I purchased a KM 325 a few years ago with the intent of using it as a donor rifle to make a 7wsm. I finally have the funds as well as a trip coming up next year that I need to have the rifle for. Problem is now, brass it hard to find and expensive, and I am concerned I'll end up investing in a "dead" cartridge. Any thoughts to a 7mm caliber for the conversion?
Also, where would the campfire send said rifle for an all-in-one barrel/bedding/accurizing. I was thinking of shipping it off to Pac-Nor but I don't believe they will accurize or bed the rifle, as well as get out any of the possible Montana "kinks."
Thanks
I haven't read the thread so I apologize if I'm repeating stuff.
I had a .325 Montana that I had rebarreled to 7 WSM... a 7 WSM Montana is a very potent rifle, of that there can be no doubt. Recoil is manageable.
As you've noted, headstamped 7 WSM brass is rare and expensive. You'd need around 200-250 cases to get through a barrel. I think you could finangle that on Gunbroker for ~ $500-600.
Here's a couple other comparable options that at least have brass available. First would be 7 SAUM. Nosler/Norma are making it. Second would be 6.5 SAUM. Either neck down 7 SAUM, or else buy headstamped brass from GAP..... GAP has adopted the cartridge and is calling it 6.5 GAP 4s. Nosler brass won't be any cheaper than 7 WSM off Gunbroker, just easier and less drama. GAP brass is Hornady and is $165/100.
For what it's worth, my 7 WSM Montana has ~ 1000 rounds through the barrel, and so is well into middle age... which has me plotting the next move for it. IF WINCHESTER MAKES MORE 7 WSM, I'll probably do that again... I have the reamer. However, I think the highest and best use of a WSM Montana might be the 6.5 GAP... it'll match the drift of the 7 WSM, at significantly less recoil, and what won't it kill effectively that a 7 WSM will? That's my current thinking. I'm about to finish a 6.5 GAP build on a Rem 700.... so I'll have that reamer too......
On the brass front. My buddy just bought Winchester 270 WSM brass from normal internet channels at a normal price for WW brass. It's POSSIBLE Winchester/OLIN are running the WSM's again, which would mean sub-$50/bag WSM brass again..... That. Would. Be. Awesome.
