7mm WSM or 7mm rem mag?

[Gary Kaney]

Brain
I've got a Win. Mod. 70 Coyote 7 WSM i'm thinking about parting with. If you would be interested let me know.

[MontanaRifleman]

I have hunted with solely with the 7mm Rem Mag for over 20 yrs now. My bullet of choice was the 160 Nosler partition. It has been a great rifle and given me 100% success.

Having said that, I would probably vote for the 7mm WSM and recommend trying Noslers new 150 gr E-Tip. That outfit will effectively kill any game in the lower 48 and all but the *Big Bears* in AK. It will kill a Big Bear but probably not very quickly. James Jones also makes a good point about the belted case. I had one fail on me once.

Also, have you considered the 7mm RUM or STW? Those cartridges have comparable (maybe better) ballistics than the 300 WM.

Another consideration, how far do you want to be able to shoot game? Ballistic tables suggest bullet performance to about 800-900 yds for the Rem Mag and WSM.

Either one will serve you well. Good shootin'

BTW, I lived in IL for 4 yrs, not by my choice...but by the USAF choice...my condolence to you.

[Natty Bumpo]

You can get Savage's in both 7mm WSM and Rem Mag. In their short action, I understand Savage has modified their bolt for controlled feed. If you were going to build a short mag rifle on a Savage Action, should you get the action with the controlled-round-feed? Some specified preference for a long action in order to properly seat heavy bullets. With a push-feed will this cause feed problems. Will a single stack magazine rather than a staggered magazine fix this?

[brian923]

thats a good question. i cant seem to get my 7mm rem mag chamber reamer, headspace gauge, and various reloading components to sell, so i ll probably just keep them, and build my self a 7mm rem mag. hey, since i got the stuff... why not.. right?

i think that the 7mm rem mag should work fine with or without CRF. they have offered the 7rem mag longer then they have offered CRF, so i think it will also work with staggered feed. you lose capacity though, but three should do ya just fine..... or at least it should...

let me know if i am wrong though, and i just want to say thanks guys, for all your input and advice. ill keep ya posted as to how the build goes. brian

[3006savage]

Several posts referenced the 7mm Rem as having a bigger capacity. The case capacities are actually equal. The 7mm Rem is 83.2 and 7WSM is 83 grains. If you reload I would choose the 7WSM for the following reasons.
1. Shorter case provided more efficiency with equal powder.
2. Shorter case provides more consistent velocity which at long range improves accuracy. This has been well documented in benchrest competition shooting.
3. Unbelted case headspaces more positively on the shoulder for better accuracy.
4. Shorter WSM case allows for lighter actioned rifles which in turn allows a lighter carrying gun or heavier barrel contour for reduced barrel whip.
5. The 7WSM ballistically outperforms the 7Rem Mag at all weight bullets.

For instance the Federal Cartridge 160 grain NP is listed at 3160FPS this is a pretty heavy round and it is 100+ FPS beyond any 7mm Rem Mag factory loads.

If you do not reload the 7mm Rem is the ticket due to availability.

[FRANK21]

Originally Posted by 3006savage

Several posts referenced the 7mm Rem as having a bigger capacity. The case capacities are actually equal. The 7mm Rem is 83.2 and 7WSM is 83 grains. If you reload I would choose the 7WSM for the following reasons.
1. Shorter case provided more efficiency with equal powder.
2. Shorter case provides more consistent velocity which at long range improves accuracy. This has been well documented in benchrest competition shooting.
3. Unbelted case headspaces more positively on the shoulder for better accuracy.
4. Shorter WSM case allows for lighter actioned rifles which in turn allows a lighter carrying gun or heavier barrel contour for reduced barrel whip.
5. The 7WSM ballistically outperforms the 7Rem Mag at all weight bullets.

For instance the Federal Cartridge 160 grain NP is listed at 3160FPS this is a pretty heavy round and it is 100+ FPS beyond any 7mm Rem Mag factory loads.

If you do not reload the 7mm Rem is the ticket due to availability.

I have both cartridges mentioned in custom tactical rifles. I load for both and they are ballistic twins in ALL regards. IMO, the 7WSM is a 7mmRM in a S/A. No more, no less.

Here is my take on Mr. 3006Savages comments.

1. In theory, yes. However, I have yet to see a REAL difference with a field rifle in field conditions.

2. Not the case, Im running single digit ESs in both my 7mmRMs and 7WSM. Proper case prep, and loading goes a LONG way in this dept. Both cartridges are splendid LR performers. I dont worry much about BR shooting, because I mainly do field shooting- no return to battery rests, super stable rests, no 30LB rifles, wind flags, etc.

3. Negative. Proper chambering, and die set up is critical for either- belted or non belted.

4. Cant really comment, other than a 1/2 pound heavier/lighter or inch longer/shorter, has never made much of a difference to me. To some people and for some applications it does. To each thier own.

5. BS. When loaded to the same pressures they basically run identical velocities.. What I have found is that when both cartridges are confined to thier respective action lenghts/mag confines, the 7mmRM will outrun the WSM with heavy long bullets- due to the long bullets encroaching on case cap of the WSM.

Dont put much stock in the factory ammo ballistics guide when regarding 7mmRM performace potential, simply because it is widely known that 7mmRM factory ammo is severly underloaded..

[phorwath]

Frank21,

I agree.