Changing a 7MM RUM?

Hello! First time posting, so please go easy if I mess something up. I bought a Remington 700 BDL in 7mm RUM back in 2001. I really like the caliber, but the ammo options available are drying up. I don't re-load as of yet, and I doubt if I would start with an ultra-magnum anyway. I'm looking at doing some major work to the rifle (new stock, new barrel, blueprint, etc.) and was also curious about maybe switching the caliber since It will be in pieces anyway. If I do switch I would be looking for a caliber that offers more in the way of available ammo and if it happens to cost less that would be a plus as well. I'm a pretty big guy so recoil really isn't an issue. I have no need for anything larger than a .338. The gun is predominantly used for whitetail, but it will be used in Saskatchewan and out west occasionally. Just trying to see what my options are. Thanks!

7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag. Both will do what you need, ammo is everywhere as both of them are two of the most popular rounds of all time. 7 has less recoil for a non braked hunting application, slight edge to 300 in energy but both are very close in performance. You could easily do fine as well with a non magnum option like the .30-06, .308 or 6.5 creedmore but that is sacrilege on this forum.

Thanks!

Will the 300 Win Mag jive with my action? I guess I was assuming I would need a similarly sized cartridge?

Jr1972 said:

Will the 300 Win Mag jive with my action? I guess I was assuming I would need a similarly sized cartridge?

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I have a semi-custom 7mm STW built off of a Rem 700 7RUM action. Works fine for me.

If you want a similar width case that will work well on your RUM action, look into the .28 Nosler.

Thanks.

First of all, welcome to the forum!
Secondly, the rums are all the same base diameter as the belted mag. cartridges and the nosler family of cartridges, so anything goes if you want to get froggy. It may be easier to simply buy a m48 nosler in 28 nosler than re-work your entire rifle though. They are amazing rifles for the money. My brother has two; I'd own one but I'm not seeing them in left hand unless you go full custom.

My only concern with the 28 Nosler is that I will be in the same position again in another 10-15 years. With all the new cartridges coming out lately, there are some that are going to get left behind like the 7RUM. I am meeting with 2 different gunsmiths in the next week and will see what their thoughts are. Thanks for all the help.

Jr1972 said:

My only concern with the 28 Nosler is that I will be in the same position again in another 10-15 years. With all the new cartridges coming out lately, there are some that are going to get left behind like the 7RUM. I am meeting with 2 different gunsmiths in the next week and will see what their thoughts are. Thanks for all the help.

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Could be wrong, and have been before, but with Nosler producing brass for their proprietary cartridges, I don't think that will be a real issue.

I agree that Nosler will still produce ammo for the 28, they are currently the only ones producing ammo for the 7 rum. I'm just worried that if they start to think the 7 rum is getting in the way of their 28, they will discontinue it and I will really be screwed. The 300 rum seems to have some traction and a decent following. Probably going to head that route. I appreciate all the insights.

Jr1972 said:

I agree that Nosler will still produce ammo for the 28, they are currently the only ones producing ammo for the 7 rum. I'm just worried that if they start to think the 7 rum is getting in the way of their 28, they will discontinue it and I will really be screwed. The 300 rum seems to have some traction and a decent following. Probably going to head that route. I appreciate all the insights.

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If you want something near 7RUM performance, but with better barrel life (and in some cases twice as much), and uses less powder, and Nosler still makes brass for it, the 7mm STW is always a great option. I have had one since 2002, and still have the original barrel on it. Probably around 750 rounds down it so far, and it still puts 5 inside a dime at 100 with handloads. I also have a semi-custom 7mm STW that sits in the safe until I can get some time to do some load development on it, as well. It's never even been shot.

MudRunner2005 said:

If you want something near 7RUM performance, but with better barrel life (and in some cases twice as much), and uses less powder, and Nosler still makes brass for it, the 7mm STW is always a great option. I have had one since 2002, and still have the original barrel on it. Probably around 750 rounds down it so far, and it still puts 5 inside a dime at 100 with handloads. I also have a semi-custom 7mm STW that sits in the safe until I can get some time to do some load development on it, as well. It's never even been shot.

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I had a rifle chambered in 7STW. The barrel was 28" long. I had it rechambered to 7RUM. How much did I gain in velocity? About 35 feet per second. You will do very well switching to the 7STW. But you are still not going to find ammo. I would go with a 7 Rem Mag and not look back.

wildcater said:

I had a rifle chambered in 7STW. The barrel was 28" long. I had it rechambered to 7RUM. How much did I gain in velocity? About 35 feet per second. You will do very well switching to the 7STW. But you are still not going to find ammo. I would go with a 7 Rem Mag and not look back.

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Another great choice with the 7mm RemMag.

But you can find some factory STW ammo online, at places like Midway.

http://www.midwayusa.com/7mm-stw/br?cid=7948

I have a custom built from a BDL 7RUM. Strictly hand loads, What ever you do it would be wise to invest in some reloading equipment then there is no worries as long as brass is still available.