7 mag or 300 WSM?

Looking to get another rifle and am considering either the 7 mag or 300 wsm. I know they’re pretty close in performance and kill about the same too. I think I’m leaning 7 mag but wanted to see if I’m missing anything on the 300 wsm?

You wanting the bullet to go far?

When necessary.

That .300 WSM can't hang with the 7 Rem Mag then.

Hornady ELD-X 175 gr. G-1 .689, G-7 .347

Hornady ELD-M 180 gr. G-1 .795, G-7 .401

And you will get both of those high BC bullets north of 2900 fps MV. 2950 is also very expected. My 7 Rem Mag safely shoots a 180 VLD at 2950 (I had it uo to 3030 fps)

That .300 WSM can't drive a BC that high, that fast.

Another vote for the 7mm RM.

Where does the 7saum come into play in the number crunching

I’ve wanted a 7Saum but ammo prices are crazy.

Thanks! I was leaning that way.

Now should I get a custom rifle or semi-custom?

Budget?

And, since on one else has asked: What is the intended use of the rifle, target shooting, long range shooting (600 yds+}. hunting (if so what critters)? Texas? Rockies? Africa?

Sorry guys. The custom vs semi custom was supposed to be a joke. I already know what I’m getting. This will be mainly a hunting rifle. Elk, nilgai and any other big critter I may fancy.

Of those two I'd have to go with the 300 WSM for primarily big game rifle, I would want the heavier bullets. Or go 30-378 Weatherby Magnum for speed and energy but better reload, the factory ammo is a killer!

I hope you're planning on a 26" finish.

Mine is a "Light Palma" contour, with Kampfield sprial flutes. It is lighter than it looks. I did tote it for a week at 9000' to 11,000' it really wasn't a problem. I've also carried it many a mile in Terrel county, Texas, still not bad to tote in that rocky ground. Mine is in a Manners T-4, it balances well. But if you really wanted to shave weight a Manners EH-1 would do that. It'll get barrel heavy, though.

My plan is to go with a gun company from Finland and put it in a Manners EH-T. I have a 308 in. EH-T and really like it. I believe the gun comes with a 24” barrel from the factory. I’ll pribably shoot it first and see how it goes.

Sako or Tikka?

The Woodpecker!


Tikka (is Finnish word for Woodpecker I believe).

Well... In that case you are in luck. Our bottom metal will fit in the EH-T with factory inlet but allow you to run AICS magazines to achieve an extended OAL of 3.50” to maximize the performance of the 162s/175s/180s compared what you’ll be limited to with the factory magazine.

When you order from Manners, call and ask to speak to Robert in their sales department. He has one of our bottom metal parts and can inlet your EH-T for it.

Then I'd get a proper 338 or 375 caliber... If you want to shoot big critters for big bucks....start with a 338... If you are choosing the above...go with the 7mm remington mag with 180s...

Ed

I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks.

If it’s a hunting rifle that you will be carrying a lot, IMO the main considerations are weight/carryability and caliber.

First question is are you planning on shooting long range (400+)?
If so, there’s a lot to consider and the 7mm would likely be the better choice. Lots of other challenges in keeping weight/carryability manageable with a LR rig.
If not, your task is much easier. Lots of quality rifles and optics that can be put together that will come in under 8 lbs. “all in” in a streamlined and relatively compact package.

I agree that a .338 WM is probably the perfect elk caliber, but recoil starts to become an issue as you move beyond the .300 in a lightweight rifle. It certainly does with a .375. So I tend to think of those as more specialty brown bear rifles than general hunting rifles.

My “medium heavy” all around hunting rifle for carrying out west/up north is a Sako Finnlight in .300 WSM. Lightweight, balanced, fits in a
pack/scabbard easily, fits me well, and plenty of rifle for everything in North America with the possible exception of the biggest bears. (I do not shoot beyond 400 in the field and have no desire to.)

NP,

The older I get the more and more I appreciate the carry ability of a rifle you mention...some of these gun built by some I see are great for setting on a ridge and sniping but carrying up a Rock Shute to whack at stone sheep--not so much. I just got thru shooting a friends 338 RCM built on a WSM Winchester and a hi tech stock...light with a big wallop...he took it on his NM elk hunt and his tahr hunt last year...very portable with a nice big hole one the other end. My 33 Nosler was not that light...like 11lbs scoped...man those extra 2 lbs feel like 10 going up hill...

Ed

I vote for 300WSM I have had both currently have 300WSW in stainless stalker a bolt like the short action of 300

7mm Rem Mag.