Bergara HMR 300wm or 7mm Rem Mag (Long range)

[bmicek]

I have been contemplating buying a 300wm or a 7mm Rem mag for some occasional long range shooting. This is primarily a fun gun so weight doesn't bother me. Im not asking for opinions on whether Bergara is a good brand or not, they are a solid bang for your buck rifle, but I am uncertain on if I am missing something between the two offerings by Bergara (HMR model).

The 7mm Rem Mag has a 24" 1:9.5 barrel while the 300wm has a 26" 1:10 twist barrel. I initially was set on a 7mm Rem Mag but not sure I sure be concerned about the 1:9.5 twist 24" barrel. Planned to shoot ~183ish grain bullets. The 300wm is a sure bet for barrel length and twist though.

Any tips for someone that has little to no long range shooting experience? I should add, long range to me is going to primarily be 1000-1500 yards and occasionally out to a mile.

 

[Luvman]

Have you looked into .300 prc? I’m not sure the bergara’s in .300 prc are out yet but I’ve seen them advertised. The HMR pro looks interesting for the price.

 

[bmicek]

Have you looked into .300 prc? I’m not sure the bergara’s in .300 prc are out yet but I’ve seen them advertised. The HMR pro looks interesting for the price.

I haven’t looked into the 300 prc much. I’ll have to see what I can find on an estimated release date for it

 

[Wyzrd]

For me, I prefer the 7RM over the 300WM. Little less recoil, and when you get into the heavier 168 or 180gr VLD’s, they are just an awesome combo of high BC’s, speed, and plenty of energy.

I was also considering a Bergara HMR in 7RM for hunting, but am a little hesitant because of the weight (around 10lbs naked), and I’m not sure how the 1-9.5” twist would handle the heavier bullets that I like to shoot in 7RM (168gr, 175gr, and 180gr). Now, if you’re not hunting with it, and weight isn’t a big deal to you, I say research the 2 calibers and decide from there. They’re both proven cartridges and are great long range magnum rounds.

Either cartridge will get you out to a mile. For the 300 though, you usually have to get into the 200+ gr bullets to match the high BC’s of the lighter weight 168-180gr 7RM bullets. The 7 has the edge in less drop, less wind drift, and less recoil. Another option though is the HMR Pro in 6.5PRC. Good luck with your decision and let us know which one you end up with??

 

[Steel head]

If that 7mm has a bit faster twist it would be an easy choice.

 

[Wags]

That was something that caught my attention when I was looking at that particular rifle. Fortunately my budget allowed for a rebarrel but I think I've decided to build my own.

 

[7mmShooter]

I've been looking at them as well, what turned me off is I can't find a straight answer if they can run CIP length magazines. Last time I asked Bergara CS they said they hadn't tried it but thought it would be too long. If it won't work as is, it remains to be seen if the chassis inlet be altered for a CIP length dbm. That's the only thing I find lacking about the Long Action HMRs, and why I haven't bought the lefty 300 Win yet. They're a sweet setup for sure

 

[bmicek]

I don’t know much about the 7 Rem Mag or 7mm in general. But the 1:9.5 twist seemed slow to me. So I assume I would have a hard time stabilizing 183’s? Or 180gr+ at least?

 

[b6graham]

I don’t know much about the 7 Rem Mag or 7mm in general. But the 1:9.5 twist seemed slow to me. So I assume I would have a hard time stabilizing 183’s? Or 180gr+ at least?

yuppp but for hunting with 145/160 class which is what its more meant for its okay

 

[bmicek]

yuppp but for hunting with 145/160 class which is what its more meant for its okay

Dang.. was mainly wanting it for long range shooting. That’s a bummer. There’s other options but the bergara seemed to be the best bang for the buck.

 

[b6graham]

Dang.. was mainly wanting it for long range shooting. That’s a bummer. There’s other options but the bergara seemed to be the best bang for the buck.

I'd recommend a 300PRC either way