7mm SAUM vs 300 WSM for Elk/western hunting?

[Deviant]

I've got a short action Zermatt TL3 set in a AG composites stock that is my "go to" hunting/long range rifle. It's currently wearing a proof 6.5 CM carbon barrel which I love.

I took it on my first Elk hunt this year and unfortunately likely lost a cow elk... I don't want this thread to divulge into a caliber debate, but 143 ELD-X didn't get it done with a perfect 300 yard broadside shot. Likely more of a bullet selection problem than anything, but either way I've lost my confidence with the CM on something the size of an Elk.

Bottom line I want another barrel to take out west that has a bit more "oomph" than the venerable CM.

Looking at the Proof website they offer pre fit barrels for the TL3 in 7 SAUM and 300 WSM. I was leaning toward the 300 WSM but they only offer it in 24in and I'd like to stick with 22in as I hunt with a suppressor.

They do however offer 7 SAUM in a 22in pre fit.

Anyone care to comment on one vs the other?

300 WSM definitely is the bigger jump in power, but might be limited by mag length. I also worry a 24in barrel plus my Omega would be that much more unwieldy.

7 SUAM seems like an awesome little round, but brass might be hard to find, and doesn't offer that much more power than the 6.5. Hell I might as well look at the 6.5 PRC at that point.

I do reload for BTW, and the goal with this rifle is reliable on Elk to 700 yards.

Thanks!

View attachment 168871
Rifle in question...

I have a 22" Kreiger on my 7 WSM and it is pushing the 143 Hammer Hunter at 3215 fps. It will get the job done on an elk no question.

 

[Snowboy]

I've got a short action Zermatt TL3 set in a AG composites stock that is my "go to" hunting/long range rifle. It's currently wearing a proof 6.5 CM carbon barrel which I love.

I took it on my first Elk hunt this year and unfortunately likely lost a cow elk... I don't want this thread to divulge into a caliber debate, but 143 ELD-X didn't get it done with a perfect 300 yard broadside shot. Likely more of a bullet selection problem than anything, but either way I've lost my confidence with the CM on something the size of an Elk.

Bottom line I want another barrel to take out west that has a bit more "oomph" than the venerable CM.

Looking at the Proof website they offer pre fit barrels for the TL3 in 7 SAUM and 300 WSM. I was leaning toward the 300 WSM but they only offer it in 24in and I'd like to stick with 22in as I hunt with a suppressor.

They do however offer 7 SAUM in a 22in pre fit.

Anyone care to comment on one vs the other?

300 WSM definitely is the bigger jump in power, but might be limited by mag length. I also worry a 24in barrel plus my Omega would be that much more unwieldy.

7 SUAM seems like an awesome little round, but brass might be hard to find, and doesn't offer that much more power than the 6.5. Hell I might as well look at the 6.5 PRC at that point.

I do reload for BTW, and the goal with this rifle is reliable on Elk to 700 yards.

Thanks!

View attachment 168871
Rifle in question...

I like anything in .30 caliber. I happen to use the 300 WSM and have not been disappointed.

 

[Clarkw]

To make a comment on barrel length. I carry a 24 inch barreled rifle with my Omega with no issues. Im 6.2. When I say carry, that was both in the Colorado mountains and easily move it around in a box blind in TX.

In my limited hunting career, I have noticed every animal reacts differently when shot. My wife and I will hunt the exact same rifle, bullet combo hunting white tails here in Texas. Last year, hers, bang flop. Mine, run 30 yards. This year, mine have all dropped in their tracks and hers are running. My guess is it all comes down to whether you hit a rib, spine, angle the animal is standing or simply, the day.

Full disclosure, my experience with 143 eldx out of my 6.5 SAUM has been fantastic on elk, aoudad, white tails and pigs. I will however switch to 300wsm when the barrel wears out (shelf ammo in a pinch is the reason why)

Good luck

 

[Huntz]

I doubt the bullet was defective.Bullets have a funny habit of not going straight through an animal no matter the make or caliber.I would be willing to bet that animal died somewhere from that shot.I shot an elk in Montana several years ago with my 338 Win mag.I was so sure of my shot I never put another one into it.I found it the next day probably 400 yards away in a wash drilled through one lung , with the help of ravens.I salvaged most of the meat because it was below zero that night.He was 250 yards away when I shot.I saw him drop.I waited about 15 minutes to make sure he was dead and he was gone when I walked up to where I thought I shot him.There was little to no blood.I was shooting 225 grain Nosler AB`s.The bullet hit one lung and turned.I found it next to the skin in the rear quarter.This was a dead on broadside shot.That said I really don`t think the 6.5CM is a reliable Elk cartridge.I now use a 270 WSM or 300WSM.

 

[Buano]

I've got a short action Zermatt TL3 set in a AG composites stock that is my "go to" hunting/long range rifle. It's currently wearing a proof 6.5 CM carbon barrel which I love.


You have a GREAT rifle that you love. I suggest keeping it & picking up something more suited to elk. In my mind a .300 WSM is the bottom end for elk. I know people kill elk with less powerful rounds, but I have a problem with an elk wandering off after being shot & dying 3 days later.

Unless your barrel is shot out already, you are throwing out a lot to put together a rifle that will likely have magazine length problems. Keep perfection as is. In recent years I've picked up 4 great elk rifles for amazingly great prices. I see better used prices in this category than in any other. I suggest looking at what used rifles are available for a month or two before you make a decision.

 

[Zac Bishop]

7 saum gets my vote. I'd run the 180 eld-m's and you can get 2900 fps+. I get 2960 from my long action and 2900 with 195 EOL's.

 

[WiscGunner]

Between the 7saum and 300wsm I would pick the 7 saum if your rifle is on the extra light side. If it has a bit more weight to be enjoyable perhaps the 300wsm. Nobody practices enough with gun that are uncomfortable to shoot.

But I reload so i chose a slightly different path...

With that said I ordered a Proof Pre-fit for my TL3 from Patriot Valley Arms. Same positions as you. Swapped my 6.5 Creedmoor barrel and bolt face for a magnum bolt face and a proof barrel. I chose to go with a 7 Sherman Short as it fits an AICS magazine better than the Saum and the WSM when using heavies. I chose to use the 180 ELD-M loaded light @ 2840fps and can't be happier. Haven't used it on Elk yet but but it was devastating on 3 caribou this year. Plan for elk next year and am not worried.

The 7SS is really not much different logistically than the 7SS as there really isn't much on the shelf for the 7saum. ADG brass for the SS is very good and last a long time.

https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/7-mm-sherman-shortmag-vs-7-saum.155921/

If you reload, I would suggest looking into the Sherman Shorts for your TL3 as it is just an easy barrel swap to slap in a new cartridge up to 375.

 

[436]

I'm backing the 7mmRSAUM great cartridge like the 6.5mm and the .300 RSAUM, the .300 RSAUM being one of my (ten) all-time favorite rifle hunting cartridges.

 

[arch408]

Rifles are like engines without power adders(turbo or super chargers), there's no replacement for displacement. I think you were asking too much of your CM. Thers nothing wrong with it. Use it within its limits. I agree that the 7mm and 30 caliber are better suited for elk than the 6.5's(that should start an argument). Properly placed, a 6.5CM will kill an elk, but I'd rather have a 6.5 SAUM. If you rebarrel your CM, you will have to either buy a new bolt or modify your old one. I would keep the CM and build or buy another rifle. You could go RUM's, PRC's or Nosler routes if you wanted to, but if you want to stay with a short action, I'd go with the 7 SAUM. With the magezine box limitation, even with the Wyatt's box, the 7mm has a ballistic edge at long range. You could also build a switch barrel using the switch-lug system and build multiple calibers and use the one that suits your fancy that day. If I was going to build a ultra long range rifle I'd go 7mm STW, .300 RUM,or .338 RUM. Yeah, I have them all. I also have two .300 SAUMs. I currently building a switch barrel with a 6.5 and 7mm SAUM. Like Larry Potterfield says, "how many guns does one guy need"!

 

[freddiej]

From the look of the thread, I have nothing more to offer but the affirmation of the 300 WSM is the wise choice. I personally like the 270 WSM and have taken Elk with it at 500 + yards with a 150 grain Berger slug. have fun with it.

 

[LVJ76]

7 SAUM hands down and with the 162gr SST. Will go through bone and vitals and drop them on the spot out to 700 yds. The 162gr SST is very reliable and won't fragment at close range.

 

[taylorms]

I've been waiting for someone to point this out...All of the calibers mentioned will require new bolt

 

[WiscGunner]

I've been waiting for someone to point this out...All of the calibers mentioned will require new bolt

Not for the OP. Just a bolt face swap.

 

[RH300UM]

+1 for the 7 saum
Although mine has a 26 inch barrel
180 Berger Hybrids @3027fps
169 Hammer Hunter @3080fps