't be pleasant all day.

If your goal is to shoot more steel, and occasionally hunt, then you could build something around 10lbs and shoot the 6.5 or 7mm. Mild mannered on the range but manageable in the field.

Click to expand...

^This^

I've got both a semi auto 6.5 PRC and 300 WSM. The PRC with 147gr ELDMs is very very smooth to shoot, I could easily shoot it all day without it beating me up. The 300 WSM with 190gr Bergers is a bit harder on the shoulder, but it's an elk killer. Since I do a lot of hunting, I'm shooting my WSM a lot more than the PRC, I like to keep practicing with the rifle I'm taking in the field. But if I was mostly putting rounds on steel and paper, the PRC is very mild with the recoil, and can spot hits easier too.

gac700 said:

300 WSM, 215 Bergers, medium action, 26” carbon fiber barrel

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Is it a custom barrel and do you know throat depth etc?

Action - Defiance right hand XM medium that has been black nitrided
Barrel - Proof CF 1-10 26" Sendero
Stock - McMillan A5 Carbon Fiber
Bottom Metal - Hawkins DBM with magazine
Trigger - TriggerTech Diamond Pro-curve
Break - Area 419 Hellfire
TS Customs chambering (received as barreled action) - 220 FB for 215 Bergers (or Similar)

I bought the rifle used from a SH member - specs in prior post. The linked artlcle inspired me to snag it. I duplicated the load in the article and everything worked perfectly. It was too easy once I secured primers and powder.

It’s a cool build and super accurate. There are updated medium actions that are more flexible with magazine choices.

Good luck and happy hunting for components…

gac700 said:

Action - Defiance right hand XM medium that has been black nitrided
Barrel - Proof CF 1-10 26" Sendero
Stock - McMillan A5 Carbon Fiber
Bottom Metal - Hawkins DBM with magazine
Trigger - TriggerTech Diamond Pro-curve
Break - Area 419 Hellfire
TS Customs chambering (received as barreled action) - 220 FB for 215 Bergers (or Similar)

Click to expand...

While that sounds nice and all, he's already got an action and it's a SA. My vote is prc, especially if freedbore is under saami .188, like .150. You can still mag load the best 6.5projo, where as a 300wsm is gonna run out of mag room if you want to use the better lr bullets. Steel won't care and 6.5 prc has plenty of power for it. I guess on the elk hunting, what range would be considered max for you? Loaded question as enviros limit that as much as anything. Plenty of elk have been dropped with 22creed, granted that seems a bit reckless, but a prc wouldn't have any issue inside 500 on an elk.

7 Sherman short mag ? Target/hunting bullets are vast. Doesn’t beat you up. Mile capable.

RampedRaptor said:

7 Sherman short mag ? Target/hunting bullets are vast. Doesn’t beat you up. Mile capable.

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How are they with the heavier bullets and short action(2.980" mag oal)?

At least 2 throat options available, maybe more now. I don’t recall the length on the top of my head.

Shorter of the two reamer options is fantastic for 180gr Bergers and magazine length. The second barrel I throated longer and used the Berger 184grs slightly past mag length. There wouldn’t be an issue running the 184gr mag length, just know the bt/bearing junction will be past the neck shoulder junction of the case.