Help me decide caliber for new build

[MudRunner2005]

My Sendero STW will shoot 1 ragged hole groups at 100 yards with factory loaded ammo (Federal Premium 160gr Accubonds), and they will fit in the magazine.

When I shoot at the range, I shoot all mine as single-shot rifles, loading only 1 round in at a time. And if you are wanting to push the Berger 180 VLD's out anywhere near your lands you will have to shoot them as a single-shot style.

My Sendero 7STW with 180gr Berger VLD Hunting Match bullets a couple thousandths off the lands, is still in the 3.858" range, which will definitely not fit in the magazine. I have not experimented with how far down you could pack them in there to make them fit in your magazine well. When I get a chance (probably this evening), I will measure the OAL of my 700 mag well.

I'm sure other people can give better advice on the 180 Bergers, since I haven't had a chance to test-fire mine yet...

[MontanaRifleman]

7/300 WM capacity, 91.3 gr: case length 2.825

7 Dakota capacity, 90.7 gr: case length 2.500

7 STW capacity, 92.7 gr: case length 2.850

All very close in capacity and performance. The Dakota will give you more flexibility in seating long high BC bullets to fit the mag box.

And I'll probably ruffle a few feathers here, the Dakota doesn't have that nasty scabby belt thing around the base

[Dhughes]

Originally Posted by MontanaRifleman

7/300 WM capacity, 91.3 gr: case length 2.825

7 Dakota capacity, 90.7 gr: case length 2.500

7 STW capacity, 92.7 gr: case length 2.850

All very close in capacity and performance. The Dakota will give you more flexibility in seating long high BC bullets to fit the mag box.

And I'll probably ruffle a few feathers here, the Dakota doesn't have that nasty scabby belt thing around the base

Thanks for that. The Dakota is looking better and better the more I read about it.

[north of 53]

The 284 shehane has been getting some good results with the F class crowd. It might be worth a look.

[hhack]

I have a 7/300 win mag and I am running the 168gr at 3150 out of a 25" barrel. It shoots great so far but I haven't had it that long, bout 100 rounds down the tube. My only regret is that I built on a standard 300 win mag length action. I feel to really utilized this cartridge you need to run a magnum length action. I got my best performance when I loaded to a COL of 3.60" and single loaded, but my magazine only allows a COL of 3.34."

There is a guy from New Zealand that has a web site that has done a lot of research on a very similar cartridge he called it the 7mm practical which is a 7/300 win mag with a 30 or 35* shoulder and the neck was a little longer. Here is his website

The 7mm Practical. A Practical Magnum.

I would go with one of the big 7mm's if I were you. You won't regret it.

[Dhughes]

I'm still reading up on it, but the 7 dakota is looking pretty good. It is short enough to running a Remington mag action, you can buy brass and dies for it and it will run a 180 over 3000 fps.
Does anybody have anymore info on these? Pros and cons of the dakota over the 7/300 or 7LRM?

[MontanaRifleman]

The difference in performance between the 7 Dakota and the 7/300 will be negligible. As far as I know there is no brass or dies available for the 7/300. If that's the case you have to get custom dies. I would recommend sending a reamer drawing to Hornady. It will take about 14 weeks give or take. Then neck down 300 WM brass to 7mm.

The Dakota has brass and dies availble. If you get Dakota brass call Dakota and order from them in 100 pc lots. Cheaper that way.

Other than that, the Dakota will fit the mag box easier than the 7/300 with a long bullet.