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What new caliber
#5598224
02/13/15 10:48 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41
257.Bob
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41 |
Hey guys, I've got a 257 Roberts (Bob) that is a deer slaying beast. I've got a hankering for another custom rifle and am going to get something in the 7mm realm. If I was honest with myself a 7x57, 7-08, or 280 would be more than enough...but I'm wanting something a little more exotic. Thinking about the 280ai, 7stw, 7rum, or the new 28 Nosler. I'll probably never hunt elk or nilai but would like a round that would do the trick if the opportunity ever came up. Truthfully, I rarely shoot long range at game animals, but again, would like the luxury. The rifle most likely will just shoot good ole Texas deer, but a trip to Montana to hunt long range speed goats is possible...also a Kansas whitetail hunt is a possibility as well.
What say the experts?
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598235
02/13/15 10:54 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219
dee
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219 |
280AI would be my choice.
"A vote is like a rifle; it's usefulness depends on the character of the user" Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598267
02/13/15 11:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 974
rjd
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 974 |
I went thru similar once. Built a 7 mag thinking it would become my alltime favorite rifle. Shot great. Then, one day I sat down and took a real look at things. It took more powder and bellowed louder to do not much more than other rifles I have. Being cheap, I ended up selling it and going to calibers that just work - .25-06 (would be as happy with the .257 you have), 6.5x55, and .30-06.
If you want something different, have fun. If you want something that just works, the 7-08 or 7x57 would get my nod.
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598276
02/13/15 11:27 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41
257.Bob
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41 |
rjd, I'm a big fan of nostalgic rounds. They do everything that is needed without the fuss and report. I'd jump on a 7x57 in a heartbeat, but the ammo companies load the factory ammo quite weak and I'm not a handloader (as of yet).
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598300
02/13/15 11:43 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,521
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,521 |
Ever look into the 7x61 Sharpe & Hart? Cartridge : 7 x 61 S&H (Super)
Bullet : .284, 160, Nosler PART SP 16327
Useable Case Capaci: 71.444 grain H2O = 4.639 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.290 inch = 83.57 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 58740 psi, or 405 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 115 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !
99 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 90%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Vihtavuori N570 107.4 74.5 4.83 3076 95.8 58740 15198 1.197 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Norma 217 114.1 74.0 4.80 3067 100.0 58740 14097 1.207 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant Reloder-50 114.3 81.4 5.28 3064 95.6 58740 15352 1.217 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant Reloder-33 107.7 78.0 5.05 3063 96.2 58740 15024 1.197 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon H870 113.9 77.5 5.02 3059 97.5 58740 14762 1.199 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon Retumbo 111.0 73.5 4.76 3054 100.0 58740 13640 1.191 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Norma MRP 2 106.3 70.0 4.53 3019 99.2 58740 13812 1.212 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant Reloder-25 104.0 68.1 4.41 3018 100.0 58740 12874 1.198 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Norma MRP 96.2 66.1 4.28 3013 100.0 58740 13373 1.210 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori N560 97.9 65.9 4.27 3011 98.5 58740 13751 1.203 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
IMR 7828 SSC 96.9 65.6 4.25 3004 98.9 58740 13346 1.191 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
IMR 7828 102.4 65.6 4.25 3004 98.9 58740 13346 1.191 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Accurate MAGPRO 98.3 68.8 4.46 3003 97.4 58740 13862 1.210 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon H1000 107.2 69.8 4.52 2988 99.1 58740 13066 1.187 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant Reloder-22 98.2 65.4 4.24 2987 99.6 58740 13202 1.209 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Winchester WXR 100.8 65.7 4.26 2986 99.5 58740 13219 1.209 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Ramshot Magnum 98.4 70.6 4.57 2974 99.9 58740 12683 1.203 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori 24N41 109.3 76.7 4.97 2951 89.5 58740 13546 1.194 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon US 869 115.0 80.7 5.23 2948 89.7 58569 13630 1.203 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant Reloder-19 95.2 62.7 4.06 2946 99.5 58740 12575 1.204 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon 50BMG 115.0 76.9 4.98 2941 85.4 58237 13701 1.204 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Ramshot Hunter 90.8 61.7 4.00 2936 100.0 58740 12107 1.212 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon H4831 100.4 64.3 4.16 2926 98.2 58740 12466 1.201 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon H4831 SC 96.5 64.3 4.16 2926 98.2 58740 12466 1.201 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE! Note that this performance comes at a pressure under 59,000 psi. I would be willing to bet you could safely push this to 62,000 psi and never have an issue with it.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598305
02/13/15 11:45 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,521
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,521 |
Pushed to 62,000 psi... Cartridge : 7 x 61 S&H (Super)
Bullet : .284, 160, Nosler PART SP 16327
Useable Case Capaci: 71.444 grain H2O = 4.639 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.290 inch = 83.57 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 62000 psi, or 427 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 115 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !
98 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 90%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Vihtavuori N570 108.8 75.6 4.90 3129 96.5 62000 15399 1.167 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant Reloder-33 109.1 79.0 5.12 3115 96.9 62000 15208 1.168 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon Retumbo 112.6 74.5 4.83 3103 100.0 62000 13697 1.161 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon H870 115.0 78.2 5.07 3097 98.0 61158 14880 1.177 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Norma 217 115.0 74.6 4.83 3095 100.0 60629 14125 1.190 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant Reloder-50 115.0 81.9 5.31 3090 96.0 60374 15441 1.202 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Norma MRP 2 107.8 71.0 4.60 3068 99.5 62000 13939 1.182 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant Reloder-25 105.6 69.2 4.48 3064 100.0 62000 12956 1.169 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori N560 99.6 67.0 4.34 3062 98.9 62000 13923 1.173 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Norma MRP 97.8 67.2 4.35 3061 100.0 62000 13469 1.180 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Accurate MAGPRO 99.9 69.9 4.53 3054 98.0 62000 14043 1.180 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
IMR 7828 104.1 66.6 4.32 3054 99.3 62000 13491 1.163 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
IMR 7828 SSC 98.4 66.6 4.32 3054 99.3 62000 13491 1.163 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon H1000 108.7 70.8 4.59 3037 99.4 62000 13181 1.158 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant Reloder-22 99.8 66.5 4.31 3036 99.8 62000 13336 1.179 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Winchester WXR 102.5 66.8 4.33 3035 99.7 62000 13357 1.180 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Ramshot Magnum 99.8 71.6 4.64 3019 100.0 62000 12751 1.174 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori 24N41 110.8 77.7 5.04 3003 90.5 62000 13779 1.164 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant Reloder-19 96.9 63.8 4.13 2995 99.7 62000 12723 1.175 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Ramshot Hunter 92.5 62.9 4.07 2983 100.0 62000 12217 1.182 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon H4831 102.1 65.4 4.24 2976 98.7 62000 12632 1.172 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon H4831 SC 98.2 65.4 4.24 2976 98.7 62000 12632 1.172 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598313
02/13/15 11:48 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 840
10ring
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 840 |
I have the 257 rob and it is a great round no doubt. I also have the 7x57 which is enjoyable also. The 280 is in the stable as well and it has grown into a favorite. Out of the bunch I wish I had the 280AI. I'm looking for another 280 and having it reamed to AI. My vote in the rounds you are considering would be a 280AI.
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598317
02/13/15 11:49 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41
257.Bob
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41 |
Again, not a handloader, so I'm going to have to stick to factory ammo (unless I get a hankering to handload).
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598409
02/14/15 12:57 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171 |
Again, not a handloader, so I'm going to have to stick to factory ammo (unless I get a hankering to handload). Invest in hand loading equipment. Loads can be tuned for each rifle making them shoot as good as they possibly can. I've seen .2 gr. of powder make a world of difference in how a rifle shoots. But since we're also talking chamberings I got lots of love for my 1:8.4 twist 7 Rem Mag pushing 180 gr. Bergers @3000 fps out the muzzle. It doesn't really care much about wind, and hits very hard. I reserve it for "special occasions" The 28 Nosler is intriguing, though. I really like the looks of the case geometry. And the 280 A.I. is the Rem Mag's slightly smaller little brother.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598411
02/14/15 01:00 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,463
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,463 |
Again, not a handloader, so I'm going to have to stick to factory ammo (unless I get a hankering to handload). Nosler makes 280AI ammo
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598415
02/14/15 01:01 AM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8,383
nsmike
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8,383 |
Just to be different, another option, would be the 7x64 Brenneke. It's approximitly in the same class as the 280AI with better fatory ammunition availability and no fire forming of brass. There are some neat European guns that are available it that caliber.
for every stereotype there's a prototype don't be the prototype
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598420
02/14/15 01:02 AM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,005
JRJ6
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,005 |
280 Remington is what I ended up going with
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598422
02/14/15 01:04 AM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,699
603Country
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,699 |
Don't fight it. Get reloading stuff. Join us. We are the Borg, resistance is futile, surrender and be assimilated.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598435
02/14/15 01:14 AM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41
257.Bob
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41 |
603, I probably would get into reloading if I had a buddy that was into it. But, alas I don't know anyone that reloads.
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598437
02/14/15 01:15 AM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,124
Brother in-law
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,124 |
Fight it, pay a small premium to people that enjoy that crap and make your gun the best it can be. No point Ina true custom with out full potential Reload or have your smith make your gun to your load
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 603Country]
#5598439
02/14/15 01:16 AM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 14,199
tth_40
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 14,199 |
Don't fight it. Get reloading stuff. Join us. We are the Borg, resistance is futile, surrender and be assimilated. This exactly. Getting an "exotic" or out of the ordinary caliber is a VERY good reason to start hand loading. Beware, it's addicting as heck.
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598466
02/14/15 01:29 AM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41
257.Bob
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41 |
Brother in-law, If paying someone to make my ammo...which 7mm would you recommend? Again, I'm not opposed to any of the rounds, but preferring something that the factories load.
Just wanting a great deer rifle that would excel at an opportunity that will probably never present itself (elk, nilgia, long range deer/pronghorn.
Last edited by 257.Bob; 02/14/15 02:03 AM.
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 603Country]
#5598648
02/14/15 03:32 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091 |
Don't fight it. Get reloading stuff. Join us. We are the Borg, resistance is futile, surrender and be assimilated. LOL yes that's pretty much it.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598707
02/14/15 03:55 AM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,124
Brother in-law
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,124 |
I can't comment on the best 7mm bullet but I know at the 180 stuff shoots long and hits hard. If I was going to build it I would want max potential. There are some folks on here that have good experience with 7-08 and 7 mag that can give you the best of both. But if you're going to build a custom get some custom ammo. My gun maker found my load recipe and I pay chadtrg on here to reload for me. It works out great as I have no desire to tinker and buy all the stuff to reload. Once you buy some of the components like bullets , brass, powder it's not all that expensive. I'm a fan of some Otc ammo to but with a custom don't cheat it
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598717
02/14/15 03:58 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 313
Ritter
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 313 |
Probably the most versatile and easiest to find factory loaded ammunition would be the 7 Magnum. With a 168 grain bullet around 2850-2900 fps you could take almost any game on the continent. Reduced velocity ammunition is even available for those times when you don't really need the energy of the full power load.
The 7 STW is a great caliber but with higher priced amuntition, less availability and slightly higher recoil.
The 7 ultra mag is my favorite of the over bore magnums. It easily handles the heaviest of the 7 mm bullets and can take game at distances that most people find hard to believe. It can be harder to find factory ammunition for than the 7 magnum but easier than the 7 STW. The ultra mag also has quite a bit of recoil for those that aren't used to shooting magnums.
Nosler is even offering their 28 Nosler to compete with the 300 RUM.
A 280 or a 280AI are both great cartridges but really perform better with 140 gr. ,and if really needed, 168 gr. bullets. They are both capable rounds but if you really want something a little more exotic and versatile you would probably be happier with the magnums.
Gunwerks offers factory loads for their 7 LRM. The ammo can get expensive if you shoot often but reloading really brings that expense down.
If you decide that you want to start reloading then your choices really open up. Cartridges like the 7mm Firebird and Sizzler 7 STW are definitely some of the more exotic ones out there.
I have owned rifles chambered in 7 RUM, 280 AI and 7 mag and I recently replaced all of these with the 7 LRM. I really like shooting the Berger 180 gr. hybrid at 3050 fps and only having to use 72 grains of H1000.
It probably comes down to choosing the bullet you want to shoot, how fast you want to push it, how much powder your willing to burn to do it and how difficult it can be to get all the components together.
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5598856
02/14/15 05:45 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,175
texaspatriot.308
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,175 |
unless you reload, you better choose a caliber that ammo for it can be found on store shelves.
TexasPatriot.308
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 603Country]
#5598880
02/14/15 06:26 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,357
Hirogen
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,357 |
Don't fight it. Get reloading stuff. Join us. We are the Borg, resistance is futile, surrender and be assimilated. Unless you are a member of Species 8472 (see my footer) - but other than that true.
Last edited by Hirogen; 02/14/15 06:32 AM.
Never violate a woman, nor harm a child. Do not lie, cheat or steal. These things are for lesser men. Protect the weak against the evil strong. And never allow thoughts of gain to lead you into the pursuit of evil.
-The Iron Code of Druss the Legend
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: Ritter]
#5599105
02/14/15 02:45 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171 |
It probably comes down to choosing the bullet you want to shoot, how fast you want to push it, how much powder your willing to burn to do it and how difficult it can be to get all the components together.
Bingo! That's all any of this comes down to. I have lots of people friends and strangers, that don't understand (until I tell them) about barrels. Look on Bugholes.com, Third Genration shooting supply, ect. You will see barrels in .224, .257, .264, .277, .284, .308, .338, .375, and .50.(course there's a few more) But the list of chamberings is in the hundreds, you decide what you want to chamber said caliber barrel in.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: JRJ6]
#5599432
02/14/15 06:41 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,521
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,521 |
280 Remington is what I ended up going with I think life as a non-handloader would suck, but we ain't all wired the same. You made a good solid choice there. The .280 is enough for just about anything in the Lower 48. Some might argue for the 7 Mag, but I'd have chosen the .280 myself. The 7 Mag is on the other side of my imaginary line, at least for what I do.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: What new caliber
[Re: 257.Bob]
#5599443
02/14/15 06:48 PM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,985
TonyinVA
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,985 |
I have Remington 700's in 257 Roberts, 270, 30-06 and 7mm Mag.
The 7mm Mag has a pretty wide range of premium factory ammo. My 7mm Mag is a tack driver, and as I recall (not looking to start a debate), the 7mm round has pretty good ballistic coefficients.
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