Will be reloading new rifle, need help with cartridge

[TreGrizz]

Sorry if this is a repost. i have searched and not found anything that has helped me.

Last year was my first year hunting. I hunted with a Rem 700 in 308. I like the 308 round, but I really dislike the Remington 700. I got one of the rust barreled ones. It is a picky SOB that wont shoot any factory round well, and is barely MOA with reloads (plus McMillan stock, Timney trigger, and other upgrades). I think i have a dud, but either way, I am done with new Remington personally.

Anyway, sorry for the rant. Since I will be purchasing a new rifle, I can again think about caliber. Other than 308, I am thinking 300 win mag, or 7mm Rem mag. I think the magnums will be better for me because I am primarily going for elk, and our deer here are muleys. I have considered recoil, ballistics, stopping power etc, but need info on reloading. Therefore, for those that have reloaded both, which is easier to develop a load for, the 7mm or the 300?

Im leaning toward 7mm because less recoil = more quality range time. Likely going custom, CA ridgeline, or Browning X-bolt pro (open to other suggestions). I literally just thought that I could also throw a proof research barrel on the 308, and call it a day... not a bad idea...

any input is great. again sorry for the rant, this COVID crap makes me wordy being home all day

 

[MidGAHunter]

If you've already put some money into the R700 (stock and trigger), why not take it to a good smith and have the action trued and rebarreled? You could go with any non-magnum short action round you like. Nothing wrong with .308 (I own severaland reload for them). You could also go 7 mm-08 or a 6.5 variety (among others). Just a thought...

 

[rayporter]

i agree with
MidGAHunter



however i have been there -as in done with it and want it gone.

 

[N2TRKYS]

I bought a new Remington Model Seven SS 308 last year and it shoots everything I've put it in accurately.

My next elk trip will either be with this 308 or my 7-08 in a Model Seven SS.

 

[Rob5589]

You're a barrel and chamber away from a sweet shooting rifle. 7/08 would be my choice if in your boots.

 

[TreGrizz]

Good advice everyone! I think I will put the money into a rebarrel, and possibly rechamber. The leftover I will upgrade my boots, and spend it on range time/ammo.

I don't plan to sell the rifle, might as well finish the job and make it nice.

 

[BuckSnort]

You're a barrel and chamber away from a sweet shooting rifle. 7/08 would be my choice if in your boots.

^^^ This... But if it were me I'd just go buy a new Tikka T3x and sell the 700..

 

[TreGrizz]

You're a barrel and chamber away from a sweet shooting rifle. 7/08 would be my choice if in your boots.

Quick question... Why 7mm08 rather than keep 308? They seem relatively equal all around.

 

[Rob5589]

Quick question... Why 7mm08 rather than keep 308? They seem relatively equal all around.

You're right, just personal preference.

 

[Ndbowhunter]

Quick question... Why 7mm08 rather than keep 308? They seem relatively equal all around.

7mm can sling a 162gr eld-m .67 bc at 2700fps plus easily

or 120gr nosler ballistic tip at 3100

I’m keen for another 7mm-08

 

[rootacres]

Sorry if this is a repost. i have searched and not found anything that has helped me.

Last year was my first year hunting. I hunted with a Rem 700 in 308. I like the 308 round, but I really dislike the Remington 700. I got one of the rust barreled ones. It is a picky SOB that wont shoot any factory round well, and is barely MOA with reloads (plus McMillan stock, Timney trigger, and other upgrades). I think i have a dud, but either way, I am done with new Remington personally.

Anyway, sorry for the rant. Since I will be purchasing a new rifle, I can again think about caliber. Other than 308, I am thinking 300 win mag, or 7mm Rem mag. I think the magnums will be better for me because I am primarily going for elk, and our deer here are muleys. I have considered recoil, ballistics, stopping power etc, but need info on reloading. Therefore, for those that have reloaded both, which is easier to develop a load for, the 7mm or the 300?

Im leaning toward 7mm because less recoil = more quality range time. Likely going custom, CA ridgeline, or Browning X-bolt pro (open to other suggestions). I literally just thought that I could also throw a proof research barrel on the 308, and call it a day... not a bad idea...

any input is great. again sorry for the rant, this COVID crap makes me wordy being home all day

Just a thought. A CA Ridgeline is going to run you $1550+ if you steal one cheap on gunbroker. Thats how I got my Ridgeline anyway. Instead go buy a Bighorn Origin short action ($825 at northland shooter supply) and a cerakoted, threaded, muzzle brake installed completed barrel from McGowen barrels for sub $600. Chamber it in 6.5 PRC, 7mm WSM, 300 WSM, something like that. And drop it into the McMillan stock you already have with the Timney you are already used to. Thats $1400 and you'll basically have a full blown custom rifle.