Tikka T-3 into a 7 wsm or 7 saum

[pyroducksx3]

Jarhead I found the bullet that Long Time Long ranger was talking about. That website is confusing and you have to look real hard, it jumps around. This is the bullet he was talking about 308177HV198.638 It does say this about the bullet though ."We suggest that this bullet be used for hunting beyond 500m. It can be used in 1:9" twist for closer than 500m. Conditions can cause variations in this recommendation, but we give it as a general guide to application." Most of my shots will be inside of 500. I just want to be ready to take longer. I also want only one bullet for all hunting.


11.540.01.5820.80.82

Long range 1:10"Twist 30-06, 300 Magnums. Close range 1:9"Twist

[Long Time Long Ranger]

Jarhead, You can run the numbers but I feel confident that my 300 wsm with the 177 grain GS HV hunting bullet at .638 BC traveling over 3100 fps will perform well compared to anything your 7mm saum will do in a hunting situation. Post your bullet and load and let some guys on here run the numbers and see what happens. Both will satisfy this gentlemans requirements but he already has a 300 wsm so why spend the extra money to change it. I completely disagree with your comment that 7mm and 338 are the only choices. I am a hunter, not a target shooter, so my criteira must actually perform well on game in every circumstance. There are some good quality hunting bullets in 30 caliber with good BC's that compare well with any other caliber. That same GS bullet driven near 3500 fps in a 300 ultramag is one of the top performers in any caliber.

[JARHEAD1371]

I looked at the 177 gr bullets referred to. They look impressive except for the price. $84.50 per box (100-150 I'm guessing) plus $13 shipping is very steep compared to Bergers or JLKs.

I'm not trying to change anyone's mind about their caliber of choice, to each his own. I feel that everyone should shoot what he/she can shoot with the highest level of accuracy and confidence. Hell, I'm already looking at other options for another build or rebarrel for when the time comes. So far I've narrowed it down to 7mm/338 Norma with 200 gr Wildcats or 180 gr JLK for a rebarrel and 338 Edge or 338 Norma with 300 gr Bergers (once they are available and tested) for a new build.

[Long Time Long Ranger]

Jarhead, No problem, I only have 150 or so rifles in every caliber and wildcats off about every case so I am always needing another excuse to try something else. Those you are looking at should be good ones.

Pyro, The GS bullets perform better under 500 meters than over 500. The problem is them not opening up enough at slower velocities because they are a monometal bullet. At the range you are shooting there are several much cheaper bullets that would do well in your 300 wsm. Basically inside of 500 meters many choices work very well. I am using the 150 etip with a .469 bc just under 3400 fps. I guarantee at the range you are looking at it is a very good choice to take anything you meet up with. I have so many 7mm's based off so many cases I can't even count them all so I love the 7mm as much as anybody. But I wouldn't spend money to go from the 300 wsm to a 7mm of the same case. Either one is fine for what you are doing. I also wouldn't spend money to go from the 7mm wsm to the 300 wsm if I had the 7mm. If you just want to spend some money and the 7mm tickles your fancy then it will also be a good shooter. Performance wise at the range your shooting and the animals I had just as soon have the 300.

[pyroducksx3]

Long time long ranger I wasnt looking to change for no reason I only plan to change when I get a new barrel and was looking at if the 300 was still my best option. It seems that if I go to the remington recoil lug and/or plan on installing a muzzle break a new barrel will be required wether or not I choose to stay with the 300 wsm or go to something different. I was hoping to reduce recoil because although I shoot the 300wsm without flinching I still dont enjoy the recoil, but it is tolerable. Was looking at option to possibly reduce felt recoil and maybe even gain a better ballistic advantage.

[3fingervic]

I'd keep that gun whole. Save my money, and try to fill another gap in my arsenal. You gun is suited for pretty much anything except elk past 700-800 yards and big bears. Not that it couldn't be done. I would start saving my pennies for a .338 of your choosing. I would really like to get a .338 AM, but I would settle for a Lapua Mag. I have a .300WM, and that's the plan I'm going with.