what should I buy.

[dakor]

I have said it before and I will say it again [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] If you are going to shoot long Range with a 7mm get the 7mm STW it is the best 7mm out there. You gain 200 to 300 fps faster then the standard 7mm about the same recoil and same accuracy.

[doc76251]

For my $.02 I'd go with the 300WM or the 300WSM for one reason only. Bullet selection. There are more .30 cal bullets out there for diffrent applications than you can shake a stick at. It's a proven winner at the 1K target line and will handle anything in North America with the right bullet. Box ammo is plentiful and while not cheap, it can be found anywhere in a wide selection of bullets. 7mmWM = less availability and less bullet selection.

Just my $.02

Cheers [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[308 nate]

If you don't reload I would definately go with the .308 for there is a good supply of affordable match grade ammo.If you do reload I think you can't do much better than 7mm for anything in North America.First off weight to weight comparison the 7mm has a better BC and a higher SD compared to.30 cal.Secondly bullet selection is plentifull.
Nosler makes nine 7mm bullets.
Hornady makes sixteen 7mm bullets.
Barnes makes sixteen 7mm bullets.
Sierra makes fifteen 7mm bullets.
speer makes twenty-one 7mm bullets.
Berger makes two 7mm bullets.
winchester makes one 7mm bulets.
remingtom makes three 7mm bullets.
not to mention JLK's and other custom bullets. And Sierra's new 175.that's 83 bullets not counting customs.what more could you want.

don't mean to start a range war but I just get irritated when people say there isn't a good selection of bullets for the 7mm.
And yes, I realize there is a bigger selection of bullets for the .30 cal.

bountyhunter,I agree with you on the long action for the 7mmwsm but I guess I'm just a short action guy and that's why I suggested the 7mmsaum.

I don't think they make a long action in .308 anymore and it may be hard to find a used left hand.

forgot to mention, for ultra long range energy, heavier bullets than 7mm offers are required.(ultra long range meaning 1-2,000 yards.)
FWIW

[ 08-04-2004: Message edited by: 308 nate ]

[Lightvarmint]

I personally think that long-range implies loading your own fodder. Without the control over components which control the consistency, you could get into a situation where it would not be ethical to shoot the animal at long range due to the accuracy of the rifle.

Finally, a rifle in the area of 1 moa is not a long range gun that I would use on game.

James

[Iron Worker]

To the Veteran and current Police officer.Thanks for your service. Hey now lets talk performance.The 7mm mag is from the 60ties,7mm stw is from the ninties.The 7mmWSM is better than the 7MM Rem Mag its from the new century.It is of the new design Short and fat.You get that in a sako 75 and you'll be the envy of all.However why stop there I shoot a Remington 300ultr Magnum.It kicks butt.Its just getting started at 600yds.Also new design fat rather than skinny like a 300 Winchester or weatherby Magnum.I have a Remington sporter with a vias muzzel brake[removes 60% of recoil]and looks good.This rifle will with great ease shoot 1/2" MOA as long as you don't get the BBL too hot.Of course this applys to any 7mm Mag also.[that is heat of BBL]I was shootin mine today its bad to the bone!!!! I'm getting ready to hunt Black bear.Bullet weight selection is from 110 to 220.This rifle is aproximately 65 to 75% more powerful than a punney 308.But back to the 7mm's The 7MM WSM is the best for the buck! its the rave of all the long range hunters. The 7MM STW is more powerful but its yesterdays tech.The 7REM MM MAG is old,old stuff.In its day it was great. iTS LIKE COMPARING A PROPplane to a jet. Hey keep up the good work thanks for your national convictions. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[BHShaman]

disclaimer: I have not shot both cal. side by side with the same gun model.

I did score my moose some 15 years ago with a 7mm Mag at over 250yds (easy). The shot passed through the moose and caused considerable damage. My Dad also got his Moose the same year with the same rifle.
Its an all around workhorse for hunting.

When I get around to buying my own 700, it will be 7mm Mag due to nostalgia, AND that I have seen it work on N. America's Biggest Game first hand. Or maybe I can coerce my Dad to give his up. Sometimes it is not about being the latest and greatest. It is about being proven and most beloved.
[img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[ 08-10-2004: Message edited by: BHShaman ]

I have a remington 7mm mag sendero. and I really like it. no I love the thing. But I will rechamber for the 7mm wsm when time to do so. that way I can pull the bullet out a little farther and put more fire behind that 162 gr. Amax.7mm mag is without a doubt one of the best rounds ever made.If you are stuck on a 7mm round go with the wsm its the going thang.but take a good look at the 30 cals ther is just more energy there thats my 1 cent worth.