300 WM or 7mm STW

6mm Shooter

6mm Shooter

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Well it is my last chance to change my mind on what catridge to chamber my next long range rig in. I already have a 300 WM but at the rate I shoot it will be worn out by this time next year. So now my mind that was set on getting a 7mm STW is not so sure anymore. I have really grown to like the 300wm and very rarely shoot at things that are less than 500 yards away. What do you guys think?
 
If you plan on big game LR hunting, go with the largest case and heaviest bullets. The 7STW/RUM and 162 to 200gr bullets, 300RUM and up to 220gr bullet. Throat life is short but you have the horsepower to get the job done at LR.

I personally use a 7RM and 162gr AMax loaded to near STW performance. I have no issue hunting as far as my Leica 800 can range. I use the 162gr SST for close range shots.

If this is for LR varmint or plinking/ moderately LR hunting, then I suggest the 7RM/WSM/Mystic or 6.5 Mystic/284 or 6mmXC/6X47Lapua (6mm more for varmint then big game). Barrel life is way better, recoil and costs are lower, very similar ballistics.

The 300WM is an excellent mid size 30 but cannot compete with a fast 7mm for LR ballistics.

If most of your shooting is for fun from 500 to 850yds, can't think of a nicer rd then the 6BR and 87gr to 105gr bullets.

Jerry
 
Look into the 284 Win (2875 fps - 175 smk) with a long barrel for LR shooting. Longer barrel life than most big 7's, good downrange energy, matches 6.5x284 ballistics, short action, etc, etc.

Terry Perkins
 
I have tried the STW for 1000 yard F class years ago, great caliber. I have found it easier to shoot extreme long range with heavier bullets that have less wind deflection , so have gone back the the 300 Win Mag. My experiences with several 7STWs were that they tended to like 160 grain bullets best, where I can run 200 to 220s out of the 300 with near same velocity, yet spend less time trying to dope the wind.
For hunting the heavier bullets retain speed and energy further, so again an advantage.
Lastly barrel life seems better with the 300s, in fact nearly double on the same makers stainless barrels
 
Look into the 7mmstw with a 1:8 twist or 1:9 twist 28" barrel.

180gr VLD bergers

Don't bother with lesser weights for longer range.

The B.C. of this bullet is hard to beat and way ahead of the punishing 30cal heavy bullets... If you don't need the down range energy, 7mm with the 180grs...
 
My suggestion is to leave with the factory STW throat. Unless you already have the bullet seated in the case, any gunsmith is taking a wild guess on how far that throat is. Excessively long throats will lead to reduced accuracy and very short throat life.

I would seat the Bergers using the orig throat. This may not be as short as you think. work up the loads. Once you know that the case capacity is being affected, extend the throat (simple to do after). Otherwise, you are running a risk of a double problem. Too long a throat (bad as most Bergers like to be into the lands), too large a case capacity/low charge densities.

both are poor for accuracy.

Ardent, one of the big reasons I limit the options in cartridge/bullet. Hard to get so many boutique bullets in Canada. No use designing to use components that are expensive or take 6 months to get.

Give Wildcat bullets a shout. He makes some interesting designs that seem to be very good in quality.

For a real LR hammer, a 200gr high BC 7mm sounds very interesting.

Jerry
 
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They are both wonderful, can send the 7 mil slug a bit quicker with good BC.
having the correct twist that works with heavy 7 mil tgt bullets.
Or go with more weight in in the 300 , a little slower.
The 7 mil barrel will have to be pretty long to take advantage of that STW gas tank , where as with the 300 you would be fine with 26 inches.
My 2 cents
Frank
 
We've been bringing in the Berger line since 2005. They seem to sell as fast as you can get them in and they are normally delivered in short order!

Ardent...if you need some send me a pm...pricing is on the website. Berger just increased prices in 2006

Joe
 
### International said:
We've been bringing in the Berger line since 2005. They seem to sell as fast as you can get them in and they are normally delivered in short order!

Ardent...if you need some send me a pm...pricing is on the website. Berger just increased prices in 2006

Joe
Click to expand...

Jeez, right under my nose! Had no idea you were carrying them. I'll fire off a PM, decent prices too Joe. :)
 
mysticplayer said:
Ardent, one of the big reasons I limit the options in cartridge/bullet. Hard to get so many boutique bullets in Canada. No use designing to use components that are expensive or take 6 months to get.

Jerry
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That may be one of the reasons why I am really starting to contemplate setting up for making my own bullets. The initial startup costs may be slightly high but it could be worth it in the long run. I get so FRIGGIN frustrated with the wait for quality bullets. You either have to take a chance and buy them buy the thousands in some cases or you may not be able to get them into Canada. I am going to have to look a little closer into it.


Calvin
 
Calvin, you may want to talk to bulletsmith on how long it takes to get the bullet dies. He has been waiting 6 months and longer for some and occasionally, show up wrong.

Making your own bullets is most interesting and would add another dimension to reloading.

Now you also have the hassle of finding jackets and cores...

Jerry
 
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