7mm rem mag build

[6.5-300 BEE]

Agree. 6.5 PRC will kill any Elk that walks (as will a 6.5x55).

 

[DJ Fergus]

Ever overthink things until you get a headache?? I need a little mental relief, please.
Building-ish a 7mm rem mag hunting rifle. Hiking, lightweight, covering miles. Actually want to put it in my pack for wolves when I am bow hunting. Long range if and when I feel comfortable. Mostly a bowhunter so this is my only rifle, for the moment. Elk, bear, etc. Have a suppressor in jail. So my ultimate goal is a 20" threaded barrel with an xlr magnesium element folding chassis. I have been looking at various options to get there on a relative budget. Relative meaning I can afford something if I need to, but I find myself going to the archery counter, not the gun counter. Buy once, cry once is great, but not really pertinent for my desires.
Soooo, I was wanting to do a stock rifle and drop it into the xlr chassis.
Was planning on a bergara hmr pro rifle, using the action and barrel and dropping it into the xlr. How did I get here? I want a good action/trigger and a barrel that can be cut down to 20", AND threaded. $1500 plus the xlr, and I can sell the HMR pro stock if I choose. The problem...that may be a heavier gun than I was hoping. This has the #5.5-6 barrel. I believe the action/barrel/trigger is 5lbs, but I am not sure on exact weights. Bergara has said that I should stick to #5 barrel or more to allow for the 5/8 threads. And the only other #5 barrels are on the Highlander, which is fluted #5, and the HMR (non pro), also #5. The regular HMR has the non-premier action, and I do not know if the fluting on the Highlander has the leeway to cut 4" off of the 24" barrel. That is a substantially lighter rifle, but I don't know the exact barrel weight difference.
I could buy a different aftermarket barrel, but those are another $750 for a carbon, which I would likely need to save any weight, and that is only maybe 8oz.? Can't start with an ultralight mountain rifle, as the barrel won't handle the cut and thread. Could buy an action, barrel, trigger for a bit more than the above build, but by the time I get it built and finished it is substantially more than the above, essentially in the custom realm.
Any thoughts on the weight of the build I described above, or if the highlander fluted barrel can be cut 4", or other options? Fluting the Bergara barrel or ???
thanks in advance.

West Texas ordinance builds and sells brass I believe for a 7mm saw. It's a 7mm-08 based cartridge setup for long heavy bullets and it's no slouch.

 

[kelly1]

Ever overthink things until you get a headache?? I need a little mental relief, please.
Building-ish a 7mm rem mag hunting rifle. Hiking, lightweight, covering miles. Actually want to put it in my pack for wolves when I am bow hunting. Long range if and when I feel comfortable. Mostly a bowhunter so this is my only rifle, for the moment. Elk, bear, etc. Have a suppressor in jail. So my ultimate goal is a 20" threaded barrel with an xlr magnesium element folding chassis. I have been looking at various options to get there on a relative budget. Relative meaning I can afford something if I need to, but I find myself going to the archery counter, not the gun counter. Buy once, cry once is great, but not really pertinent for my desires.
Soooo, I was wanting to do a stock rifle and drop it into the xlr chassis.
Was planning on a bergara hmr pro rifle, using the action and barrel and dropping it into the xlr. How did I get here? I want a good action/trigger and a barrel that can be cut down to 20", AND threaded. $1500 plus the xlr, and I can sell the HMR pro stock if I choose. The problem...that may be a heavier gun than I was hoping. This has the #5.5-6 barrel. I believe the action/barrel/trigger is 5lbs, but I am not sure on exact weights. Bergara has said that I should stick to #5 barrel or more to allow for the 5/8 threads. And the only other #5 barrels are on the Highlander, which is fluted #5, and the HMR (non pro), also #5. The regular HMR has the non-premier action, and I do not know if the fluting on the Highlander has the leeway to cut 4" off of the 24" barrel. That is a substantially lighter rifle, but I don't know the exact barrel weight difference.
I could buy a different aftermarket barrel, but those are another $750 for a carbon, which I would likely need to save any weight, and that is only maybe 8oz.? Can't start with an ultralight mountain rifle, as the barrel won't handle the cut and thread. Could buy an action, barrel, trigger for a bit more than the above build, but by the time I get it built and finished it is substantially more than the above, essentially in the custom realm.
Any thoughts on the weight of the build I described above, or if the highlander fluted barrel can be cut 4", or other options? Fluting the Bergara barrel or ???
thanks in advance.

I went tikka lightweight in 308 win , in a XLR Carbon chassis folding stock .
Leupold optics just under 9 pounds total. Total investment not too bad.
You could go super light , it saves a little.
The magnesium chassis saves more weight and go with a light folding stock. kelly

 

[Will Gray]

My choice would be a 358 Winchester, short action, light 20" barrel, muzzle brake, light stock. Big bullets just hit harder.

 

[TXTrained]

I will throw in my two cents ..Ive hunted Alaska,British Columbia Canada and several Norther States for Bear,Elk Moose And Sheep...Ive killed every one of them with the same Browning White Gold Medallion 7mm Rem Mag. So why would you want to cut off a barrel to save a few ounces to lose so much power and velocity? Other than threading the barrel for a muzzle break or suppressor and adding limb saver recoil pad I can see no sense in what you want to do.Good Luck.How many times will you really shoot it once you get it zeroed in at what distance you want. I've been a 7mm Rem Magnum fan and owned 4.. Two Remington 700,One Winchester and a Ruger and the Browning I now have.Its all about shot placement.The first elk I killed was with my Remington ADL 270 cal. and he dropped like sack of potatoes.The worse part was he rolled way down the mountain.Good luck in your choice.You have over analyzed this,as many of us are guilty of...me included

 

[Ingwe]

Just build your 7 rem mag. Seems you are sold on it in the configuration you want and won't have a healthy discussion with anyone here giving you advice.

Yes, enough already, LOL!

 

[notyounganymore]

Just build your 7 rem mag. Seems you are sold on it in the configuration you want and won't have a healthy discussion with anyone here giving you advice.

I guess I'm not sure what "healthy discussion" means. I have read every post. Multiple times. I am not smart enough in this realm to have a comeback for everything. And you know what they say about opinions...I don't disagree with any opinion, even if I don't necessarily agree.
Yes, I want the do-it-all gun. No, it is not a wolf protection gun while bowhunting, it is a semi-long range elk and bear gun that is packable, and I live in a wolf area. So no, I don't want a smaller cartridge. Yes, several 'smiths have told me that a 20" 7mmRM will do well, even long range (in fact, a reputable company you all know well in the industry even suggested a 7mmRM at 20", saying the newer cartridges will burn well before then end of the barrel), but I sure as hell would never say that they have the answers more than all of you do. That's why I ask the question. I DO believe in technology advancing. I like my carbon bow, and I like my carbon bikes, and I want a high bc bullet that will kill what I want it to, and maybe even ring some steel or have some fun even further.
So yes, I have been looking at the short actions more now, 6.5prc, 7wsm, 300wsm, 7saum, 300rcm, 338...But I have to have factory ammo choices, and they have to do BETTER than a 7mmRM. I am NOT saying these won't cuz again, I ain't smart enough to know that just yet. That's why I am asking...and listening and reading.
Am I asking too much? Absolutely I am. So just like in everything else...I try to maximize gains and limit losses.
So I apologize if "healthy discussion" should mean I have a comeback to all messages. But if I don't have at least basic facts to back up my opinion, I will keep it to myself, for the most part.

Again, thank you all for the great suggestions. I am reading...and taking tylenol for headaches from overthinking.

 

[jareese]

You asked for advice, you were advised against things and for things. You're stuck on your choice already. Why bother asking then?

 

[112Savage]

The Q trash panda is 6.78". The Cherry bomb suppressor Mount will "semi-permanently" extend your barrel about 0.7". All together you're talking about extending your barrel by about 6.25".

I use Q cherry bombs and have found them to be quite repeatable when taken off and put back on with respect to POI. So one option would be to test this repeatability on another rifle to see if your mount/suppressor interface are consistent. If they are you could carry your rifle Un-suppressed and put the suppressor on when needed.

Second option is change your barrel length to 22"; add 6.25 and you have 28.25" OAL. Now go compare this to your average pump shotgun with a 28" barrel. Not many complain about carrying their Rem 870 due to length. Gunwerks is doing very short barrel 28N and 6.5PRC's recently.

Lastly I've shot a 24" 300Win Mag though a SiCo omega 300. After 3 shots I can still touch it with bare hands. It's not that bad.

 

[notyounganymore]

I find that interesting. In most states you can't carry a rifle during bow season. A pistol is ok in some states. For personal protection on the Mexico border or for Bears in some of the northern states like Montana. Also during rifle season most states requires Hunter's Orange. You probable need to do some more thinking about what you trying to do. I seen some good suggestion as to a rifle. I would check with the states you planning to hunt in regards to reg about carrying a rifle during bow hunting season. If I read you correctly.
SSS
Mike

For what you want (light weight, folding stock, short barrel, suppressor ready) the Sig Cross seams like the best answer. Its not out yet and isnt available in traditional magnums but if their 277 fury round will do what they say it seems like the best answer for what you are trying to do.

I have definitely considered that gun. I like the looks and function. I have considered waiting for the next caliber offerings in it as well, but I can't find that they are showing their hand on what those offerings might be.

 

[notyounganymore]

The Q trash panda is 6.78". The Cherry bomb suppressor Mount will "semi-permanently" extend your barrel about 0.7". All together you're talking about extending your barrel by about 6.25".

I use Q cherry bombs and have found them to be quite repeatable when taken off and put back on with respect to POI. So one option would be to test this repeatability on another rifle to see if your mount/suppressor interface are consistent. If they are you could carry your rifle Un-suppressed and put the suppressor on when needed.

Second option is change your barrel length to 22"; add 6.25 and you have 28.25" OAL. Now go compare this to your average pump shotgun with a 28" barrel. Not many complain about carrying their Rem 870 due to length. Gunwerks is doing very short barrel 28N and 6.5PRC's recently.

Lastly I've shot a 24" 300Win Mag though a SiCo omega 300. After 3 shots I can still touch it with bare hands. It's not that bad.

Thanks for the reply. I considered the 22" option with the removable supressor, which is why I settled on the trash panda. As you said, I have no problem lugging a long shotgun around (I have an 870). But if I am reading these posts correctly, I would not win awards for considering a 22" as well. I believe 24" or longer has been the consensus.
So I am looking a bit more at the short actions now.
You mentioned the 28N...I seem to see those being 26" and above as well. Am I incorrect in that? And it was gunwerks that suggested a 20" 7mmRM, so if "they" are being hammered for suggesting that, I am assuming they could be hammered in the same respect for the 28N being shortened? Again, just thinking out loud...Gunwerks definitely knows ballistics, but they obviously also sell guns, so the thoughts of others have been great.
thanks!

 

[Ingwe]

You asked for advice, you were advised against things and for things. You're stuck on your choice already. Why bother asking then?

Notyounganymore,
The above sums up exactly what I am thinking, so I will just add a bit to it by saying that you seem to be fishing for people to agree with your choice and disregard what you don't want to hear....that's what it sounds like to me anyway.

Not a slight in any way! to you now but it IS obvious by reading your posts that you DO NOT have much experience with rifles and ballistics so if I were you I would REALLY LISTEN to the solid advice that you are getting here and not to the "few 'smiths" who are telling you that a 20'' 7mmRM will do "really well" at long range because that is nonsense...unless long range to them is 300 yards....again, you like the idea because they are telling you want you want to hear and it fits the idea of the rifle that you want to build.

I will say it again that IN MY OPINION (take it or leave it) you are making a poor decision if you bild that rifle BUT if you really want to build what you want to build, and it will make you happy then go for it....you only need to please yourself!

A "healthy discussion" goes both ways too

 

[JC in Calif]

Ever overthink things until you get a headache?? I need a little mental relief, please.
Building-ish a 7mm rem mag hunting rifle. Hiking, lightweight, covering miles. Actually want to put it in my pack for wolves when I am bow hunting. Long range if and when I feel comfortable. Mostly a bowhunter so this is my only rifle, for the moment. Elk, bear, etc. Have a suppressor in jail. So my ultimate goal is a 20" threaded barrel with an xlr magnesium element folding chassis. I have been looking at various options to get there on a relative budget. Relative meaning I can afford something if I need to, but I find myself going to the archery counter, not the gun counter. Buy once, cry once is great, but not really pertinent for my desires.
Soooo, I was wanting to do a stock rifle and drop it into the xlr chassis.
Was planning on a bergara hmr pro rifle, using the action and barrel and dropping it into the xlr. How did I get here? I want a good action/trigger and a barrel that can be cut down to 20", AND threaded. $1500 plus the xlr, and I can sell the HMR pro stock if I choose. The problem...that may be a heavier gun than I was hoping. This has the #5.5-6 barrel. I believe the action/barrel/trigger is 5lbs, but I am not sure on exact weights. Bergara has said that I should stick to #5 barrel or more to allow for the 5/8 threads. And the only other #5 barrels are on the Highlander, which is fluted #5, and the HMR (non pro), also #5. The regular HMR has the non-premier action, and I do not know if the fluting on the Highlander has the leeway to cut 4" off of the 24" barrel. That is a substantially lighter rifle, but I don't know the exact barrel weight difference.
I could buy a different aftermarket barrel, but those are another $750 for a carbon, which I would likely need to save any weight, and that is only maybe 8oz.? Can't start with an ultralight mountain rifle, as the barrel won't handle the cut and thread. Could buy an action, barrel, trigger for a bit more than the above build, but by the time I get it built and finished it is substantially more than the above, essentially in the custom realm.
Any thoughts on the weight of the build I described above, or if the highlander fluted barrel can be cut 4", or other options? Fluting the Bergara barrel or ???
thanks in advance.

For this type of build, I would look for a used M7 in 7/08 to start with (or another SA with the same case head size). The 7/08 is an excellent choice and works well in a short barrel.

 

[HTJ]

Thanks all for the replies!
Couple of thoughts. I want one gun. Yes I want it to be a gun capable of shooting an elk or bear down range, even going north of the border to hunt big game. And if I see a(nother) wolf inside of this zipcode..

Don't want a 308, don't "need" a 300wm. Want more than a 6.5C. Considered a 7saum or 28N, but I have zero desire to reload. Factory ammo for me, so I want options.

My bigger "wants" are a 20" or so barrel so I don't have a pole vault gun with my suppressor. Q Trash Panda to be exact. And a barrel that can be cut and threaded by my local gunsmith for the suppressor. Next would be a folding stock, although that isn't a must, just a want. It will add a little weight, I know. The XLR mag chassis is 2.5lbs-ish total.

I hear varying opinions on the 7mmRM, but most people (gunsmiths and builders) I have talked to seem to think that with the options out there in 168gn plus ammo, I am well ahead of most other caliber options for my wants, even with a few fps loss with a 20" barrel. A short action would be nice such as a 6.5PRC, but only if it has readily available factory ammo that outperforms a 7mmRM for what I want. Other thoughts? Admittedly, I know very little about 7wsm and 7rsaum, but I am not sure I gain anything with those. Otherwise, it's just another option to give me another headache.

I am absolutely NOT married to the Bergara. I have just heard reasonable things about their premier actions and barrels, and that's all I needed. My local gunsmith(s) absolutely will not consider threading a tiika lite barrel or similar, so stock rifles in that category don't get me my #1 want. As was stated by someone else, they are wanting a .700 barrel to put 5/8 threads on it. And while I can argue with that, it's their business and equipment (so I can't argue with that).

So in reading the help you all have given me, it sounds like a better option may be the 7mmRM with a carbon prethreaded 20" barrel, and the origin or tenacity action with a good trigger with the xlr chassis. Likely a fair amount lighter than my original plan, and a nicer gun? Not too expensive, either. At least not compared to my original plan.

Any other suggestions, or thingsam missing??

And for the poster that mentioned getting good glass...couldn't agree more.

thanks again, All.

If you do t want to reload I would highly recommend go with a caliber you can find ammo for just about anywhere in case something happens while your traveling on a hunt of a life time! Don't get caught up in all these new wave calibers. They are fantastic but I would recommend looking at the 270 win. You can use that caliber in a light set up rifle and not kill your self with recoil. Fantastic ballastics and can have a bullet range from 90-150 gr! Any non dangerous North America game in the freezer.
Great bullet selections and you can find Ammo anywhere. 280 AI is great but ammo harder to find.