Which 7mm rem mag for hunting?

bearhunter said:
Getting rid of that bulge should help a lot.

Taking 20 inches off that barrel will only reduce your velocity by 50 feet per second, nothing any animal you shoot at will notice.

If you're getting a sore shoulder after firing 10-12 rounds now, you're definitely going to "feel" the 7mm Rem Mag much sooner, likely after the first shot.

Your BAR, because of its action produces slightly less recoil than a bolt action rifle.

If you get moving on your hand loading, you can easily make up that 50 fps safely with that rifle.

The Bar has recoil buffers available for it, if it doesn't already have one. These tame recoil a bit and are easily installed.

These buffers are cheap and available online. Just Google Browning Hi Power Recoil Buffers.

Rather than purchase a new to you rifle, I would either get the bulge removed from the existing barrel or have the barrel replaced.

Cost would be about the same as another rifle to replace the barrel, but you would still have the once fired cases and other reloading supplies already on hand.

It sounds like money may be a bit tight? This is nothing to be ashamed of. It happens to everyone.

That means cutting back the barrel to the first useable distance would be preferrable. However, bulged barrels can be tricky to fix.

What looks like a 1/2 inch or 1 inch bulge might need an inch or two of barrel removed to remove all of the bulged area. This may put your rifle into the restricted or prohibited class.

That BAR is a very decent rifle. They can be dreams to shoot if they're accurate and functioning properly. Maintenance is required.

Good luck with this. Procrastination seems to be your worst enemy on this one.
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I have another post I wrote in the 'gunsmithing' forum titled "1st rust bluing project" where I describe my restoration of my BAR and showed linked pictures. I've familiarized myself well with my gun and keep it well maintained.

I think I will bring it to a known reputable smithy near me that I've been recommended to before. See what it costs and what options there are to repair the BAR. I've talked with him before and he said no one makes those barrels anymore do to the design and it's getting hard to find them. He actually suggested shortening the barrel, believe he estimated around $200-$300 if he could find his jig to adapt it to the lathe.
 
RBguns said:
I have another post I wrote in the 'gunsmithing' forum titled "1st rust bluing project" where I describe my restoration of my BAR and showed linked pictures. I've familiarized myself well with my gun and keep it well maintained.

I think I will bring it to a known reputable smithy near me that I've been recommended to before. See what it costs and what options there are to repair the BAR. I've talked with him before and he said no one makes those barrels anymore do to the design and it's getting hard to find them. He actually suggested shortening the barrel, believe he estimated around $200-$300 if he could find his jig to adapt it to the lathe.
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Seems steep for a simple cut/crown. New barrels are available from Midwest Supplies, can be imported by Prophet River or IRG, $400US and change.
 
A 7mm RM Tikka T3x stainless model is currently the "biggest" rifle I own. I also own a T3x Battue model in 30-06 that is my go-to rifle for everything. Recoil feels about the same from them both. That said, I moved from NE Ontario to the west Kootenay region of BC earlier this year. The 7mm isn't really needed where I've come from. But out here, shots might get a little longer than what I've been used to in the past.

I've got a Winchester model 70 in 6.5 Creedmoor, a Ruger #1 in 303 British and a T3x in 223 that I'd like to get some kills with this year. But my mind keeps circling back to the 7mm RM stashed away in the back of the safe, as it seems very well suited to the terrain I've found myself in now.

I'd ask myself what are the practical distances you'd likely face in the field and go from there. If the chances of a longer shot are relatively high, a 7mm RM is a good cartridge to go with. Especially if you're already used to the recoil of an -06. If 99% of your shots are under 300 yards (like the most of us), a smaller cartridge will likely achieve the same goals and won't wreck your shoulder, ears or wallet.

As far as rifle recommendations goes, whichever cartridge you decide upon, go with the Tikka. You'll be happy you did.
 
RBguns said:
Good evening folks,
I'm looking to get a new hunting rifle this year. With little experience, a bit of reading and also the endorsement from a veteran hunter, I've decided the caliber I'd like to get is the 7mm RM.
The current dilemma is which manufacturer? I've been leaning towards the Tikka T3X do to its reputation to be reliable action and consistent accuracy not to mention the endless options for modifications. The environment I plan to put it through will include everything from tree/blind sits to still hunting, and quading through lease and trails. So I don't want (nor can afford) a high tier rifle as it may get scratched by branches or damaged by rough use. I plan on eventually hunting anything from whitetail to moose. Also I have only been in possession of my PAL since last July, so take in account my novice experience.
A few ideal preferences I have in mind are: lighter weight, pistol grip stock, threaded or barrel with compensator/brake and perhaps free floating barrel.
All thoughts and opinions welcome to weigh in!
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For a novice, I'd say keep it simple:

Winchester Model 70 or a Tikka with a classic american-style stock - if you have the $, laminate is a better option than plastic. it's just a 7mm mag, so I'd recommend that you skip the muzzle brake and save your hearing.

Just to reiterate and address some of the other advice you've received, keep it simple: Shiny new state-of-the-art stuff is great, but the hunting rifle was perfected 75 years ago. Everything since then has just been marketing.
 
Well I called a couple gunsmiths around my region and they all tell me that do to the design of the BAR'S barrel having the receiver fixed to it, they can't run it on a lathe to recrown it once cut back and that they don't know if cutting it back will affect the operation of the action... two of them told me to hang the gun and start new with another gun.
 
No mention of the awl mighty Schultz'n Larsen?
I do know where one might be acquired in the Model 68DL.
And tuh bewt, the new is already warn awffer.
 
remington jim said:
I find those actions stiff ? What do you mean 45acp ? RJ
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cycling the bolt
Shot the same models in .308 , .338 fed, 7mm rem mag.
They were new rifles so maybe that is it but they are just not for me.
I have lots of friends and aquaintances that shoot Tikkas, I'm not saying they are not nice rifles, they have the following they do for a reason.
 
I don't think there are really any bad choices these days with any brand in the T3 price range. Shoulder a few and see what seems to fit you comfortably.
As far as recoil goes if you find it is too much when practicing put some padding on your shoulder.
In my experience you won't feel a thing when you squeeze the trigger on an animal.

Jody
 
I've hunted with an x-bolt in .308 and that was a slick rifle.
Back to the 7mm rem mag and recoil.
Like another mentioned, in the moment, squeezing that trigger on an animal, recoil is not felt the same if at all really.
For any magnum or "heavier" recoil caliber , the Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad is what I highly recommend to purchase at the same time as the rifle..... no matter what rifle you end up choosing. The lighter the rifle , such as the Tikka , you are going to feel a much sharper and more pronounced recoil whereas a heavier rifle will diminish the sharpness as the rifles get heavier.
Being of slight build, I have no issue shooting 7mm rem mag, 300 mag , 338 mag ect in the hunting scenario, but all the rifles have decelerator pads.
 
the tikka is a really great rifle and they aren't crazily priced. i bought a T3X lite stainless in 7mm rem mag as a first rifle and it was great from day 1. super smooth action that everyone who feels it loves, the 24 inch barrel seems to shoot every ammo well everything i tried was sub moa but some better then others. the lite hunting barrels dont come threaded you have to have it done but its worth it, the brake on this 7mm makes it feel like less recoil then 308's without a brake. the only thing that i have as a negative on it is because of the lite barrel, the thin barrels are affected more by heat and the 7mm i guess has a lot of it. i get 3 shots that with a nicer ammo the holes will all touch and then after that it slowly starts to vere. not a big deal for a hunting rifle where you want it light but when i am at the range trying to mess around and target practice its too much cooling down time. i ended up buying the tikka super varmint with the heavy barrel it just got here a few days ago but the weight is definitely noticeable.
 
I currently have two 7MM mags in my safe. One Win model 70 classic with a 26 inch barrel, It shoots about 1 1/2 inch at two hundred yards. the recoil doesn't seem excessive at all but I'm not recoil sensitive. the second is a Rem 700 with a 24 inch barrel. This is the most accurate rifle I own and shoots cloverleaf's at 100 yards. My recommendation would be a used Rem 700. Try to find an older one in good shape. If you do, I think you will be very happy with it. Both of these rifles have many deer to their credit. Incidentally, the Rem fits me better than the Winchester but your experience might be different. Just for fun I put together some hot loads with some 175 grain bullets and shot them out of the Win, the recoil was definitely noticeable.
 
The BAR is heavy, and it's action helps to soften recoil, so a lighter 7mmremmag will produce more felt recoil. The Howa1500 or Vanguard are good rifles, and are heavier than a Tikka, so they tend to be a little softer recoil wise. I would avoid a brake, as they are so loud, you should never fire even a single shot without hearing protection, which means hunting with hearing protection.
 
A fairly husky buddy of mine had a 7rm and 25-06, savage and teeka both similar weight synthetic black steel basics. He shoots the 25 better than the 7, we were zero confirming one day together and he was high right and several shots basically a shotgun pattern it wasn’t pretty. I took over to confirm and it drilled 2” high at a hundred no problem but I can eat recoil even when I hate it. This is not the first time I’ve seen this exact scenario!

Shoot less cartridge and kill more imo. It wasn’t as rude as the 300 win mag and even 30-06’s I’ve had but it was definitely in 30-06 in light rifle get your attention. Needless to say he will likely reach for the 25-06 most.

Do yourself a favor and find a 6.5 Creedmoor and run 140 eldm factory white box match and you’re set for life. Turn off the Internet once you get it. Thank me later.
 
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