7WSM.....Would ya?

[Blkz06]

I have had a 7WSM rifle platform build on my radar for a while now. After finally snagging a Manners Elite EH1 and a Stiller action I was ready to start my build.

Suddenly, I start reading that brass is an issue and that Winchester is not going to make the brass anymore.

I'm not a huge handloader, and looking online I see plenty of ammo for sale and available but that's right now. Shooters have long sung the demise of the 7WSM, but it's still popular among shooters and hunters at first glance.

But..Should I be concerned with the brass reports and look at another cartridge, or go ahead and build the 7?

Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 46119]

Wow, hard question.

The WSM does have a fit for many users.
There is warehoused ammo. What happens when it runs out.
There is no brass. It does not appear that anyone will be making any.

It can be made from RUM or xx-Nosler brass.

So no, I would not.

If I were looking at that size case and diameter bullet I would go 7mm/300 WSM.
There is brass. Simple neck down.
Proven performer.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

I shoot a custom 7WSM and am having it rebarreled at the moment. There is plenty of ammo available but brass has been a problem. I have more brass than I need at the moment and have some new 7WSM Federal brass for sale.

Winchester continues to make seasonal runs of 7WSM as far as I know. I acquired some a short while ago. Brass can also be made from 270WSM or 300WSM brass if needed.

All in all, if you are worried, the 270 WSM is so similar to the 7WSM that it barely makes any difference. Just get a 270WSM. .277" vs .284", a mere .007" difference in bullet diameter.

With that said, I'd still go 7WSM, especially if I was shooting factory ammo. I only reload but have a new 7WSM bbl on the way. I'm not worried about it.

 

[Frank in the Laurels]

Never, plus one day...why would anyone knowingly pick something that will drive them nuts in the future ! And the worst part is for basically nothing over cartridges that are also available...never...sad part is it's a great cartridge that has been squeezed by corporate greed and profits !!

 

[FURMAN]

Are you set on a short action? I had a WSM and loved it but after having a 7-300 and a 28 Nosler on the way I would not go back.

 

[reeldawg]

I have one as well. I found some once fired brass last fall. Within a few weeks. Winchester made another run of 7WSM brass. I picked up 200 pieces.

Jay

 

[Blkz06]

Never, plus one day...why would anyone knowingly pick something that will drive them nuts in the future ! And the worst part is for basically nothing over cartridges that are also available...never...sad part is it's a great cartridge that has been squeezed by corporate greed and profits !!

That's a bit dramatic....I don't think anything I do as related to hunting/shooting will drive me crazy. IF the 7WSM ammo dries up, the gun can be rebarrelled.

Are you set on a short action? I had a WSM and loved it but after having a 7-300 and a 28 Nosler on the way I would not go back.

I appreciate that, but the 26 and 28 Nosler are true boutique rounds. Ammo is expensive and barrel life is very short from what I've read.

I shoot a custom 7WSM and am having it rebarreled at the moment. There is plenty of ammo available but brass has been a problem. I have more brass than I need at the moment and have some new 7WSM Federal brass for sale.

Winchester continues to make seasonal runs of 7WSM as far as I know. I acquired some a short while ago. Brass can also be made from 270WSM or 300WSM brass if needed.

All in all, if you are worried, the 270 WSM is so similar to the 7WSM that it barely makes any difference. Just get a 270WSM. .277" vs .284", a mere .007" difference in bullet diameter.

With that said, I'd still go 7WSM, especially if I was shooting factory ammo. I only reload but have a new 7WSM bbl on the way. I'm not worried about it.

Good point...I may look at the 270 WSM. Moon at Crescent Customs is a big 7WSM fan so that's why I originally leaned that way. He believes it's just one of those rounds that does everything well.

 

[FURMAN]

I would never consider a 270wsm over the 7mm.

 

[Deleted member 46119]

Like I said before.

It has a place but you will be much happier with a 7/300WSM (aka 7/270WSM)

On making the brass. I prefer necking down to necking up. I neck up plenty. Then neck turn.

It shoots hard and far.

The next option would lead you to a long action. If you go that route go 28 Nosler.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

Like I said before.

It has a place but you will be much happier with a 7/300WSM (aka 7/270WSM)

On making the brass. I prefer necking down to necking up. I neck up plenty. Then neck turn.

It shoots hard and far.

The next option would lead you to a long action. If you go that route go 28 Nosler.

For a die hard reloader I would agree with you and I "considered" having my new barrel chambered for the 7-300WSM. However, the original poster shoots factory ammo and appears moderately involved in handloading. Reforming the shorter 300WSM or 270 WSM brass is a bit of a PITA but it's doable for an active reloader.

It's easy enough to get enough ammo and/or brass for the 7WSM to outlast the life of a custom barrel.

IMO, the 7WSM has the maximum amount of ballistic potential that I'm willing to deal with while avoiding the use of a muzzle brake. Yeah, I've shot heavier cartridges w/o a brake but it wears you down after awhile. The 7WSM is a great cartridge for a short action rifle.

If you want a short action cartridge that will have plenty of brass and ammo available for many years to come, a safe bet would have you building a 300WSM. That's not my worry so I just ordered another 7WSM barrel.

 

[Doghunter23]

Did you consider the 7SAUM? similar velocity. The norma brass I shoot is tough as nails. I might be able to burn the barrel out of it with only 200 brass. I have five firings out of the first group of 100 with no signs of wear that I can tell.
I heard some reports of more barrel life from the Saum over the WSM which is why I went with it. Reportedly due to the longer case neck.

 

[Deleted member 25294]

Did you consider the 7SAUM? similar velocity. The norma brass I shoot is tough as nails. I might be able to burn the barrel out of it with only 200 brass. I have five firings out of the first group of 100 with no signs of wear that I can tell.
I heard some reports of more barrel life from the Saum over the WSM which is why I went with it. Reportedly due to the longer case neck.

Ha you beat me to it! I can't believe it took this long for someone to mention the 7mm RSAUM.
I just put a 6.5 SAUM together and am making my cases from winchester 270 WSM brass, simple to form and easy to neck turn. I'm sure you could form 7saum cases from wsm brass as well, of course Norma saum brass is available too.
My advice don't settle, if you want a 7wsm then get a 7wsm (or SAUM)

 

[WeiserBucks]

I would pass on building a 7 WSM unless you only shoot factory ammo or already had enough brass to wear out a few barrels.

I'm rounding up parts for a 7 SAUM currently, I like the Norma brass and plan to stock up well before having the rifle built .

It's up to you, build what you want , that's what it's all about.

 

[J E Custom]

I have had a 7WSM rifle platform build on my radar for a while now. After finally snagging a Manners Elite EH1 and a Stiller action I was ready to start my build.

Suddenly, I start reading that brass is an issue and that Winchester is not going to make the brass anymore.

I'm not a huge handloader, and looking online I see plenty of ammo for sale and available but that's right now. Shooters have long sung the demise of the 7WSM, but it's still popular among shooters and hunters at first glance.

But..Should I be concerned with the brass reports and look at another cartridge, or go ahead and build the 7?

Thanks!

I would not trade for mine. it is a great cartridge and I would recommend looking for at least 2 to 300 rounds of brass before going into any builds first.

There is still brass available if you look hard enough. In my opinion, it is one of the best short mags
ever made and as long as I have components I will keep shooting mine.

Find the brass first and then start the build. You can always get someone to re load for you if necessary.

Just my opinion

J E CUSTOM