7MM build to "do it all"

[wallz]

I did the custom rifle a few years back, but in 6.5 PRC.

Of those listed I would go 7PRC.

I used a Defiance anti X action, with a proof carbon barrel, and XLR magnesium chassis. I have also since build, "put" together a bench rifle 6.5CM to practice with. The 6.5 CM is off a Cadex action, with a heavy stainless IBI barrel, again sitting in the XLR chassis.

I would not hesitate to order any decent action, and there are lots of them to choose from. Bighorn, Defiance, Falknor, Cadex, among others will all be built as "prefit" to very tight tolerances. Basically pick the $$ to weight ratio you want and go from there, as there are plenty of great actions.

I went IBI barrel with the bench rifle, just because they use the "savage" type mounting system allowing me to mount, or remove the barrel easily at home without having to get an action vise/wrench. Just unnecessary costs. With everything "prefit", I had no problems putting the action and barrel together at home, and even set the action a bit tighter than the go gauge, just because I could. This just makes it not necessary to have the tips protrude far out of the case while reloading, plus less initial brass stretch at first firing. I shoot out to our range max at just under 1400 M with this rifle, so I know something is right.

Very easy to put together prefit rifles at home with some basic knowledge and caution. I had purchased 500 rounds of factory ammo to shoot through this new rifle when built, and set up the barrel to just allow this, so I know its less than the SAMMI spec, and I'm okay with that.

As for carbon barrels, I would not hesitate to use one on a hunting rifle and I'll continue to do so. I will easy get 5 rounds down range before things heat up and don't have to wait between each shot for cool down on the pencil contours. I've used kimber adirondach rifles before for the wife, so know how the pencil barrels heat up with each shot. My IBI bench rifle sees me shooting 50 round strings when I go to the range, but that's another story.

If I was looking for a new stock I would seriously be looking at the new MDT carbon stock that just came out. Me I like my chassis, so will be sticking to it.

 

[bdb.hunting]

So either a 7mm RM or 7 PRC. Building new I’d go 7PRC however if you’re going to use a Tikka action as the donor it might be worth it to find one in 7mm RM as that would make starting easier. I would also look at the heavier barrels like CTR or Varmint as that’s just what I’ve found are more accurate on Tikka’s (mind you the lite barrels have done good as well.)

Case design wise 7 PRC has the slight edge. Which gives it an advantage with the longer range projectiles with high bc. Custom loading a rem mag is doable but you maybe want to go custom barrel and chamber at that point.

I push the Tikka action because it’s all one length no short or long restrictions which really allows you to play around when reloading. Especially with the rem mags and long projectiles. The PRC is designed in a way it truly fits a Remington LA if you do go that route.

I’m currently testing a 7PRC so we shall see how that goes and how much brass I end up with. Another custom route on my mind is the 7-6.5 PRCW as I already have a ton of 6.5 prc quality brass. I also know another shooter with a custom 7 SAUM and he says he would build it again given the chance.

Looking forward to seeing what you build.

Cheers,
B

 

[Potashminer]

Likely not "modern" at all - but was Phil Sharpe's thought, after WWII - to develop a cartridge for all of North America hunting - he ended up using a design (or elements of a design) that he may have come across in a France Armoury in WWII - 7x61 Sharpe and Hart. Even crusty old Elmer Keith mentioned how perfectly that cartridge case and expansion ratio worked out with the IMR 4350 powder of the day - 160 grain bullets, I believe. Brass was produced commercially by Norma (?) - probably was the impetus to Remington to develop their 7mm Rem Mag - all of perhaps a hundred feet per second faster - from the days when very few private persons had access to a chronograph, so all were more or less hostage to what factory's published as velocity - and as now, is not as if "marketers" might not exaggerate a bit. Was common enough that the Schultz and Larsen rifles chambered for 7x61 S&H had 26" barrels, and most commonly, Remington Magnum rifles used 24" barrels - so likely not much real difference when fired. But, advertised speed counted - 7 mm Rem Mag became really popular, and about no one has ever heard of the 7x61 Sharpe and Hart cartridge.

 

[coleman1495]

I fully agree as I LOVE Tikka T3X. Actions - and the mag box will do 3.340 “ plenty long .
But a 284 Win has no where near the performance of a 7 PRC
I use the 284 W in my F class rifle with a 32 “ barrel I shoot 180-184/grers at 2835 fos as that is where the node ( accuracy ) is and brass life is Good too . Can get it up to 2875 or + but it will destroy brass and accuracy is less.
In a 24 “ hunting barrel your gonna be a lot less FPS even in a long action with the long throat then a 7 PRC .
Again JMHO RJ

But it’s a Great cartridge for 100-400 yard hunting Fiordland Sure

For sure. The 7 prc has a significant increase in powder and the performance to match.

Personally I’d be at a disadvantage with the prc though. It’s more cartridge than I can shoot well in awkward positions. I don’t think the extra 250fps is worth it IMO.
Totally personal preference of the OP though. I have no idea what he can shoot well.

 

[dan belisle]

Likely not "modern" at all - but was Phil Sharpe's thought, after WWII - to develop a cartridge for all of North America hunting - he ended up using a design (or elements of a design) that he may have come across in a France Armoury in WWII - 7x61 Sharpe and Hart. Even crusty old Elmer Keith mentioned how perfectly that cartridge case and expansion ratio worked out with the IMR 4350 powder of the day - 160 grain bullets, I believe. Brass was produced commercially by Norma (?) - probably was the impetus to Remington to develop their 7mm Rem Mag - all of perhaps a hundred feet per second faster - from the days when very few private persons had access to a chronograph, so all were more or less hostage to what factory's published as velocity - and as now, is not as if "marketers" might not exaggerate a bit. Was common enough that the Schultz and Larsen rifles chambered for 7x61 S&H had 26" barrels, and most commonly, Remington Magnum rifles used 24" barrels - so likely not much real difference when fired. But, advertised speed counted - 7 mm Rem Mag became really popular, and about no one has ever heard of the 7x61 Sharpe and Hart cartridge.

It's a good cartridge, I have a Dumoulin chambered in it. One of my favorite 7's. - dan

 

[Potashminer]

For whatever reason - maybe a good salesman or a good wholesaler - it seems to me that the Norma rounds - 7x61 S&H and 308 Norma Mag, were fairly popular in B.C. - although I got most of my 308 Norma Brass from a guy in North Central Saskatchewan (he lives near Big River, Sask.) The 7x61 rifle that I have is a Schultz and Larson rifle (it may have been cut down, as the barrel is only 22" long and it had a front sight soldered on, but no rear sight) and the 308 Norma Magnum rifle is a 24" barrel one by Parker Hale. Not a lot of difference to 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag.

 

[remington jim]

I built more 7mm Remington Magnums than any other cartridge. It is an excellent cartridge for North America. It will handle any animal with acceptable recoil and an excellent trajectory.
The .280 Remington is also excellent with a little less in recoil and performance.
... and the 7mm-08 is excellent out to about 400 yards on game animals.

Boring even for Old Guys lol RJ

 

[remington jim]

Remember. No matter how heavy - thick your barrel is Throat temperature is the Same after a firing . Still gotta control your urge to machine gun targets . Yes the thicker steel barrel will draw the temp out of the barrel faster but the heat still erodes the throat ! RJ

 

[Betaprovet]

For sure. The 7 prc has a significant increase in powder and the performance to match.

Personally I’d be at a disadvantage with the prc though. It’s more cartridge than I can shoot well in awkward positions. I don’t think the extra 250fps is worth it IMO.
Totally personal preference of the OP though. I have no idea what he can shoot well.

I don't mind recoil at all and manage it fairly well, I've spent alot of time working on my shooting technique. This is a 300prc load I developed for longish range. 230 Berger hybrids with 79gr of N570 loaded quite long, quite a forgiving powder and seating depth node there, in my particular gun. These groups are very repeatable and just seem to work. I was messing with my trigger weight and set it super light!! The high impact was a horrible trigger squeeze...caught me by surprise so I'm happy the group stayed that tight haha. I have since made the trigger a bit heavier!

 

[Betaprovet]

I don't mind recoil at all and manage it fairly well, I've spent alot of time working on my shooting technique. This is a 300prc load I developed for longish range. 230 Berger hybrids with 79gr of N570 loaded quite long, quite a forgiving powder and seating depth node there, in my particular gun. These groups are very repeatable and just seem to work. I was messing with my trigger weight and set it super light!! The high impact was a horrible trigger squeeze...caught me by surprise so I'm happy the group stayed that tight haha. I have since made the trigger a bit heavier!

Should have been a 6 shot group! Don't burn me too hard for not including that one haha...I have another ballistic x report that includes it, I just had to see what it measured without it....target was at 215yrds. High shot was shot 3 of the group

 

[Betaprovet]

By using a tikka action with magnum bolt face, my only limiting factor to coal being limited to 3.340 is the factory mag and stock I suppose. If I re chamber to 7prc and install a custom stock with mags to suit my intended length I can feed with bullets jammed if I choose to, is that correct? I do not jam bullets but just an exaggeration to describe the situation. Hope that makes sense.

 

[remington jim]

By using a tikka action with magnum bolt face, my only limiting factor to coal being limited to 3.340 is the factory mag and stock I suppose. If I re chamber to 7prc and install a custom stock with mags to suit my intended length I can feed with bullets jammed if I choose to, is that correct? I do not jam bullets but just an exaggeration to describe the situation. Hope that makes sense.

We jam lots of bullets in our F Class rifles - some shoot better that way others don’t and like a little jump the problem is if you get a CEASE FIRE COMMAND and unload you end up with a stuck bullet and a action full of powder out comes the cleaning rod to tap out the bullet and the compressed air to blow out the powder kernels . RJ

 

[TJCote]

I went down the same road or buying/building a “do all” gun that would be light enough for hunting yet stable and accurate enough for long range shooting. I did it twice and my caliber choices were 280AI and 300WSM. My experiences, however, were somewhat enlightening.

First off, a short, handy, light weight rig is great for hunting but not terribly conducive to true long range shooting. On the other hand, long range rifles can be used…but may not be the best for many hunting situations. In other words, a gun set up for one type of use may not be great at another. As I went through the process, my choices at every turn seemed to be a compromise in one aspect or another…be that caliber choice (and ammo choice that shoots well), barrels, stocks, triggers, magazine styles, scopes, etc, etc.,

Sure, there are guns out there that can serve both purposes admirably well, Some of the best guns that I found are those semi customs long range hunting rifles like (or similar to) Gunwerks, RMR’s and customs with light weight components. Although these guns are great for hunting and can shot really well at long ranges, they are extremely expensive and there might be better choices for true long range shooting.

Given a chance to do over, I would consider what type of application I most wanted, then build/buy the gun for the specific task…be that long range shooting OR hunting. Then, build/buy a second gun for the other type of application. I would have saved money and had better guns for each specific application.

…just my opinion on the the subject,

 

[coleman1495]

I don't mind recoil at all and manage it fairly well, I've spent alot of time working on my shooting technique. This is a 300prc load I developed for longish range. 230 Berger hybrids with 79gr of N570 loaded quite long, quite a forgiving powder and seating depth node there, in my particular gun. These groups are very repeatable and just seem to work. I was messing with my trigger weight and set it super light!! The high impact was a horrible trigger squeeze...caught me by surprise so I'm happy the group stayed that tight haha. I have since made the trigger a bit heavier!

Thats some good shooting looks like it’s working well for you. The 7 prc might be the ticket for you. I’m not sure if you will want aftermarket mags to run the 7 prc it looks borderline whether factory is long enough.
The 7 saum is a performer too and will definitely fit.

On a side note I’m not surprised you got good results with N570. I’ve tested a handful of Viht powders now and I am very impressed with the results.

 

[Betaprovet]

I went down the same road or buying/building a “do all” gun that would be light enough for hunting yet stable and accurate enough for long range shooting. I did it twice and my caliber choices were 280AI and 300WSM. My experiences, however, were somewhat enlightening.

First off, a short, handy, light weight rig is great for hunting but not terribly conducive to true long range shooting. On the other hand, long range rifles can be used…but may not be the best for many hunting situations. In other words, a gun set up for one type of use may not be great at another. As I went through the process, my choices at every turn seemed to be a compromise in one aspect or another…be that caliber choice (and ammo choice that shoots well), barrels, stocks, triggers, magazine styles, scopes, etc, etc.,

Sure, there are guns out there that can serve both purposes admirably well, Some of the best guns that I found are those semi customs long range hunting rifles like (or similar to) Gunwerks, RMR’s and customs with light weight components. Although these guns are great for hunting and can shot really well at long ranges, they are extremely expensive and there might be better choices for true long range shooting.

Given a chance to do over, I would consider what type of application I most wanted, then build/buy the gun for the specific task…be that long range shooting OR hunting. Then, build/buy a second gun for the other type of application. I would have saved money and had better guns for each specific application.

…just my opinion on the the subject,

Appreciate the input, and experience. You are probably bang on. Most of the time I am load developing and long range shooting, second to that is hunting. Hunting seasons are short here in Saskatchewan for elk and only 4 days for moose. I can manage carrying and extra few pounds in the bush for a few days. I could loose 30lbs myself and be way further ahead

 

[Bustercluck]

Appreciate the input, and experience. You are probably bang on. Most of the time I am load developing and long range shooting, second to that is hunting. Hunting seasons are short here in Saskatchewan for elk and only 4 days for moose. I can manage carrying and extra few pounds in the bush for a few days. I could loose 30lbs myself and be way further ahead

You have my brain working here with this thread. lol

There’s something to be said about being proficient with one rifle and comfortable with the way it shoots. I think your 400 yard hunting range is low for what you’re looking at building. I’d push things to 600 at least with a 175 grain 7mm hunting bullet on elk/deer, but maybe a little closer on moose. You could run the 175 partition for heavy game and bring your expectations in a touch. I wouldn’t focus on an ultralight carbon stock either, but something with adjustable length of pull and cheek rise with a fore stock that supports the bipod you want to use and an angled rear buttstock/bag rider to make adjustments with a bag. An ultralight carbon stock and heavy barrel will feel out of balance, or at least it does to me. I’d be looking at a #2, or #3 barrel at 24-26”, maybe even a heavier profile if it’s fits in the weight budget.

Ive seen a couple of the mdt hunting stocks and they’re super nice and user friendly for the diy guys. I have a few of their acc chassis and they’re second to none. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the hnt26 or timber model. I shoot with guys who have one of each. I also own a couple of manners ultra classic. They’re nice as well, but low on features. Manners makes stocks to order with whatever you want, but they take awhile to get here. You can get a arca rail or picatinny added to the fore stock and almost any inlet you want, but you might need a gunsmith to bed and fit it for you. I have a defiance anti that’s really nice, but I can’t recommend them because of the problems I’ve had with their product and they’ve changed hands recently and I don’t think they’re focussed on the same values that made them popular. There’s a few companies that make an intermediate length action for rounds like the 7saum, but they’re probably short for the prc(I haven’t looked and done the math). I have a two lug ks arms Wolverine that I really like and a friend of mine has the 3 lug ks, but I don’t think either come in stainless.

The only trigger I’m buying these days is a timney hit, unless it’s for strictly prone fclass type shooting.

Last thing. I’d recommend buying your parts from whoever is assembling your gun, or at least have the smiths blessing on what and who you’re buying from. If something doesn’t work than you’ll be on the hook to fix it while the smith and dealer point fingers at each other.

 

[m1008]

Tikka T3 is a medium length action. Would be a poor choice for a rm or other long cartridges

 

[Justin102]

We recently did a 7PRC on a K.S wolverine LA for a customer and it turned out really nice. I also have a 7/300PRC reamer coming to play with. I have a bunch of lapua 300PRC brass so that should be a fun little project. something to think about.

 

[Bustercluck]

Here’s a simple calculation using the 175eldx going 2900fps. The 7saum built on a long or medium action with a long throat should be able to push that with a 24” barrel. Longer barrel or prc will be this fast or faster, but you won’t know for sure u til it’s together. A 20moa rail and a scope with enough vertical adjustment will get you to 1400yards and still supersonic and that’s a hunting bullet. I think you can do it with an 8-10 pound bare rifle with a nice break and it shouldn’t beat you up too bad lugging it around or managing the recoil.

 

[sard]

Good question, I'm just starting this myself and am working on picking up a Savage 116 in 30-06 to re-barrel in 280AI. Something to play with over the next year or so.