Is 7mm SST the perfect cartridge for me?

[Darkfightr]

I know these are always wildly debated and opinionated, but I have to ask...

Is 7mm Sherman Shortmag Tactical (7 SST) the perfect cartridge for a new rifle build for my purposes?

Purpose:
-Elk(plus other bigger game) capable to about 5-600 yards
-lightweight (7ish pounds) mountain rifle

About me:
-Reloader, not really wanting to dive into a neck turned, super rare wildcat.

- would prefer to build off of a short action

- sorta recoil sensitive? On paper, a 180ish grain bullet at like 2900ish FPS in a 7 lb rifle seems doable in recoil calculators (I shoot 6.5 CM, 308 win and lighter 270 win loads regularly without issue). This is what is keeping me back from the big 30 nosler/win mag/prc and bigger since I do plan to shoot and practice quite regularly and often.

-cost of components is not a real concern (I know the brass isn't cheap for 7 SST)


If you feel there are better cartridges, with less recoil, but the same ballistics for a lazy reloader, please suggest them. Thanks.

 

[SilverbulletMAG]

Confucius say, If you think it's perfect for you, then it is. ;-)
For me, I pull out the Christensen Arms Ridgeline in 300 RUM for that scenario: elk out to 600+ in a relatively lightweight package.

 

[lancetkenyon]

7SST is plenty for elk to 600+ if you use the right bullet and put it where it goes. The 175 Berger Elite, 180 Hybrid, 180 HVLD, etc. Put a brake on it and you will be fine. Much less recoil than a .270 Win w/o brake.
Other cartridges to consider in a true SA (even if you get a Wyatt's extended box, which helps): 7SS (would be my choice), 7SAUM, 7.21 Tomahawk (Lazzeroni is really proud of their brass though).
If you go to a LA, the .280AI, 28 Sherman, 7RM, etc. would definitely get you above and beyond what you are asking. You can always load them lighter too.

 

[MudRunner2005]

I'd probably go with the standard 7 SS, as I prefer the 40º shoulder design over the 30º shoulder of the SST. But that's a matter of personal preference. If you don't want to fire-form brass, then the SST might be the best/easiest option for you.

 

[coop2564]

Out to 600 yards I would stay in the standard calibers, why put yourself in a position of maybe not being able to get brass and components down the road? 300 wsm, 7mmRM, 280, 7-08. If you want to do a build the 270 WSM with a 8 twist would take you way past 600yds.

 

[Deleted member 103481]

Not sure what the sst is giving you over 270 wsm, 7wsm, 7saum for your application.

If it's the cool factor then yeah sounds perfect.

 

[bigngreen]

Not sure what the sst is giving you over 270 wsm, 7wsm, 7saum for your application.

If it's the cool factor then yeah sounds perfect.

Shorter COAL with the best bullets and fits a short action easy and least recoil for velocity.
No down sides!!!

 

[Elk Hunter 338]

7saum in short action will get you 2900 not a problem with no hassle.
no fireforming, no proprietary brass, no custom dies, or custom reamer to rely on!! boxed ammo on line or in a stores dies in every shape or form the list is long for reasons behind the 7SAUM..
but if your wanting a wildcat then do it, whats stopping ya!

 

[Crowe284]

7saum in short action will get you 2900 not a problem with no hassle.

I can tell you that on a long action with a .180" freebore reamer, I get right at 2900 fps with the 180 hybrid and 180 vld using H1000 in a 26" proof 8.24" twist barrel. I think saying 2900 fps in a short action with a 180 is no hassle might be bit misleading unless the op is willing to chase down or have a customer reamer ground, make mods to action and or mag box and shoot temp unstable powders.

 

[Crowe284]

Didnt mean to include my post in the quote above from elk hunter 338, and I was referring to my experience with the 7saum.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

I dont think you need a wildcat if your only shooting 600. I know you said you wanted a short action, but I'd consider a 7mm rem mag with a brake. Recoil will be pretty minimal. I would choose something that you dont have to hunt for brass. If your dead set on a SA than the 7mm ss or sst are about as good as it gets. It does come with a price though. Another option would be the 7mm SAUM with a few factory options available.

 

[yorke-1]

If you enjoy just having something a little different, then go for the 7 SS or SST. I find it hard to believe though that you'd ever see a real world difference on game or on target between a 7 SAUM, WSM, SS, SST or any other 7mm short mag when they're all built with the same components.

My only issue is with the 7mm for elk. If I were a deer hunter who might hunt elk every couple of years I'd feel pretty good with a 7mm and some quality bullets. If I'm looking for an elk rifle that I'll use on other critters it's .30 or larger every time. With a good muzzle brake, even something like a 338 short mag of some variety would be very manageable even in a 7.5# rifle.

 

[Darkfightr]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far, another follow-up question or two...

Why does it seem a few of you prefer the SS over the SST version? I probably don't need the faster feeding shoulder of the SST for a hunting rifle, but what are the downsides of it? Is there more velocity with the same powder charge from the SS version?

Also, let's say I decide not to build and instead go 6.5 PRC in a factory built rifle. Is there any real world difference I'll see on game in the 0-600 yard range?

 

[Oi.223]

A few weeks ago I got my 7RM back from My gunsmith. It started life as a Remington LSS-7mm RUM,waste of time IMHO) I put a 27" lilja barrel on it, had the action trued, pillar bedded, Gretan bolt assembly, jewell trigger and topped it off with a 4.5x14x50 VXIII Leupold. I started load development with the 175 SMK, IMR 4831 and RL 22 were my starting powders. Every 3 shot group was under .75" as I worked up the ladder. I found a great load with the IMR 4831. On a whim I tried a couple of slower powders with the same 175 SMK, RL 25 and Retumbo. Bottom line is this gun just loves the Retumbo with the 175 grain SMK, shoots in the low .3"s for 3 shots and under .5" for 5 shots. So far this year I have killed 3 deer with this gun, a doe at 463 yards, and a good buck at 80 yards. The match bullet was great at both distances. Off to Saskatchewan next week to test it out on a big pig whitetail! Gotta love the 7mm Mag!