7mm wsm

[TRC]

I have a brand new Winchester Model 70 Classic Stainless in 7MM WSM that I won at an Auction like 10 years ago. It's been sitting in the Safe since then, and has never had a round through it. I was thinking of building this up as an Elk Rifle, and would welcome opinions on the Calliber for Elk.

Thanks

Tom

 

[the444shooter]

Should be a great gun out of the box (no build needed) as long as it shoots well. It's a great caliber, with many decent options for elk sized game. Scope it up, take it to the range, and see how it shoots!

 

[wbm]

Unless you just want to customize your rifle the 7MM WSM is more than adequate as an Elk rifle.

 

[trebark]

7wsm is great elk medicine. Key is bullet selection, shot placement and knowing the limits of the rifle/load and shooter. Get the 180grain Berger Hybrids shooting .5moa and you have a rifle that will kill an elk from a looooong way away.

 

[TRC]

Thanks for the reply's. Scope preferences?, 4.5-14, 6-18, any ideas?

Thanks

Tom

 

[trebark]

When it comes to optics, I tend to lean towards the higher magnification for a longrange rig. I started with a 6.5-20x50 and after shooting it for a while changed to 8.5-25x50. I found that the extra magnification at the top end was helpful while the slight increase at the lower end has very little downside.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-260-mcr-59628/

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-300rum-mcr-70809/

Now if the intended use is for it to be a carry rifle, I would opt more toward a range of 5-15x or in my personal case a good 'ole 3-9x40

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-280-updated-32771/

 

[brentc]

The 180s are a good idea, but you'll need to verify your twist. You've most likely got a 1 in 9.5" twist, which means 180s may or may not stabilize in your factory barrel. Your best bet for Bergers is 168s. 160 grain Accubonds also make a very fine long range load.