7mm rem mag short barrel

[Desertguy]

Trying to settle on the right elk gun. I know I’ll get the X Bolt 2 chambered in 7 rem mag, but I’m torn between the SPR 22” or regular 26” barrels. I’ll screw on an 8” can so length is a factor, but I don’t want to sacrifice too much EV and energy. Anyone have data on this caliber in a 22” barrel?

 

[The Harbor Master]

Trying to settle on the right elk gun. I know I’ll get the X Bolt 2 chambered in 7 rem mag, but I’m torn between the SPR 22” or regular 26” barrels. I’ll screw on an 8” can so length is a factor, but I don’t want to sacrifice too much EV and energy. Anyone have data on this caliber in a 22” barrel?

Another recent thread has some info you may be after.

Post in thread 'Threading for 7mm Rem mag and suppressor barrel length'

Feb 7, 2026

You won't have any issues with twist rate unless you're running a bullet that is already borderline unstable.

Great insights. Thanks for sharing your experience.
This comment in particular is where I'm worried. Per Hammer's website, the 145 hht requires a 1:9.25 twist or faster. I haven't seen any signs of instability with the 1:9.5 and 24" barrel, but I wonder if that would change going shorter.

After research and thinking about the gun model (proprietary action), I'll probably leave the gun alone (why mess with a system that's running flawlessly), preserve what resale value it...

• Scofield_DA

• 

Do you know what bullet you'll be shooting? I get 2705 from a 20" barrel with factory 168gr Berger Hybrids.

 

[Desertguy]

Another recent thread has some info you may be after.

Post in thread 'Threading for 7mm Rem mag and suppressor barrel length'

Feb 7, 2026

You won't have any issues with twist rate unless you're running a bullet that is already borderline unstable.

Great insights. Thanks for sharing your experience.
This comment in particular is where I'm worried. Per Hammer's website, the 145 hht requires a 1:9.25 twist or faster. I haven't seen any signs of instability with the 1:9.5 and 24" barrel, but I wonder if that would change going shorter.

After research and thinking about the gun model (proprietary action), I'll probably leave the gun alone (why mess with a system that's running flawlessly), preserve what resale value it...

• Scofield_DA

• 

Do you know what bullet you'll be shooting? I get 2705 from a 20" barrel with factory 168gr Berger Hybrids.

I found that thread after I posted lol. It would either be the 168 Bergers or something really close. Twist becomes a factor too since it’s 1:8 on a 22” barrel and 1:9 on the full length

 

[The Harbor Master]

I found that thread after I posted lol. It would either be the 168 Bergers or something really close. Twist becomes a factor too since it’s 1:8 on a 22” barrel and 1:9 on the full length

Gotcha. I can tell you that with a 20" barrel and OCL Hydrogen S (7 inch can) direct threaded on, it feels quite long. Manageable for sure, but long. If I had an 8" can on a 26" or even 22" barrel I'd go nuts lol.

 

[Speaks]

I cant imagine using an 8 inch can on a 26 inch barrel, or really even a short OTB can on one. 22 inch barrel with an OTB can is about the longest I could want.

Unless hunting is just posting up in one spot sitting, if that were the case I suppose it matters far less.

 

[Desertguy]

Gotcha. I can tell you that with a 20" barrel and OCL Hydrogen S (7 inch can) direct threaded on, it feels quite long. Manageable for sure, but long. If I had an 8" can on a 26" or even 22" barrel I'd go nuts lol.

What round are you shooting with that setup?

 

[Mac-N-Tweas]

Currently in the same boat, sending off a 26" #2 contour barrel to get cut, crowned, and threaded for cans between 5-7". It's going to be long but will keep you updated once I can chrono 168 ABLRs. Running warm charges of H1000 I don't foresee a huge drop in speed once the can is added but I'm hesitant to cut a 7RM too short. The speed and energy downrange was half the reason I picked the cartridge years ago in the first place. I am leaning towards 23" and something like the nomad ti xc as the best compromise.

 

[The Harbor Master]

What round are you shooting with that setup?

Factory Federal loaded with 168gr Berger Hybrid Hunter

 

[199p]

I have had 3x 7rmmag with 20" barrel because i run a can, they all went 2880 - 2940 with a 162 amax using 2225

all of them tikka t3s but im dumb and cant hold onto anything

 

[Desertguy]

Factory Federal loaded with 168gr Berger Hybrid Hunter

That’s what I’m looking to run too. Good speed and knockdown power from long range?

 

[06 SB]

I had my Rem700 in 7mmRem Mag cut back to 22” and threaded. My handload 165gr Sierra TGK go 2890 with Winchester Staball HD. The 165gr Notma Bondstrike does 2875 with the same powder. I am good with the numbers since the accuracy is there.

 

[The Harbor Master]

You guys are getting good numbers with the 160+ stuff. I know the Tikka barrels can be slow, I wish I was getting that speed.

That’s what I’m looking to run too. Good speed and knockdown power from long range?

I was getting 2705 without the can... I might be getting a tiny bump with the suppressor but putting 2705 in the calculators has been accurate to 500yds so I'm not worried about it.

As for performance I don't have much data yet. The first and only animal I've shot with that load was a mule deer doe at about 55yds. Impact velocity would be 2640... tucked right in the crease, caliber sized entrance, ping pong ball sized exit... blew some lung out of the exit and turned the top third of the heart into dust. But, that's pretty expected at that range I would think.

Hopefully will have at least one or 2 more samples this year. A black bear and an elk, god willing. I envy some of the guys on here that have the chance to take dozens of game animals a year.

 

[greyghostnw]

I changed to 22” barrels on 300 rums with lti xc cans with e brakes. Balances perfectly imop carrying in high country is a breeze.

 

[Sponxx]

I have a 25" barrel on my 7mmRM and I attach a 9" SiCO Harvester 300. It is definitely a juggling act

Would be a gun much more suitable for the long ranges on the western planes than the Texas piney woods, but I manage.

 

[24valve]

Trying to settle on the right elk gun. I know I’ll get the X Bolt 2 chambered in 7 rem mag, but I’m torn between the SPR 22” or regular 26” barrels. I’ll screw on an 8” can so length is a factor, but I don’t want to sacrifice too much EV and energy. Anyone have data on this caliber in a 22” barrel?

I have a browning X-bolt 7 mag that I cut down to 20" and suppressed. Handloads with 175 ABLR's were trued at 2680 fps, and it's killed several elk out to 480 yards without issue.

My biggest regret was not cutting the barrel down shorter.



The rifle is actually for sale as well, PM me if you're interested.

 

[cal30_sniper]

I have 7mm Rem Mag in 22” tikka and 24” Proof on a Defiance action.

Dont go any longer than 22”. You’ll be happier still with 20” and a can, that’s the sweet spot IMO.