7mm RM Jack of all trades?

[N2TRKYS]

I've got a Remington Model Seven SS in 7 SAUM with a 22" barrel. It's the perfect size.

 

[bummer7580]

When I started rifle hunting the 7mm was the first cartridge I used loaded with 160 gr bullets. It seemed to anchor animals well. When I wore that rifle out I then tried the 300 WM and WSM, both also worked well at anchoring animals. As I get a little older it seems I am becoming more recoil sensitive so I switched back to the 7mm. The 7mm seems to be the threshold of comfortable recoil in the weight rifles I like to carry. I hunt mostly elk but if a chance at deer came along I wouldn't hesitate to use the same 160 gr bullets and not expect much meat damage.

 

[16Bore]

So is a 270, 280, 30-06, 300 WM. Etc etc......

Pick one, shoot it often....then shoot some more. Then go back and shoot some more.

Don't skull**** it to death....

 

[BKhunter]

I've been dying to buy a 7MM rem mag. I'm in the same boat as I wanted this to be my jack of all trades gun.

 

[WesternHntr]

7mms are great all around long range killers, my only advice is to avoid belted cases if you can..
If you're building a rifle I'd look into a 7 SAUM for sure, ADG just released Saum brass so it's a no brainer.
If you're going factory get the 280ai, as others have pointed out you'll be very close to a 7RM with less recoil and no retarded belt.
Also make sure you get an 8 twist for the 180 Eldm, great bullets!

 

[Outdoorsman12b]

I think your good with either a 300 or a 7 RM. I am wondering what platform your 300 WM is in? If you are shooting for example a stock tikka then no doubt I would not reach for that over the 6.5 either. Slapping a break on it may just make it tolerable for you to grab. The 7 RM will all things equal be less brutal to shoot than a 300 WM, but the same issues around pleasantness to shoot will still occur. If your thinking about a do it all caliber both will be just fine. You need the right combination of rifle weight and recoil reduction that will fit your goals for shooting.

 

[30338]

So far the best performance I have seen has come from the 180 Scenar. My 8.5 twist is good but if rebarreling I’ll drop to a 8 twist. I have seen the 180 eld-m not penetrate well at impact speeds over 2700 FPS. Love my 7mm but not sure it outperforms a 140 6.5 vld by much.

 

[hunter2-4]

Thanks for all the input guys, really appreciated! You've given me a ton to think about so I guess I'll just wait for the Creedmoor to sell and stare at ballistics charts all day. Except now I have this 280AI to skull**** also. Again, I really appreciate the advice!

 

[MTElkChaser]

Here’s a REALLY great article on the 7mm Rem Mag:

7mm Rem Mag vs 300 Win Mag: What You Know May Be Wrong | Big Game Hunting Blog

Yes, it does compare it to the .300 Win Mag, but shows that it really stands on it’s own - the 7mm Rem Mag is extremely versatile! Good luck!