Vleder
Member
Been thinking about building a long range (300 - 600m, yes I know not long range for you folks but plenty enough for me ;-)) hunting rifle (Springbuck to Eland) and target shooting a bit further. Want 7mm because of the excellent bullets available.
My question is 2 fold, (and yes I have been chatting to vatious local experts as well but would like some other input as well);
Caliber: want something that will launch the 168's (thinking 168 Berger VLD for target) at approx 2900 - 3000 without pressure, not eat the barrel in 500 shots, easy to load for (brass), good quality brass (Norma/Lapua). Same with 160's (Nosler AB 160 for hunting). Barrel will be 26", short/long action not an issue.
Here is what I have gleaned from discussions so far (this is what I have been told by gunsmiths/comp shooters etc, so just bear with me):
7mmRem Mag: great cal, but not inherently accurate enough? Rim on bottom issues. Just putting into QL the 168 S SMK and 61.0 gr S365 (South African powder) gives 2 918fps with 59 579psi, which is fairly high, does this seem correct? Hoped it would reach that at lower pressures.
7mm SAUM: great but possibly a bit light for the speeds I want.
7mm WSM: currently recommended as will do those speeds w/o any pressure, mild load will also not wear out barrel so quick, can neck down 300 WSM Norma brass, efficient round.
I've read about 7/300 WSM?
I'll be honest, 7mmRM will be easier re cost, brass prepping etc.
Any other ideas?
Bullets: target load either 168 gr Berger VLD or Sierra Matchking at 2900 to 3000 wherever speetspot is.
Hunting load Accubond 160 gr at similar speeds. Will try to match the trajectory so be as close as possible to maintain zero with both, no adjustments. That way I can use AB to 400m and VLD further without having to adjust scope. If possible.
Thanks in advance.
My question is 2 fold, (and yes I have been chatting to vatious local experts as well but would like some other input as well);
Caliber: want something that will launch the 168's (thinking 168 Berger VLD for target) at approx 2900 - 3000 without pressure, not eat the barrel in 500 shots, easy to load for (brass), good quality brass (Norma/Lapua). Same with 160's (Nosler AB 160 for hunting). Barrel will be 26", short/long action not an issue.
Here is what I have gleaned from discussions so far (this is what I have been told by gunsmiths/comp shooters etc, so just bear with me):
7mmRem Mag: great cal, but not inherently accurate enough? Rim on bottom issues. Just putting into QL the 168 S SMK and 61.0 gr S365 (South African powder) gives 2 918fps with 59 579psi, which is fairly high, does this seem correct? Hoped it would reach that at lower pressures.
7mm SAUM: great but possibly a bit light for the speeds I want.
7mm WSM: currently recommended as will do those speeds w/o any pressure, mild load will also not wear out barrel so quick, can neck down 300 WSM Norma brass, efficient round.
I've read about 7/300 WSM?
I'll be honest, 7mmRM will be easier re cost, brass prepping etc.
Any other ideas?
Bullets: target load either 168 gr Berger VLD or Sierra Matchking at 2900 to 3000 wherever speetspot is.
Hunting load Accubond 160 gr at similar speeds. Will try to match the trajectory so be as close as possible to maintain zero with both, no adjustments. That way I can use AB to 400m and VLD further without having to adjust scope. If possible.
Thanks in advance.