Why so few 7 rem mags?

[TEAMSENDIT]

So just out of curiosity why are there so many 300wm and 7wsm, and so few 7 rem mags? Is there some reason i don't know about why people wouldn't want one. I am currently rebarreling my trg 42 to a 7/300wm because i like odd stuff.

To me if you are going to use a long action anyways for a 7wsm why not use the cartridge is was built for which is 7rem mag or 300wm.

I am not the most logical person when it comes to building rifles, but in my crazy head i would rather have a 7 rem mag pushing a 180 berger vld at 3000+, than a 300wm pushing a 210vld at 2950+. i know the barrel life is less but the ballistics are better on the 7 and the recoil is lighter obviously (less powder and bullet weight).

If i am off base on this let me know why, i just want to here peoples reasonings in case there isn't something i am taking into account with my new build.

 

[AJBello]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

I suspect it's partially because many see it as an outdated cartridge of sorts. It's not the latest / greatest so it doesn't get the same buzz. Along with that I'm sure some shy away due to the belt (kind of goes with the outdated thing). Not that I agree or think there's good reason to shy away due to that, but I think many don't want to mess with the perceived headaches of loading for a belted magnum.

In the end it's hard to argue with the ballistics...

 

[Asm1]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

7mmRM is a Kick ass round.

 

[Jerry m]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

Great round.

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

Would love to see some pics of guys custom 7 rem mags, and there ballistics that go with them.

 

[pyplynr]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

Got one in the process now. Kyle @ XLR should have my stock finished as soon as his supplier gets him some buffer tubes, and I hope my barrel shows up in about 3 weeks (6 weeks past quoted time already) then I'll be raring to go. I've got a brand new NXS scope, Vortex rings, and an Atlas bipod sitting here waiting

 

[glock24]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would love to see some pics of guys custom 7 rem mags, and there ballistics that go with them. </div></div>

Overhauled Sako TRG-S in 7mm Remington Magnum, shooting a 162g Hornady A-Max. When the barrel burns out I'll get another, but start experimenting with Berger's 180g Hybrid.

 

[Dustin C]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

I have a few ill post pics later and I also have a 7-300 winmag that is a hammer you will love it .Thanks Dustin

 

[Kaisersose]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

nice looking sako

 

[Opticsspecialist]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

why not more 280 AI? it's a 7mag for the most part with less recoil and powder. the short mags and ultra mags seem to be pretty hot, i've found a lot of guys shooting them

 

[craigp40]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

Love mine. I never felt in the least bit that it was handicapped against the WSM. The driver is another story... Pretty sure I could push it slightly harder than the WSMs too if I wanted it. I've got pics of the one I typically use at ASC, but just can't load them up right now. Honestly, I think the WSM is more popular only because it's more new and different. Internet buzz... Not slamming it, but like you said I also think the LA lends itself better for the RM. For me, the belted vs non-belted arguement is BS.

 

[trigger time]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

I would guess the main reason for not seeing as many as the short mags are better magazine options for the wsm and saum. If you do get a 10 round AI mag, their like a monopod in the middle of the gun. Not to mention spensive. With Chris over at Alpha Mag making a true 10 round wsm mag that isn't any longer than a 10 round 308AI mag its a better option for competitions than the long action. He does has a long action mag in the works that I can't wait to try. I'll be making a 7wsm on a tikka T3 next week while I'm at school, but my main hunting gun is a custom 7RM and it is a freaking hammer.

 

[Casey Simpson]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

I did a bunch of work on one recently; 162SST, 168VLD, 180VLD. Raised my respect for 7RM.

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">why not more 280 AI? it's a 7mag for the most part with less recoil and powder. the short mags and ultra mags seem to be pretty hot, i've found a lot of guys shooting them</div></div>

I had a 284 just like the 280ai loved it however i got rifle a.d.d. sold it and built a 7mm08 instead. if you run the 7 rem mag at the same pressures guys run the 284 and 280ai you will get at least 100-150fps faster.

I don't care about barrel life so i am building a 28" barrel for my 7/300 and hoping to push the 180s around 3100-3150. which i know is possible because i have a buddy that has one that is doing 3170fps with bergers. mind you i am using a reamer with 220 thou of freebore and coal will be around 3.65 or so.

by the way that trg-s is awesome!!! i would love to build on a trgs sometime

 

[XTR]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

I have a 7mm RM in a very nice looking BDL stock. For hunting it's a great rifle, but for white tails I reach for a 308, it's easier on me. If I was going out west for mulies I'd grab the 7 for the added effective range.

It's not new and it's belted. The short mags are getting the press now. The belt causes questions for reloaders. Honestly IMO none of the magnums are ideal for <span style="text-decoration: underline">most</span> target shooting. At the end of the day the recoil is punishing, cost more to reload (lots of powder) and they burn barrels (though not faster than most 6mm size guns).

If I recall correctly the 7mm RM is less of a barrel burner and more efficient than the short ones. I don't have any desire to change mine out. I'm happy with it. If I was buying something today...hmmm, not sure what I'd get probably a 300WM.

 

[XTR]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I am currently rebarreling my trg 42 to a 7/300wm because i like odd stuff.

</div></div>

Have you talked with TresMon, I think he was building a 300/7.

I'm sure you looked at it, Why not just use a 7RUM?

I looked this up when I saw the thread on his build.

I know it will vary between brass but approx case volumes are:

300WM = 89 gr
7mm RUM = 110.2 gr
7MM STW = 93.3 gr
7mm WbyMag = 87.5 gr
7mm RM = 83.2 gr

 

[RobG]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would love to see some pics of guys custom 7 rem mags, and there ballistics that go with them. </div></div>

You rang... Built on 700 LA, Krieger #9 1/9 at 26" chambered off shoulder, RAD brake, BC stock, Williams BM, worked factory trigger, Vortex Viper, Seekins rings/base. Shooting the 180 grain SMK at 2940 with R22.

 

[banks74]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

I shoot a 7mag out of my AWSM. It rocks. 162 amax's crush out of it!

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XTR</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I am currently rebarreling my trg 42 to a 7/300wm because i like odd stuff.

</div></div>

Have you talked with TresMon, I think he was building a 300/7.

I'm sure you looked at it, Why not just use a 7RUM?

I looked this up when I saw the thread on his build.

I know it will vary between brass but approx case volumes are:

300WM = 89 gr
7mm RUM = 110.2 gr
7MM STW = 93.3 gr
7mm WbyMag = 87.5 gr
7mm RM = 83.2 gr

</div></div>

havent talked to him, if he is building a 300/7 that is exact opposite of what i am building a 7/300wm. the 7rum is alittle much even for me, if i was going to go that big i would just build another 338 lapua or edge.

I will be using mine for couple matches a year and they are limited to 300wm caliber wise. plus the berger 180 at 3100fps is a stinking laser beam faster would be cool but not sure it would help that much. plus i am not sure the bullets can hold up any faster.

 

[pyplynr]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

RobG how do you like the RAD brake on that 7RM. I've got one on my .308 and am contemplating on putting another RAD or the muscle brake on my 7RM build.

 

[RobG]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

The RAD brake made a significant reduction in recoil. Not as bulky as the Badger (which I also have) , inexpensive, and an easy install per my smith.

 

[Lowe Left]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

Got a Stiller TAC-300 with Brux 26" 1/9 in 280AI coming soon, and a Manners T2 w/MCS ships on Monday!! Can't wait to start the load development. My NF NXS 5.5-22 has been awfully lonely...

 

[bohem]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

There's nothing really "wrong" with a 7 RM or a 7 "Long mag" (7/300 WM). Both of them are excellent rounds and they work really well in many circumstances.

I chose the 300 WSM case to neck into a 7mm round for 2 reasons:

They fit in a long action DBM when seating the bullets out long without issues through the entire barrel lift.

The neck length on the 7/300 is longer than the straight 7.

<span style="font-style: italic">I'm getting 3102fps avg from the 180 Berger Hybrids out this rifle.</span> It isn't hampered by "speed issues" until we talk about ranges in excess of a mile.

If you want a 7RM or 7/300 WM or some flavor of that, have at it. The performance capability of the short mags and the RM and WM flavors are all exceptional. They really make me think twice about building a 338 magnum because I still don't have convenient space to stretch out the legs on this case, let alone something bigger.

I run mine either suppressed or without a brake. I'm not a big fan of muzzle brakes in general and this is the limit of my tolerance without developing a flinch or wearing triple hearing protection.

 

[7mmRM]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

Fantastic LR chambering! The belt talk is nothing but bullshit. 168VLDs @ 3100 kick ass. Heres mine...

 

[pyplynr]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RobG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The RAD brake made a significant reduction in recoil. Not as bulky as the Badger (which I also have) , inexpensive, and an easy install per my smith. </div></div>

Another RAD it is. That should make it easier to switch between brake and suppressor <span style="text-decoration: line-through">if</span> when I get one.

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RobG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The RAD brake made a significant reduction in recoil. Not as bulky as the Badger (which I also have) , inexpensive, and an easy install per my smith. </div></div>

Another RAD it is. That should make it easier to switch between brake and suppressor <span style="text-decoration: line-through">if</span> when I get one.</div></div>

i noticed you were interested in the muscle brake and i will let you know that soon there will be a removable muscle brake. I know this because i have the first one made on my trg 22 right now, it is amazingly effective and just as easy for a smith to get on because it is same concept of pinc collar like the r&d/others.

 

[XTR]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

I think I switched the numbers around. Tres was putting a 7mm bullet in a 300WM case if I understood correctly.

 

[Gray]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

Iron Bigade Armory is just finishing up a 7mm Rem Mag for me. Throated for the 180 Bergers and running a 24 in Hart Barrel, NSX 5.522x50,Surefire brake. Also have plenty of 168's for it to eat up. Pics will be up soon with range report.

 

[pyplynr]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RobG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The RAD brake made a significant reduction in recoil. Not as bulky as the Badger (which I also have) , inexpensive, and an easy install per my smith. </div></div>

Another RAD it is. That should make it easier to switch between brake and suppressor <span style="text-decoration: line-through">if</span> when I get one.</div></div>

i noticed you were interested in the muscle brake and i will let you know that soon there will be a removable muscle brake. I know this because i have the first one made on my trg 22 right now, it is amazingly effective and just as easy for a smith to get on because it is same concept of pinc collar like the r&d/others. </div></div>

Well that puts me back to where I started. I knew nothing about them until I met a guy on our local forum that has one on a 7WSM pistol. He couldn't be more happy with it. Do you have a pic of the removable one?

 

[head2h2o]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AJBello</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I suspect it's partially because many see it as an outdated cartridge of sorts. It's not the latest / greatest so it doesn't get the same buzz. Along with that I'm sure some shy away due to the belt (kind of goes with the outdated thing). Not that I agree or think there's good reason to shy away due to that, but I think many don't want to mess with the perceived headaches of loading for a belted magnum.

</div></div>

Those that keep saying this obviously are not loading for the belted magnums. There is no difference when it comes to reloading. The cartridge is headspacing off of the shoulder, not the belt. The shoulder is much steeper on the 7mmRM and 300WM as compared to the original parent case that needed the belt due to the lack of a sufficient shoulder angle. I load for 7mmRM and 300WM, each in 2 different rifles and I have never had to do one thing different for any of them that I do for my non-belted cartridges. The 7mmRM is a smoking round and delivers.

 

[pwc001]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rosie Palma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Got a Stiller TAC-300 with Brux 26" 1/9 in 280AI coming soon, and a Manners T2 w/MCS ships on Monday!! Can't wait to start the load development. My NF NXS 5.5-22 has been awfully lonely... </div></div>

I had the same idea, 280AI Stiller Tac300, 26" Rock barrel, Mcm A5, ita my favorite rifle. Pushes a 162 Amax at 3000fps. Good luck with load development.

 

[scottishtornado]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AJBello</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I suspect it's partially because many see it as an outdated cartridge of sorts. It's not the latest / greatest so it doesn't get the same buzz. Along with that I'm sure some shy away due to the belt (kind of goes with the outdated thing). Not that I agree or think there's good reason to shy away due to that, but I think many don't want to mess with the perceived headaches of loading for a belted magnum.

In the end it's hard to argue with the ballistics... </div></div>

You would have one for about 150 rounds and sell it like the rest...lol

 

[260shtr]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

Rem 700,Broughton 26" 1X9 Sendero contour, defensive edge brake. 168 Bergers @ 3050 fps. Recoil is like a varmit 243.

 

[jeo556]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Rem 700,Broughton 26" 1X9 Sendero contour, defensive edge brake. 168 Bergers @ 3050 fps. Recoil is like a varmit 243.</div></div>

I'm glad that someone mentioned recoil. I've found that I cannot accurately shoot a rifle with much more recoil than a standard weight 30.06. If fact I prefer much less than that if possible. It's one thing in a hunting rifle but to shoot paper for accuracy I just don't like it.

260Shooter, what is the rifle like without the brake?

Right now I'm building a +15 lbs .243 so I think that I'm going to be rather spoiled but when I shoot this barrel out I was planning on stepping up to a 7mmWM.

 

[260shtr]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

I went with a brake from the get-go, so I'm unsure of unbraked recoil. Can only guess it would thump quite a bit harder.

 

[RobG]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

Recoil from mine prior to the brake wasn't that bad. It weighs in at 15.5 lbs as pictured. The issue I had was staying on target post shot and that I usually shoot a practice day prior to the actual match so on match day I would start feeling it and start flinching. The brake took care of all of that. Although I still suck

 

[tacdrver]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

most people favor short actions...resulting in companys devopling short mags. that being said its eaiser to get options for s/a rifles than l/a... with out sacrificing performance.

 

[jbuck88]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

Recoil wise I cannot tell much difference from a 30-06 shooting 180's to a 7mm RM launching 150's. I'm sure that there is a little but not much.

I think that it is a older round that isn't en vogue anymore. It is a great round, but it's kinda in the same class as the 30-06. Since I sold my .257Roy, I think that it is going to be my goto rifle this year if I get a chance for mulies.

 

[VKC]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

I've been asking the same questions myself. It's hard to beat the 7mm calibers for BC until you significantly step up in caliber.

The 30 calibers are popular because of the wide variety of bullets and range of weights.

But if you look at available loaded ammo, 7mm Rem Mag has lots more choices that the 7mm short mags. There is no doubt that it is popular with hunters, just look at the ammo shelves.

Competition shooters and reloaders on the other hand that's a different story. It depends on what people have been winning with, marketing, and what's the new fad.

 

[Snakum]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So just out of curiosity why are there so many 300wm and 7wsm, and so few 7 rem mags? Is there some reason i don't know about why people wouldn't want one. I am currently rebarreling my trg 42 to a 7/300wm because i like odd stuff.

To me if you are going to use a long action anyways for a 7wsm why not use the cartridge is was built for which is 7rem mag or 300wm.

I am not the most logical person when it comes to building rifles, but in my crazy head i would rather have a 7 rem mag pushing a 180 berger vld at 3000+, than a 300wm pushing a 210vld at 2950+. i know the barrel life is less but the ballistics are better on the 7 and the recoil is lighter obviously (less powder and bullet weight).

If i am off base on this let me know why, i just want to here peoples reasonings in case there isn't something i am taking into account with my new build.</div></div>

I only know why I don't have one anymore. I used a Win 70 in 7mm RM when I first got into LR shooting. But the cost, recoil, lack of bullets relative to 308, lack of expertise in 7mm by local guys, etc pushed me to the 308. I'd love to have another 7mm RM or 280 once I have time to get back into shooting regularly.

I love the punch of the 7mm mag for hunting. I shot a hog in the shoulder with one two years ago using cheap Federal PowerShoks and it spun him a 360 in the mud. Looked like a cartoon. LOL.

 

[bohem]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 260 shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I went with a brake from the get-go, so I'm unsure of unbraked recoil. Can only guess it would thump quite a bit harder. </div></div>

I don't run a brake on that 7/300 WSM I posted above and I'm pushing the 180's just as fast as the guys talking about 168s and 180s from the full 7 RM.

It's a 18.2lb rifle without the suppressor on. Recoil is quite similar to my 14lb 30-06 that is throwing 208 Amax's at 2800 fps.

I see no reason why the 7/300 WM or 7 RM pushing the same bullet at the same speed from the same type long action in a similar weighted rifle would have different "felt recoil" as percieved by the shooter.

Some guys want/need the brake, I opt not to run one for a few reasons and I don't go bigger than this on the caliber because it does everything required without going to a big bore rifle.

With the suppressor attached the recoil is no different than my 20" 14lb 308 without a suppressor.

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

glad to see all the support for the 7, maybe i was just naive but it wasn't looking like many people were using one.

After shooting the 7mm08 and seeing how well the bullets do in the wind i am really excited to have a rifle that can push those same bullets 400fps faster.

 

[B Man]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

I've got a 7 Rem Mag. savage 112 BVSS w/ 26" fluted barrel I mainly bought for hunting before getting into longrange paper shooting. Gun is my favorite I own w/ my 5r .308 coming in 2nd. I think I'm going to put a break on it when I order a new barrel just to be able to see it hit target.

Just got mine back having the action bedded and working up a new load for the 168 berger now. It's like cheating compared to my .308 with the wind.... haha

 

[Remsen]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

I love my 7 mag for hunting, but for a number of reasons like barrel life, powder, kick, etc., it's not the rifle I go to when I am just shooting anything other than animals. Still, it's the first one I reach for when I head out for antelope or mulies.

Mine's a Sig SHR970 and it is pretty deadly on Wyoming antelope...

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

Thanks for the motivation guys. Now I can't wait for the big dog

 

[threewood]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

Mine was originally chambered in 7mm RM, which had taken many a deer before the overhaul. I like the round so I kept it.
- Rem 700 LA
- Shilen SS Match Select bbl #7HV, 27", 1-9 twist
- Manners stock
- Farrell rings/base
- Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 target dot
- Preferred load: 69.8gr Retumbo , 162gr AMAX, CCI Mag primers give it a speed of 2995fps. At 700yds, my come-up is 12.79moa

 

[Musket_0]

Re: Why so few 7 rem mags?

My newly aquired 7mmWSM, I also love my 7mmRM. Both in Savage rifles. 7mmRM has a 60% break on it now and don't think I could do with out. 7mmRM is a 26" barrel +break, 7mmWSM is a 20" barrel and only has 15 rounds through it so far. But is very nice to shoot.