Rifle cartridge build ideas?

[John Klingenberg]

I'm wanting to build a medium 7mm. I have thousands of 7mm bullets and need a good cartridge to use them in. I havent found much on the interweb in this class of cartridge. I have a 7x57 and 7mm-08 isnt out of the question but I'm thinking along the lines of the 6/6.5 Lapua size or GT size case. It needs to be something I can find/modify dies for and fire form from something that's somewhat available. I have a machine shop so modifications are at my fingertips. I'd like it to handle a decent array of weights, say, 120-140 grain. FIRE AWAY FOLKS!

 

[LaHunter]

280 AI comes to mind as an option, or the good ole 280. It fits between the 7mm-08 and the 7mm magnums

 

[JMW67]

I have a buddy that built a 7x47 and loves it I think he is using a modified 6.5x47 bushing die I really dont see it as a great option with the 7-08 being right there and a great round I like the 7mm-08AI about 75fps more speed and no trimming of the brass I did mine with a extended mag box for the heavier bullets

 

[John Klingenberg]

I'd like a 7-08 but I really dont need all that horse power. I spend a lot of time behind the 6 br stuff and just want a slight step up. All those bullets i have need to get used. They been sitting in the reload room about 20 years. The long action stuff is out. The 7x47 looks awesome but I'd like it just a hair shorter. I wont use for much other than steel, maybe a deer or coyote now and then.

 

[JMW67]

well heck build you a 7mm br should be a nifty little round and you can buy brass if you dont want to neck up

 

[John Klingenberg]

Have you seen or heard of the GT case necked up? The Br I think would struggle with the 140 weights.

 

[CBH Australia]

I just finished a .280ai it was suggested by several people and the specs I researched impressed me. Only 17 rounds down the tube just now but hoping to get out soon.

 

[John Klingenberg]

I just finished a .280ai it was suggested by several people and the specs I researched impressed me. Only 17 rounds down the tube just now but hoping to get out soon.

Too big

 

[JMW67]

Have you seen or heard of the GT case necked up? The Br I think would struggle with the 140 weights.

I would think you should be able to hit 2600-2650 with a 24 inch tube with a 140 not familiar with the GT case but an extra 100fps or so would darn near be 7-08 speeds

 

[John Klingenberg]

The gt runs about 40 grain case capacity versus probably 10 more in the lapua and 708 cases. They're showing 28-2900 with 115s in the gt. Hmm. This may be my answer.

I think you are about spot on for velocity

 

[Frank in the Laurels]

7mm saum in a model 7 stainless action..ultra lite everything...

 

[Another Casual]

7mm saum in a model 7 stainless action..ultra lite everything...

OP said 7mm-08 is too big, Saum will be too.

Go with a 7mmBR. There's brass, dies, load data, etc and it seems to fit the size case you're looking for.

 

[John Klingenberg]

The br was on my short list but I think it's a tad too slow. Its listed at about 2400fps with the 139gr. I havent seen the XC case necked up or an improved br in 7mm in my research.

 

[CBH Australia]

I thought 7mm_08 wasn't out of the question in the opening post.
I like it in the 7mm class, I would think it could be used for your purpose unless you just want a smaller case either to conserve powder or reduce recoil. I'm thinking the difference may be negligible but anything exotic could increase case costs or die costs