Which 7 mm?

[Hawk in WY]

I am about to build a rifle for hunting elk and antelope.

I plan to use a 6.5 PRC for antelope in two months so that might take antelope out of the equation.

I hunt mostly using Barnes bullets, usually the LRX.

The 7-06 is less than I want to use for elk and the 7 SAUM seems to need a long action to make the best use of heavier bullets.

That puts me with a long action Impact in a Manners hunting stock with a Proof CF barrel which I will have Longrifles install. Proof offers prefits but only in short action for the Impact in 7 SAUM and only in 24 inches in the 7 RM.

Choices seem to be 7 SAUM, 7 RM, or 28 Nosler. I'm leaning 7 SAUM thinking it might benefit from the short fat powder column. And yes, I reload. No concerns about the belt.

What say you?

 

[Winny94]

You NEED to look at cases from Richard Sherman. Sounds tailor made for guys like you

https://shermanwildcatcartridges.com/

Personally, I run a 7 Sherman Short in a true short action. 175gr EH Running at 3000 fed from a mag

 

[Jumper]

7 SAUM.
I'm waiting on my pre fit barrel from Patriot Valley arms to fit to an Archimedes short action. Shouldn't be much longer. But I wrestled with the same choice a couple months ago that you are now. A couple things swayed my choice to the 7mm SAUM: 1, the short fat powder column seems to be more inherently accurate. 2, it doesn't give up much when loading 180's in a short action. I plan to shoot bullets in the 160grn range so a short action for me will be fine. Good luck.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

You can go 7 SAUM in a XM action (that’s what I’m doing now). 3.20” mag box will handle the long heavies.

 

[lunatic209]

7 ss if you want to get wildcat

7 rm is tried and true, abundance of brass availability

28 nosler personally I haven’t worked with but have many guys close to me who has one. Seems like they run into pressure issues early on, some way before my 7 mag with the same powder/bullets.

 

[Steel head]

7 saum
7/300 WSM
280AI Similar case capacity to the saum and there is factory ammo.
The Sherman 7’s.
7RM

You can absolutely use a 7 saum in a short action with 168-180’s.
I single load 190’s for ELR with it.
I personally have found my 7 saum to be everything I hoped for.
Efficient and easy to load.

 

[30cal user]

anything that uses ADG brass

 

[Hawk in WY]

The last two responses may have decided this for me.

I too only want calibers with good brass available. ADG checks that box.

I would prefer a short action, but am worried about limiting COAL with heavier bullets.

I will check with Proof to see what reamer they use and how far I should expect to the lands.

I will also call Wyatt to see how long a COAL their BDL boxes will accommodate and still play well with the Impact short action.

Thank you for the advice.

 

[Outlaw45]

7 WSM? Probably not a good choice because of brass availability.

 

[Winny94]

The last two responses may have decided this for me.

I too only want calibers with good brass available. ADG checks that box.

I would prefer a short action, but am worried about limiting COAL with heavier bullets.

I will check with Proof to see what reamer they use and how far I should expect to the lands.

I will also call Wyatt to see how long a COAL their BDL boxes will accommodate and still play well with the Impact short action.

Thank you for the advice.

FWIW, ADG makes the Sherman brass

 

[Tokay444]

Don't be afraid of jumping bullets upwards of .120". Especially hybrids.

 

[Hawk in WY]

Don't be afraid of jumping bullets upwards of .120". Especially hybrids.

Exactly.

My experience with Barnes LRX in several calibers is they run best .040 to 1.20 off the lands.

Proof says their prefits are "on the short side of SAAMI" which is not really helpful.

Have a request in to Wyatt's.

 

[30cal user]

FWIW, ADG makes the Sherman brass

yes, but dont think 40 degree shoulder is necessary, 35 would be perfect...