7 wsm help, info

[ML ll THUMBHOLE]

Hello All,

First yes, I'm a newbie to long range. I have been shooting and reloading for for about 40+ years, just not for long range stuff.
I really like all I've read about the 7wsm, that is before coming to this site. I dont see a lot of 7wsm users or a lot of threads for the same.
Well, I could use some advice or a person or persons to bounce alot of my questions off of. And I know they will sound silly, but I was once told by a wise ol person. If you dont ask, you'll never know.
I have purchased a Browning eclipse ss thumhole w/boss. I know there is not a popular crowd with the Browning in this caliber. But, surely someone will want to help anyway. I have purchased a egw 20 moa mount, not yet decided on a scope. but was leaning toward a vortex. I've had a bore guide made by lucas, and have purchased some different solvents that I dont usally use in my pistols and small cal rifles. I know I still need to do a lot of reading. but would like some addl info on how I can make this a better rifle before shooting it. I know I still need to get a wind meter, and bipod/
I was wondering if the 9.5 twist would be enough to stabalize the berger vld's 168 & 180's. would the short action be a concern? what would be a good set of reloading dies to get, and would this gun be deadly on elk out to 700-800 yds?
My longest deer slaying rife is a Savage smokeless powder muzzleloader. which I'm deadly accurate out to 400 yds.

I hope someone out there would be willing to work with me on this.

Thanks in Advance.
Phil

 

[WildRose]

Hello All,

First yes, I'm a newbie to long range. I have been shooting and reloading for for about 40+ years, just not for long range stuff.
I really like all I've read about the 7wsm, that is before coming to this site. I dont see a lot of 7wsm users or a lot of threads for the same.
Well, I could use some advice or a person or persons to bounce alot of my questions off of. And I know they will sound silly, but I was once told by a wise ol person. If you dont ask, you'll never know.
I have purchased a Browning eclipse ss thumhole w/boss. I know there is not a popular crowd with the Browning in this caliber. But, surely someone will want to help anyway. I have purchased a egw 20 moa mount, not yet decided on a scope. but was leaning toward a vortex. I've had a bore guide made by lucas, and have purchased some different solvents that I dont usally use in my pistols and small cal rifles. I know I still need to do a lot of reading. but would like some addl info on how I can make this a better rifle before shooting it. I know I still need to get a wind meter, and bipod/
I was wondering if the 9.5 twist would be enough to stabalize the berger vld's 168 & 180's. would the short action be a concern? what would be a good set of reloading dies to get, and would this gun be deadly on elk out to 700-800 yds?
My longest deer slaying rife is a Savage smokeless powder muzzleloader. which I'm deadly accurate out to 400 yds.

I hope someone out there would be willing to work with me on this.

Thanks in Advance.
Phil

Phil anytime you have e question about the berger's and twist rates go to their site. They have them listed.

We have quite a few guys shooting the 7wsm so be patient and they'll check in.

 

[JohnnieB]

Phil,

I'm a 7WSM user and still pretty new to long range shooting. As for your questions on barrel twist and bullets, I really cannot comment as all my 7's have 1 in 9 twists. Being here in CA, I do not use Bergers for hunting, but have a bunch of experience with the 168 Barnes LRX in the 9 inch twist barrel. I fire it at 3000 fps and it has performed flawlessly for me with great accuracy. I have also shot the 168 Bergers at targets and their accuracy has been great. I have the 180's, just haven't worked up any loads with them so far.

Good luck to you!

 

[squirrelduster]

I had a 7 WSM and worked up a load for the 168 gr Bergers. It shot incredibly well.
I built mine from a long action Savage 111 so the magazine box was plenty long to load multiple rounds.
I was getting about 2980 fps from the 168's. I think a good elk range would be 500 or less. The accuracy was there but when I shoot an elk I want serious energy.
I didn't try the 180's but depending on the magazine box length I think unless you single load them they wouldn't fit.
The 168 Berger was a potent round. I shot a pig at a little over 250 yards and it picked him off his feet. Broke two ribs going in and jellied the insides. No exit.
I am sure it would do great on elk at reasonable distances.

 

[HuntFarther]

Phil,
I have dealt a lot with the 7 wsm. I don't think you have to go and get all out high end dies to make them shoot. My gun is a custom but shoots really good with just rcbs dies. I would say the 180 should work we use 1-8 or 9's. The 1-8 was done when berger said they were going to come out with a heavy bullet. I have not had very much experience with the vortex, I only use huskemaw and nightforce. We will start there are you can ask more.

 

[WildRose]

On the scope, I and many others here have Vortex Vipers and feel like they are the best money you can spend for a 30mm tubed scope in their price range. I say that owning Leupold VXII's, Mark 4's and Zeiss as well.

 

[gunwalker]

I shoot a semi-custom with a 1-8.7 twist barrel. I couldn't get the 168's to shoot but my rifle loves the 180's. Using the JBM calculator it says you will be on the edge of stability but they should work. I bought redding dies but didn't like what I was getting from the sizing die so I bought a rcbs set. I now use a rcbs sizer and redding seater with great accuracy. My magazine box is 2.90 and the 180's are loaded to 2.890 which look really funny but shoot well. By doing this some case capacity is given up but I can still push them to 2950 from a 25 inch barrel. I also have a Vortex viper on another rifle and really like it also. It is a 6-20x44 and my only complaint is right at dusk it could gather a little more light. Best of luck.
Ryan

 

[Skyking]

I have done about 15 7wsm's over the years. Just shot my elk at 1358 yards, so yes it will kill fine at 600-800 yards. I love them. The Berger 168 should work in your barrel, 1-9 twist for the 180's. Short actions work fine. I have found that you need to run bottom metal with the Alpha mags, or Accurate Mags to get them to feed good. I use Foster dies.
Loads Win Brass 65g H1000 CCI-BR2 primers,Berger 180vld's or Berger 180 Hybrids 2900-2975fps.

Good Luck.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/ga-precision-7wsm-1400-yards-video-59910/
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f17/1100-850-785-yard-antelope-kills-video-123723/
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f17/7wsm-180-berger-takes-down-two-grizzlies-78901/

 

[WildRose]

I shoot a semi-custom with a 1-8.7 twist barrel. I couldn't get the 168's to shoot but my rifle loves the 180's. Using the JBM calculator it says you will be on the edge of stability but they should work. I bought redding dies but didn't like what I was getting from the sizing die so I bought a rcbs set. I now use a rcbs sizer and redding seater with great accuracy. My magazine box is 2.90 and the 180's are loaded to 2.890 which look really funny but shoot well. By doing this some case capacity is given up but I can still push them to 2950 from a 25 inch barrel. I also have a Vortex viper on another rifle and really like it also. It is a 6-20x44 and my only complaint is right at dusk it could gather a little more light. Best of luck.
Ryan

The latter point is why I always go with the 50mm Obj. It makes a huge difference.