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Johnny_Canuck

Johnny_Canuck

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I'm all set to begin ordering/assembling bits for my savage magnum action based long range build. Originally I wanted to jump on the 338 edge wagon. With the big bullets I'd probably wind up single feeding but I was okay with that. And I'm a big boy, I can handle recoil, especially after twisting on a muzzle break.

But as I clean and sort all my spare brass I begin to realise, I have a silly amount of 300 Win Mag brass sitting around... But I already have a 300 win mag and enough brass...

This gets me thinking about a 7mm-300 win mag or perhaps a 6.5-300. The 6.5 seems to gain little though as it is past the point of limiting returns for that bore diameter. Which leaves the 7mm-300, which seems to show darn close numbers to the 7STW, so it's got a touch more efficiency, with the benefit of the heavy, high BC bullets currently available for that calibre.
It will likely just be a target/gong rig.
So the argument is: 338 edge vs 7-300WM aaaaand Go!
 
you have a 300 a 7mm 300 would be in the same performance area make the edge then if a rhino excapes from the local zoo or if you have to shoot a truck you are equiped to handle it! I love my 338s dont have a edge but have a 338lm and a rum.
consider the rum it will have a better chance of feeding
 
I would go with the 338 Lapua with a 1-10 twist. The 300gr bullets are amazing in long range windy conditions. 1st shot hits on the gong at ranges 1000 + yards in the wind are very satisfying :). I've never shot a high velocity 7mm, but I've heard others call it a "wind cheater". I'm a firm believer "theres no replacement for displacement".
 
The 338 is more $$ to feed, but really if your looking for horsepower way out there, its hard to beat. If you want to cheat the wind its hard to trump the high BC of the berger hybrid. You can push a 180gr VLD pretty hard with a 7stw or 7-300, but the edge does it easiy and is not finicky to load for. I can feed mine most anything, except 250gr accubonds, and almost any reasonable powder load and it shoots very well. 91-94gr H1000, CCI 250 primer, and the 300gr matchking or hybrid, reading most reports that combo works in most rifles, mine likes 91.5gr in Nosler brass.
 
Long range is 1100+. The 300 is still running a factory barrel, but for how much longer I don't know, she's pushing 1000+ rounds and is getting finicky with loads it used to do well with. Still pushes the 190's well but they hang out closer to the lands.
 
I have done a ton of LR shooting with the 7RM and it is a gem. Plenty of great bullets that can reach way the heck out there. Compare the numbers of the new gen 180 and 190gr 7mms vs a 300gr 338 at 2700fps. Very similar in wind drift but way less money in the 7RM.

Very easy to load the 180's in the 7RM using Retumbo. With 162/168's, Re25 is hard to beat.

Since you already have all the 300WM brass, why not just use the really nice 208/210gr bullets. BC is near identical to the 7mm's and so are costs.

There is little point in wildcatting for these magnums as you will save so much by using standard chamberings, dies and brass.

With a properly set up rig, accuracy approaching 1/2 min at 1 mile is not out of the question. Sub MOA is pretty much a given....if you can dope the winds

We are sending plenty of 338 slugs out yonder and it is simply too easy to shoot this cal on our side of 1 mile. Really, it is a no brainer. This spring/summer we are going to push them out to 3000yds for a challenge.

To put it in perspecitive, a 223, 7 twist, and 90gr Bergers has no problem tossing them to 1500yds even in decent winds. 80gr Amax work at 1 mile too.

I know a few very good shooters who hit sub MOA targets with their 6BR and 105gr Berger Hunting VLD's at 1 mile.

You most certainly do not need a boomer to reach out for LR plinking (big game, another story). Way easier on wind doping of course but after a while, that is the whole point of shooting that far - the challenge of getting the winds right.

Jerry
 
I built an Edge last winter on a savage magnum action and LOVE it. I single feed it with no difficulties. As far as recoil goes it's a pussy with the Brake I have on it. I fired 30 rounds with no issues at all, then switched to my Brother In Laws old model 70, 270 win with a dried up rock hard recoil pad. 20 rounds and my shoulder was black and blue.
I love the big whack it gives to the gongs and rocks too!
 
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