7mm Rem Mag Barrel Length

[sydleier]

Hey Everyone,

This is my first post on this forum so I guess I'll go ahead and introduce myself I'm Sydney and I'm getting ready to order my first fully custom rifle. I'm leanig toward getting a 7mm Rem Mag with a Bartlein stainless 5R barrel with a 1:10 twist. What barrel length would be the best for shots upwards of 800yards? Most people are recommending anywhere from 22" - 26". What's the best that you've found?

[James H]

I would go 1:9 twist and 26 to 28" length. While I have had no problems with stabilizing 162 A-Maxes in a 1:10 twist Hornady recommends a 1:9 or faster and it would leave you open to shoot the 180 Bergers also.

James

[elkaholic]

Welcome Sydney! I would go with a minimum of 26". You will increase velocity by approx. 40 ft/sec. for every inch of barrel length. If you intend to shoot long range and maintain sufficient energy, the extra velocity will help. You will also want to use a high B.C. bullet for the same reason. There are some good bullets available for that diameter. Hope this helps. Again, welcome!.......Rich

[demented]

If you want a 7mm Mag up off its knees, a 26" barrel certainly helps. Anything shorter and IMO, you may as well go with a .280 or 30-06, these with a 22" barrel

[azsugarbear]

28" with a 1:9 twist.

As long as you are going custom, you may want to consider the 7mm STW or the 7mm RUM. I have nothing against the 7mm Mag, but the ballistics are only marginally better than the 30-06. Both of these other alternatives will get you out to 1000 yds. and commercial ammo is readily available for both.

By the way, welcome to LRH. :-)

[4bycamper]

My 7mm RM is getting 3050 fps with 160 AB's from a 24" barrel. When I change that barrel I'll go to a 26" to find that missing 80 fps.

I wouldn't go any shorter than 24". I mean isn't that why you want a magnum ?






JM .02

[trueblue]

Definitely 1:9x and 26"