7WSM, 300WSM or 300WM

[Jumpalot]

I know I'm probably splitting hairs, but still looking for input. I'm wanting to build a rifle for deer and elk hunting that will reach out to 800 yds. but still come in under 9 pounds. Thinking about the 7WSM shooting 160 grain Accubonds or either of the 300's shooting 180 grain Accubonds. From the research I've done, they are all pretty close. Is there an advantage to the heavier, larger frontal diameter of the 30 cal.? Also, in my research, I've been reading that it would be better to go with a case that doesn't have a belt. Why? Please help!! Like I said, I know they all will probably all suffice, but when I'm looking at spending a couple thousand dollars, I want the best. So any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

[britz]

If you want a long range Elk rifle under 9 lbs to reach out to 800, I am sure that any of these will do the job with proper loads. However, IMHO the 300 wm has an advantage in using 200 and 220 grain bullets for the long range hunts. if you can build a rifle light enough for your taste and if you can put up with the additional recoil, I think there will be a small advantage to going this route.

As for the Belted part, couldn't say since I've never loaded a belted mag and only loaded the 300WSM out of the three you selected.
I will admit that I don't have extensive experience, but this is my opinion from a balistics point of view.

BTW, if you are spending lots of $$$, there are many many more cartidges that will have other advantages or disadvantages. how long do you need the barrel to last? try the RUM or the AM's. If you don't mind the recoil, a 338 may be what you are looking for.
Mark.

[Patriot44]

I would go with the 300 WSM with 165 to 180grn bullets.

[albert]

All I say is that the 300 WSM is no 300 WM. While the lack of a belt is nice have a belt is hardly a handicap.

[Wild_Bill]

Hi I would build a 7mm Rem SAUM the reason is the Win cases are a lot thicker than the Rem cases so case capacity is almost the same and the Rem's case allows the projectiles to be seated out further. I would definatley have a Wyats magazine box fitted. As for the action look at a Lawton 7000 model. the RSAUM case also have a 30deg shoulder and the Win case has a 35deg shoulder so the Rem case usually feeds easier. Get a 1 in 8 twist 7mm barrel and you will be able to stabalize 150gr right up to Richard's new 200Gr Wildcat alloy tipped projectiles giving a versitile rifle capable well paxt 1K. The 7mm will have less recoil than a 30cal I am taking liberty that you won't be fitting a muzzle break.

As for a stock check out the carbon stocks from Lone Wolf.
Good luck I bope I helped

Cheers Bill

[Shawn Carlock]

Jumpalot,

You can build a 9.0 or < rifle in almost any calber you want. The 7 WSM would be my choise I have built and owned them in the past. My favorite was a Rem 700 TI rifle with a #4 Hart fluted barrel, Nightforce 2.5-10 NXS w/ NPR2 reticule and weighed 7.2 lbs ready to go. It was wouderfully accurate shooting 1/2-5/8 moa with little load developement, shot the 160 Accubond @ 3100 fps and was a very capable 600-800 yard rifle. As a note I think that 800 yards was the practical limits of the package though.

[FRANK21]

7mmWSM or 7mmRemMag