Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 7mm for the West

I am putting together some specs and general ideas for my first western/big game rifle. It will likely never see moose or grizzly action; however, anything else is “game”. This will mainly see use for mule deer and elk. My goal is to be capable out to 600 yards.

I’m looking for a New Haven Model 70 for a donor gun to start this process. I am also partial to 7mm’s, and I ‘think’ I have settled on the 7mm Mag for this purpose. I do handload, but I’m just not interested in any wildcats. For its intended purpose, I’m thinking of staying with the 160-175grn range pushing them in the 28-2900’s?

I was thinking of a Model 70 Classic Stainless in 7mm Mag. Work with it, start load development etc.. before eventually rebarreling and having some semi-custom work done.

Topping it off with a Leupold VX5 HD 3-15x44 CDS.

I’m also thinking of a McMillan Hunter, if I can still find one.

Well there it is. I thought I would do my worst to lay my thought out there, and ask others to chime in with whatever I’m boy thinking of.

Jake

Have you given any thought to a 280AckImp? Is not really a wildcat anymore and it's going to put you within 100 to 150fps shy of the 7mm RM but with less powder and a little less recoil. You'll possibly have better brass life with the 280AckImp compared to the RM. You'll still be able to pursue your desired game and achieve your primary purpose.

No matter how you slice it either are fine cartridges

IMO its tough to beat 160 accubonds at roughly 3k

280 rem

Yes, but only a thought. Of all the ackley variants of their respective parent cartridges, perhaps the 280AI is the most standardized of the bunch. However, fireforming brass is a non-starter for me. Approximating the 7mmMag is enticing though.

Hitting 3k with a 160 sounds like the medicine I’m after. Even though 7mmMag brass isn’t the cheapest, I can always load it down to any other 7mm flavor I want or need.

Pretty sure you just described the quintessential Western cartridge. 160gr @3k is a wonderful tool. Keep it light tho - those mountains are steep and include a bunch of altitude. Good luck on the build!

I have and hunt with lightweight rifles chambered in 28 Nosler, 7RM and 280AI. For your purposes the standard 7RM flinging 160 ABs at 3000 just makes sense.

^^^^^ What those fellas said. 7 Remmy!!!

I'd vote for the 7 Rem mag too. That said, have you examined the difference in dimensions between new brass and once fired in most chambers for a belted round? You're fireforming even if you're not thinking about it.

THe 160gr AB's at 3300 beats them nicely.

JP, I went through a similiar delima about 25 years ago. I settled on a Winchester model 70 Classic in 7mm STW, with a 6.5x20 Leupold, that the precursor to the their Mark 4's.
I've done most of my killing with that rig in the 400 to 600 yard range, but have stretch it out to 1000 on game when conditions were appropriate.

To me, it's the 7RM with 160 NAB's over RL-26 at around 3K fps. Not exotic, maybe not the fastest or the coolest. But it's proven and it works.

DF

I’d go 7 mag, I have 5 of them, you just cannot beat the power for how little recoil they have.

Absolutely and if you're turning turrets........Vortex Razor 3x15x42mm. I have 3 of them and getting another soon. No substitute for weight size reliability.
If set it and forget it the Leupold is ok.

BTW you can get a sako or a Tikka and save a bunch. They will probably do as well as the custon.

Mine is a MkV with a 24" Brux, McM McWoody Safari stock and Timney trigger. VX-6 2-12x42.

DF

What you are doing sounds about perfect. If you go with a M70 EW might find you do not need to change much

Lou

I would agree with the 7 Rem Mag. Even if you reload, you may need some ammo at a point in time..7RM stuff is most every where.

Amen! REALLY hard to beat this combo.

Absolutely. Usually with 66 gr of RL22. Start low work up slow.

I have a freezer full of meat courtesy of a stainless T3 7mm Rem Mag and 162 Eldx at 2980 fps. Leupold scope with CDS.