big 7 or big 30

[huntermncb]

Just trying to get some input on which would you get. I already have a 338 lapua was wondering would you rather do a 7 rum or say a 300 Norma. Or possibly even a wildcat 7-338 lapua improved or 30-338 lapua improved. Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

I'd go with a 7stw, a 300win, or 300 rum. The 7rum is a heck of a round until you find out you need a barrel maker on speed dial. The 300 win and 300 rum will cover the 30's well with brass you can actually find.

 

[window licker]

I think i would go with a 300 norma necked down to 7mm. I built a 300 norma last year and found it extremely efficient.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Another vote for 7mmSTW.....IMO, more efficient round than the 7RUM. There is only 1 advantage I see to the 7RUM, and that is the brass is solid. It is not a belted-magnum. Alot of people who full-length size belted magnum brass tend to have case-head seperation after about 2-3 loads. I recently got 4-5 loads out of some of my 7STW brass before it cracked about 1/8" above the belt. I guess the brass just got work-hardened from neck-sizing and and it finally got brittle and broke. Now I can't find any dang Nosler or Norma STW brass. LOL

 

[Outlaw6.0]

What are your intentions for the round?

I think one of the big seven's would be pretty sweet (if the 195 ever come out) set up with a melonited barrel. You could probably see close to 1K rounds if you treat it right. The big .30s are still going to get my vote, either should get'er done.


t

 

[MudRunner2005]

I love the 180gr Berger VLD's out of my 7mmSTW, with the 1:9.25" twist barrel. pinwheeling the bulls.

The 195's might be a bit overkill for me. But I'll probably give 1 of the 12-packs a shot if they come out.

Out of the STW you can get more than 1,000 rounds out of a barrel. Loaded conservatively with mfg published data you can probably get dang near 1200-1500.

 

[huntermncb]

The rifle will be shot some but will mainly be a hunting rifle

 

[Outlaw6.0]

The rifle will be shot some but will mainly be a hunting rifle

I probably should have been more specific, my bad. What do intend to shoot with it & at what distances?



t

 

[huntermncb]

Probably deer sized game and as far as I can shoot. Also on occasion maybe a elk. The only reason I was thinking 7 was slight less recoil

 

[MudRunner2005]

I still thin you will be impressed with the 7mmSTW

Or possibly the .280 Ackley Improved.......

Atleast do some research on them. I think you will be pleasantly impressed.

My next build will be a .280 AI for whitetails, and if I ever go out NW to go Elk hunting or Altelope hunting it will be there with me, too.

 

[Outlaw6.0]

Probably deer sized game and as far as I can shoot. Also on occasion maybe a elk. The only reason I was thinking 7 was slight less recoil

Your Lapua would do all of that & more & with more barrel life to boot.

The 7 will kick less no doubt & will hammer some deer with authority. What attributes do you want & which are you willing to trade? Remember, there is no such thing as a free lunch.


t

 

[RTK]

Since you said Elk too, I would go with one of the big 30's. I have a 10.5-11.5 lb 300 win mag with a good side discharge muzzle break, it does not kick at all, might be loud but I can shoot it all day long with out any problems.

 

[huntermncb]

I realize barrel life on a big 7 isn't going to be very good. On the other hand I really like when I know I have a lot of horsepower behind a bullet. Hence my lapua I just want something that I can build a gun lighter with less recoul bit still will pack a punch. Not to concerned about barrel life.

 

[barnesuser28]

7mm allen mag? i would say that or a 7mm-300 WM. gun)