Which cartridge for 7mm 180gr ScenarL (ELR)

[FreshDK]

Hi Guys,

Which cartridge whould you select for pushing a 180gr 7mm Scenar L at 850-900m/s?

Targets will be +1500m away and I want something that can compete with the 338LM but with less recoil.

I'm thinking the good old 7mm rem mag with 26-28" barrel could do the trick, but I'm nore sure about the precision potential i this cartridge? I don't see a lot shooting this caliber these days in the european scene at least..

I have also considered the more recent 280 AI and 7mm SAUM that looks more modern and fit for extreme precision, but when I do the direct compare with 7mm rem mag I don't see any advantages.

7mm rem mag is more accessible with regard to dies and brass in europe, and it also seems to wins in ballistics because it can push the bullet 20m/s (SAUM) and 40m/s (280AI) faster at the same case pressure.

What would you select and why?

Br.

Fresh from DK.

 

[Simia Dei]

Are you set on shooting just that projectile or 7mm only?

 

[FreshDK]

I'm absolutely set on 7mm. There is not enough energy left in 6,5mm at those extreme distances and .30 is a bit borring in my head.

But the bullet could also be the Hornady ELD 180gr with extreme high BC! Just now i realize it is significantly better than 180 Scenar L.. But something 180gr'ish 7mm.

 

[Simia Dei]

You have plenty of options but don't rule out .30 cal. I have a 300 Norma and it is fantastic to shoot. The build I have has ridiculously low recoil and shoots better than I do. This cal easily keeps up with my mates 338LM.

 

[Delicatessen]

I am planning an elr 7mm project down the road as well, so it will be interesting to hear what others think. It really depends on how far you plan to stretch over 1500m, I would possibly consider something like a 28 nosler, 7mm practical, or 7mm-300wm. I would most likely lean 7mm-300 due to ease of case forming from 300wm and large availability here of case availability of the 300wm. Not sure if that applies there but would assume so, and I would assume you are ok with reloading only. 7-300 should give you a bit more speed with the longer high bc 7mm like the 180 or Berger 195 than the 7mm rem mag. 28 nosler has a similar issue with 280ai, limited case availability and high cost per case.

 

[KWilson]

I'd look closely at the 7 SAUM and 280AI. A friend of mine ran a 7mm rem mag as a high speed 7mm F-class open option. It failed miserably, aside from incredibly short barrel life he just couldn't get any decent accuracy out of it. Down sized to a 284 and his shooting scores improved dramatically.

 

[FreshDK]

I am planning an elr 7mm project down the road as well, so it will be interesting to hear what others think. It really depends on how far you plan to stretch over 1500m, I would possibly consider something like a 28 nosler, 7mm practical, or 7mm-300wm. I would most likely lean 7mm-300 due to ease of case forming from 300wm and large availability here of case availability of the 300wm. Not sure if that applies there but would assume so, and I would assume you are ok with reloading only. 7-300 should give you a bit more speed with the longer high bc 7mm like the 180 or Berger 195 than the 7mm rem mag. 28 nosler has a similar issue with 280ai, limited case availability and high cost per case.

I have just taken a closer look at 7mm Practical and 7mm-300wm and they really look interesting. 300WM brass is widely available here also.

 

[FreshDK]

I'd look closely at the 7 SAUM and 280AI. A friend of mine ran a 7mm rem mag as a high speed 7mm F-class open option. It failed miserably, aside from incredibly short barrel life he just couldn't get any decent accuracy out of it. Down sized to a 284 and his shooting scores improved dramatically.

That's really interesting! I do not believe the 7mm rem mag has a rumor of being super accurate and that could scare me off to go with something with a better track record.

 

[10ring1]

7 mag is an ass-kicking killing machine...

 

[long range sponge]

I've always had a fascination with 7mm bullets. If I ever had the funds I'd build either a 284 or SAUM. I'd likely model mine after the Tikka that KabarNC built. Post #4 in the Tikka thread.

 

[myates3]

The 280AI would do it just fine. I have a RWS stick in a standard 280 clambering. Use a fast twist and a 29-30in barrel, spinning the long high BC bullets.

Pros: low recoil, wide selection of capable bullets.

Or or as said above maybe the 7-300 mag.

 

[Dirty D]

That's really interesting! I do not believe the 7mm rem mag has a rumor of being super accurate and that could scare me off to go with something with a better track record.

I have talked to several guys that have gotten exceptional accuracy out of a 7mm RM, use good quality components such as Berger bullets, Norma brass for consistent neck tension and a good powder and you can hammer elk and deer from a long way off.

 

[Dirty D]

I just picked up a Rem 700 200th anniversary edition from Gander Mtn on their going out of business sale for cheap and the first thing that I will do is replace the factory 300 WM barrel with a Criterion 7mm RM prefit.

 

[BobinNC]

The 7mm SAUM will get you there.....And give you the longest barrel life.....http://www.6mmbr.com/7mm284.html#7WSM

 

[jcann]

I shoot a 7WSM and I've pushed Berger 180gr Hybrids to 3,032fps. I generally run it between 2,880-2,950 fps now. Brass is basically non-existent and when you find it expect to pay top dollar. I paid $212 for a 100 pieces the other day. If I was going to pursue the ELR route with a 7mm I would base the cartridge around Bergers 195gr bullet. I would probably stay away from the belted magnums due to the difficulties you might experience while reloading. A 7 STW, 28 Nosler, or 7mm Practical come to mind as possible cartridges.

 

[Potss]

7mm-338

 

[bas402]

7/300 Norma throated for the 195 Bergers/ 197 Sierra's

 

[6AYoteHunter]

7mm-300wsm or a 28 nosler would be ideal for that bullet. I would personally shoot the 195 gr berger in a 28 nosler unless you have 300 win brass already.

 

[Engine 22]

I shoot a 7-300WM. I previously had a hunting rifle in .300WM that I had rebarreled to 7mm, having brass and dies made the caliber descision pretty easy.
I use Redding neck bushing dies to size necks from .30 to 7mm in a couple of steps. Trying to neck down in one step tends to crush cases here and there.
I am currently running 180gr Berger Hybrids to 3100fps with ease and would consider it damn accurate to 1000yds(furthest I've taken it). Pretty much Thor's hammer on Elk!

 

[xdeano]

If I'd do a 7mm right now, it would be a 7saum or a 7-338 Norma. I believe it is called a few different names but all the same idea.
xdeano