7mm WSM, How heavy do you go?

[Kelly Timoffee]

Thinking of my next rifle, would like to get a 7mm WSM made as a light weight , mid range easy carry rig.

I currently own one and load 150gr SC II's which work quite well.

For those of you that load for them where do you you think the weight limit is from your experience where the performance starts to fall off?

Probably go 8" twist and I am thinking the 165/168 projectiles would be a decent balance with 180's being the top end.

Thoughts?

 

[todbartell]

197gr if you can seat the bullet out to 3.1"+

If the action restricts OAL to 2.86", then you'll be seating long heavy bullets deep inside the case. In some cases the ogive will be below the case mouth

8 twist is where you want to be for any bullet weight in a 7mm

 

[pete dobinson]

I think 160 gr is plenty for a wsm in a hunting rifle. I loaded 140 gr accubonds in mine for mule deer. My rifle is a kimber montana.

 

[Buckmastr]

I had one built recently on a model 70 SA, Saami chamber handles 140-160 gr bullets well. A 9.5 twist is good for my intended purpose which is hunting.

 

[remington jim]

7 WSM is a NICE cartridge - what action would you build it on ? Maybe a Custom action ? RJ

 

[remington jim]

I had one built recently on a model 70 SA, Saami chamber handles 140-160 gr bullets well. A 9.5 twist is good for my intended purpose which is hunting.

Nice looking rifle there Bucky - All Specs - Info Please ! RJ

 

[Suther]

197gr if you can seat the bullet out to 3.1"+

If the action restricts OAL to 2.86", then you'll be seating long heavy bullets deep inside the case. In some cases the ogive will be below the case mouth

8 twist is where you want to be for any bullet weight in a 7mm

Why so heavy? I understand the reasons for target purposes, but wouldn't a higher velocity be advantageous in a hunting scenario?

 

[Buckmastr]

Thanks RJ.
Classic stainless model 70 SA, 7/08 Winchester take off barrel rechambered and fluted, 23.5", McMillan compact with talleys and vx3 4.5-14, 7.2lbs empty.

 

[todbartell]

Why so heavy? I understand the reasons for target purposes, but wouldn't a higher velocity be advantageous in a hunting scenario?

A 7WSM will push a 140gr to 3200 fps, 160gr to 3050 fps. That's plenty of velocity

It's nice to have the ability to load any bullet you want. Projectiles are only getting heavier, longer and more aerodynamic. You can either load them and shoot them, or wish you went with a 8 twist barrel

 

[pete dobinson]

Check out "High Country Hunter 6mmBR.com" there's a good article about two identical rifles chambered in 7mm wsm. He calls them The Twins.

 

[b72471]

WSM 7mm, I have one in an X Bolt. Reload the 160gr nos part have taken moose and deer with that load, works great.
enjoy.