7mm wsm

[plumbs7]

Hi all ,
Just thinking into the future as to which way I may go. I'm thinking of barreling my Tack 300 ( currently .300rum) action into a 7mm-300 wsm. Apparently it has a longer neck. Or is it better just to stick with the 7wsm ? What length Barrel ? I was thinking of no more than 30" in 1.25" to an inch at the muzzle Maddco 3 groove. What powder and load combo are people using and what brass and primers too? 180 hybreds or bergers vld's.
What speeds should I expect ? And is this a worthy calibre?

Kind regards Graham Sells.

[Brad Y]

Graham- keep in mind range energy and velocity limits as well. Not sure if this cartridge is capable of exceeding either or not but its a good thing to keep it in mind.

[AlanF]

Graham,

The 7mm WSM seems to have a reputation as being significantly harder on barrels than the 7mm RSAUM. Its odd that in 300cal the WSM has no such reputation, in fact most reports I've read say its easier on barrels then 300 RSAUM! I'm fairly sure Rod Davies has used (still does?) a 7 WSM, and Mark Fairbairn rings a bell also. The Poms use them a lot, but they don't seem to mind replacing barrels at around 1000 count. The 300 WSM necked down to 7mm may help the barrel wear problem, but I personally haven't seen any reports saying that.

Even with the brass availability problem, I'd recommend the 7 RSAUM.

Alan

[RDavies]

I have used a few and my gunsmith loves them
They can get up above the energy limits and when you push them that hard they chew through barrels. I have heard some people say they are finicky but I think it is more a case of the load needs to be retuned fairly often as the throat erodes. This is not as much of a problem for the Poms who shoot them 3 to a mound and only get a shot off every few minutes. It is more of an issue in Aus where we shoot string fire, the barrels heat up, erode and copper foul more.
I have throttled mine back to 2950 fps and they last longer this way, are more consistent, but still burn 4-5gns more powder then a 7 SAUM to get to the same speed. When my current barrel is shot out, I will be switching back to a SAUM or 280AI if I want to get up to the 2950 fps area.

[plumbs7]

Hi just ran the numbers , at 2950 Fps the muzzle energy is 3478 F00t pounds. Below the 3600 ft/ps limit( I think that's what it is). The other option is 7mm Shahane ( I think that's how it's spelled ). I have a Kelby f class action coming . So just another barrel ! Is this a better option? As there are a lot of people using them successfully. Like I said just experimenting. Not leaving F standard anytime soon. Thanks for ur comments! G

Ps like u said Rod , 280 Ai is a option!

[macguru]

The 284 shehane gets me 2840fps with 51g 2209 and pressures seem light. early days yet...
I am sure you could get another 100 fps with a hotter load but i did not want to damage my expensive lapua brass cases
I think they will last a good while with the above load
If you need 2950 maybe the saum or rem mag would be the way to go....

[RDavies]

Hi just ran the numbers , at 2950 Fps the muzzle energy is 3478 F00t pounds. Below the 3600 ft/ps limit( I think that's what it is). The other option is 7mm Shahane ( I think that's how it's spelled ). I have a Kelby f class action coming . So just another barrel ! Is this a better option? As there are a lot of people using them successfully. Like I said just experimenting. Not leaving F standard anytime soon. Thanks for ur comments! G

Ps like u said Rod , 280 Ai is a option!

I thought the energy limit was 3500 lb/ft? This equates to around 2960 fps.
My 7mm/300WSM is in tune at around 2950 fps, which I thought was a little too close to the limit if it was a warm day or got tested on a cold bore shot, so it is currently out getting a tuner fitted so I can keep it in tune at a slightly lower speed.
The 284 or 284 Shehane is the work horse of F Open, barrels last a reasonable time, they don't have scope killing or bone jarring recoil, cases are easy to find and they are just so accurate and consistent.
My new barrel is a 34" 284 Shehane and I am hoping the extra length might help get the velocity up closer to where I was throttling my short mags back to and if not, then I would say I will try a 280AI next.

[Tim N]

Hi All,
I have a 280AI which managed an 89:11 at 600 yd on the weekend at our ham shoot, with the 5 score being a missed wind condition.
Mostly I shoot a 284 but am just as confident with the 280AI.

[plumbs7]

Good shoot Tim ! I hear all of the good advice and is greatly appreciated , Rod's advice most certainly cannot be just swept aside ! However I already have an action and stock that I own , not going into f open anytime too soon . So I'm going with the 7mm-300 wsm and have a little play . See where that will lead me ! ( burning Barrels no doubt !). Thanks for the help! G. See u in the new year !

Ps . Have had over 8 inches of rain and is storming as I type. Ye Ha!