284 or SAUM

[Tim L]

I need to make a decision, 2 barrels on the way do I chamber for 284 or go SAUM. From all the reading it would seem the SAUM is the way to go, but if that's the case why so many 284's on the mound?

[jasmay]

Tim, I am not an open shooter but from watching in on a number of the top guys a few of them went that way but decided there was no discernible advantage, brass is harder to find, and it requires a magnum bolt face.

284's certainly have the runs on the board.

Mark F has 2 Saums, but always reverts to his 284.

[bartman007]

Tim, it really comes down to a couple of differences:

1. Felt Recoil can be a little more in the SAUM when pushing the 180's in their optimal zone, so you need to be comfortable with it
2. Availability and price of Brass has been a common issue
3. The requirement to have a Magnum bolt face when using SAUM cases
4. Life of the SAUM chambering when compared to the 284: A lot of people are indicating that their SAUM's go off around the 1000 round mark

Personally I have a SAUM, however these days rarely shoot it. It really comes out on the dirty days, when shooting from 700 yards back and can give you an edge. The SAUM will easily push the 180's from 2900 to 3100 fps. The 284's are typically running between 2800 to 2950 fps, due to limited case life if pushed into the 2900's.

The 7mm is having a great following, with most of the top shooters relying on them. It gets great barrel life, and the brass is readily available. The 180's when run slightly slower still give an advantage over the smaller calibers. You can get Lapua 6.5x284 brass and simply expand the neck, and you then have 284 brass!

Probably the first thing you should do is try to source SAUM brass. If it comes easily, then get the rest of the gear.

[shooter mcreid]

Tim,
I went the SAUM option and ordered brass around the same time as the gun. 10 months on and the gun could be ready any day however the brass is no where to be seen. About 5 months ago I started looking for the brass anywhere, I can't find any in Aus and couldn't find any American importers with stock either. I regret not going the 284. Good luck with what you decide.
Josh

[macguru]

Have you considered 284 shehane ? i suppose getting the dies may be a problem ....

[pjifl]

About 1 yr ago I bought a Barnard with both a magnum and normal bolt with the intention to build up both a Saum and a straight 284. And I have a reamer for the Saum. And a few spare barrels.

BUT Every time I think about it the heartache of sourcing brass etc destroys my enthusiasm for it. I do not want to tie myself to something that will have supply problems in the future.

The Shehane is also a good option but with some logistic problems. If it was not for this, I would be favoring it.

If you want to get the rifle up and running quickly, I would suggest a straight 284. Then maybe plan ahead and accumulate the gear for a Saum eventually. It can take a long time to have everything at hand.

As a practical consideration, energy limits will slightly limit the Saum at many shoots so its advantages are minimized.


And I see that this seems to echo what others have written !

[Brad Y]

No issue with shehane dies now whidden make them as standard items.

[macguru]

Can anyone post a picture of a 284 shehane next to a 284 win ? Alan ?

I will have to pay more attention next queens (next week) , this might be something i try next year. For now, i am happy with the 260 ackley

Andrew

[aaronraad]

Can't push a 180gr projectile faster than 2959fps at rifle ranges with a 3500 ft-lbs limit on muzzle energy.

Can't push a 180gr Berger Hybrid faster than 3015.5fps at Connaught under G1 ballistic coefficient and muzzle velocity restrictions.

So it also depends where you want to go shooting locally/overseas; and how quickly you want to start using the next barrel.

[Tim L]

Thanks for the quick replies guys. 284 it is, maybe the Shehane, we'll see how it goes.

[Longranger]

How does the 280 Ackley compare to the 284 or Shehane?

Thinking of using it as brass is readily available.

[aaronraad]

How does the 280 Ackley compare to the 284 or Shehane?

Thinking of using it as brass is readily available.

Longer

[macguru]

"Can't push a 180gr projectile faster than 2959fps at rifle ranges with a 3500 ft-lbs limit on muzzle energy.

Can't push a 180gr Berger Hybrid faster than 3015.5fps at Connaught under G1 ballistic coefficient and muzzle velocity restrictions.

So it also depends where you want to go shooting locally/overseas; and how quickly you want to start using the next barrel.
"

Gosh, isn't that fast enough ? you will just burn the barrel out if you get greedy

[aaronraad]

"Can't push a 180gr projectile faster than 2959fps at rifle ranges with a 3500 ft-lbs limit on muzzle energy.

Can't push a 180gr Berger Hybrid faster than 3015.5fps at Connaught under G1 ballistic coefficient and muzzle velocity restrictions.

So it also depends where you want to go shooting locally/overseas; and how quickly you want to start using the next barrel.
"

Gosh, isn't that fast enough ? you will just burn the barrel out if you get greedy

Next project...cause those late-nite ads keep telling they want longer lasting...barrels.

[saum2]

Tim,
I went the SAUM option and ordered brass around the same time as the gun. 10 months on and the gun could be ready any day however the brass is no where to be seen. About 5 months ago I started looking for the brass anywhere, I can't find any in Aus and couldn't find any American importers with stock either. I regret not going the 284. Good luck with what you decide.
Josh

Josh, how much saum brass do you need??Pm Me
Geoff