I'm thinking of trying this myself. Take my 24" tikka 7RM and get magnetospeed data on my best load (just bought a v3), chop 2" off and retest velocity, chop 2" more off and test, then chop 1.5" more to 18.5", if its decent, take it to a smith and get barrel cut threaded at 18" and roll with it with my Ultra 7 can. I already have a cold steel saw.
OR, I might chop to 18.5" and if its decent, get a 18"proof barrel, new stock and do a build using the tikka action and trigger, or if at 18.5" it can't achieve my speed needs of 2850-2900, then buy a 20" proof, new stock and build with tikka action/trigger.
I always have trouble re-finding this article, but its a good one.
7mm Remington Magnum (7 Rem Mag) Barrel Length Versus Velocity Since its introduction in 1962, the 7mm Remington Magnum (7 Rem Mag) has developed a strong following, becoming the most popular metri…
rifleshooter.com
I know at 20" he wasn't getting 2900fps, but he also using factory ammo.
View attachment 344830
If I can get a stable load and decent groups and still 2850-2900fps, it'll be adequate out to 500-600 yards as far as ft/lbs of energy and velocity over 2000fps to get good bullet expansion.
No I have never shot an animal or target out to 500-600, but I want to someday.
I think most of these threads (and i've started a few myself) are people wanting to have their cake and eat it too
VERSUS people who either wish they had the guts/$$$ to try it themselves, or people who have just heard/read that others say short magnums are bad/loud/dumb, ect.
I think very few people have actually done it.
Who knows I might spend an extra $1,000 or cut down a perfectly fine rifle and get some "i told you so's" but at least i'll know for sure. I'll be sure to post my results, good/bad/indifferent. I just got my ultra7 out of jail, so after hunting, i'm going to start the build/cut/whatever.