7mm rifles, whats your thoughts, favourites

[bruce moulds]

Being it's built on the .30-06 Springfield case rather than the .308 Winchester, when loaded to potential the 7mm-08 won't be able to keep up with it. The .280 Remington is very similar but has the added advantage of bullets selection. The only draw back to the .270, and that's a minor one, is your pretty much limited to 150 grain bullets. The .280, being a .284 caliber bullet is slightly bigger than the 270 (which uses a .277 caliber bullet). The 7mm bullets on the market are all .284 caliber, which gives you more choices and allows upwards of 175 grain loads.

But again, many people herein have said they've taken all kinds of plains game with the .270. Some PHs think it's a bit light for the bigger game, but that's mainly because they're looking for a margin of safety in case the client doesn't put the round exactly where it needs to be.

the increased killing power of the 280 IS noticeable over the 270 when comparing bullets of similar sectional density and construction.
trajectory is the same, certainly with handloads of similar working pressure.
9 1/2 twist will do 175 gn hunting bullets as long as they are not vld type, none of which are good hunting bullets for anything but smaller game.
bruce

 

[ILCAPO]

the increased killing power of the 280 IS noticeable over the 270 when comparing bullets of similar sectional density and construction.
trajectory is the same, certainly with handloads of similar working pressure.
9 1/2 twist will do 175 gn hunting bullets as long as they are not vld type, none of which are good hunting bullets for anything but smaller game.
bruce

Good to know. Again, the AI definitely adds some 'horsepower' to the 280. However, for myself, having a 7mm Rem Mag already, I've decided to stick with the regular 280 Remington version, if I get one. Unfortunately with tax season here and our pursuing building out our basement, I don't have the freedom to simply cut a check to the gun shop. Otherwise, I would buy this customized Sako in .280 Remington I just saw posted online. It was modified by the owner replacing the 1 in 10 twist manufacturer's barrel with a 1 in 9 1/2 twist McGowen.

 

[Panther Shooter]

I personally have had very good fortune with the 7 millimeter Remington Magnum . My own is a custom job , built on a Springfield Model 1903 receiver by Jim Zahm of Oregon in USA with a straight stock and a Douglas barrel . When I first decided to purchase a central fire rifle in 1976 , I was struggling between choosing a 7 millimeter Mauser or a 7 millimeter Remington Magnum .
I really initially gravitated towards a 7 millimeter Mauser, because my childhood hero , Jim Corbett used to own two such rifles ( one built by John Rigby & Co. and one built by Westley Richards ) . However, there was a problem.
At the time , all of the commercially available factory loaded 7 millimeter Mauser ammunition on the market actually achieved some pretty unremarkable velocities . This was done as a precautionary measure due to several 7 millimeter Mausers , built on weak or worn out receivers which were still circulating around the market .
Since my hand loading skills were not so refined at the time , my choice became obvious . I had the 7 millimeter Remington Magnum built up for me .
I am pleased to say that in the last 44 years , it has only given me more and more reasons to praise it’s stellar performance . For many years , I have used standard factory loaded Remington Core Lokt 175 grain soft nose cartridges for my seasonal Chital Deer and Sambhar Deer shooting , along with wild boars . It has also helped me account for the odd Asian Sloth Bear and two man eating leopards ( one Hunting Leopard and one Spotted Leopard) over the years . In recent years , I have actually begun to hand load my own cartridges , as well . I use Barnes TSX 175 grain soft nose bullets and have found no reason to complain about their performance.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

So , A gunshop in Adelaide (Australia) said that the 7mm-08 is popular with African shooters living there.
Is it a common round in Africa?
What about the others?
I've read on the 7x57, sounds like a classic.
Yesterday i read about the ,284Winchester another 7mm bore, and the 7mm-08 AI
People I've met with 7mm rifles are pretty happy with performance
It seems that for hunting the 7x57 is well liked. The 7mm-08 equals it and the 7mmRm is fine but there are other 7mm magnums too.
do these others show any real world performance for hunters?

From personal experience I can only speak about the 7 mm Rem. Mag. and the 7-08. I've killed a lot of blacktails, mulies and a couple of pronghorns with the Mag, but I've had it for 40 years. I've only had the 7-08 for a few years and have killed 1 blacktail at 200 yards. I seldom carry the 7-08 as it is shorter range rig. 20 inch barrel and synthetic stock. It is a lot easier to pack, but I have had to pass shots that I would have made with the 7 mag. So for me it is a matter of range. If you are going to take shots at over 300 yards, and this happens a lot in the Western states, the 7 mag is the hands down winner. Inside of that, it's a toss up. A good friend of mine was a guide in Idaho. He shot everything with a .280 including many deer, elk and black bears and 1 bighorn. I can't say he was wrong. One other thing to consider, at least in this country, is that if you walk into any store that sells ammo, the 7 mm Rem. Mag. is something that will be on the shelf. With any of the others, not so much.

 

[ILCAPO]

From personal experience I can only speak about the 7 mm Rem. Mag. and the 7-08. I've killed a lot of blacktails, mulies and a couple of pronghorns with the Mag, but I've had it for 40 years. I've only had the 7-08 for a few years and have killed 1 blacktail at 200 yards. I seldom carry the 7-08 as it is shorter range rig. 20 inch barrel and synthetic stock. It is a lot easier to pack, but I have had to pass shots that I would have made with the 7 mag. So for me it is a matter of range. If you are going to take shots at over 300 yards, and this happens a lot in the Western states, the 7 mag is the hands down winner. Inside of that, it's a toss up. A good friend of mine was a guide in Idaho. He shot everything with a .280 including many deer, elk and black bears and 1 bighorn. I can't say he was wrong. One other thing to consider, at least in this country, is that if you walk into any store that sells ammo, the 7 mm Rem. Mag. is something that will be on the shelf. With any of the others, not so much.

7mm-08 is supposed to be readily available, but perhaps not as much out west. My first rifle was a Browning A-bolt hunter in 7mm Remington Magnum. After completing hunting safety training back in 1986 while in Colorado attending training at what was Lowrey AFB in Denver, I went shopping for a rifle suitable for hunting the Rockies. The shop recommended either the .30-60 Springfield or the 7mm Rem Mag, noting the latter was flatter shooting. I chose the latter. Then next day I was out with an experienced hunter who spotted a mule deer way up on the mountain behind us. You really couldn't even see it without binoculars. When I asked how far it was, he estimated about 800 yards. While we tried to figure out if it was a buck or doe, I asked if it was a buck could he reach it. He had a .30-06 and said, not likely. I then noted I had a 7mm Mag and offered to give it to him if that would be sufficient. He took it, and continued watching. Finally after about ten minutes he said, "It's a buck!" and took aim. I watched as it took a step at the same time he fired. A second later the animal dropped, his front legs falling out from under him. (It had been stepping from right to left, with its left side facing us.) Turns out he got it in the hip. I was using Federal Premium with 170 or 175 grain Nosler partitioned bullets. When we got him home and I was skinning him, we found the round had hit him right on the hip bone, which caused the bullet to mushroom, and then it split apart. The front end, which was mushroomed significantly richoceted off the bone and was deflected upward, where it shattered three of his vertebrae. The rear end of the bullet drove through the hip bone, through his body, through to far side hip bone and exited the body. The entrance wound was a narrow tall slit, it appears the front of the bullet began to tumble. The exit wound was the diameter of the bullet. Another hunter with us found him still alive and he finished him off. My partner was cursing himself out for taking the shot. But fortunately, it’s clear the animal was scared and confused, but didn’t feel anything because of his backbone being severed. He just couldn't move. By the way, as I cut him open, the ball joints of both hips fell out into my hands. The point of this story is I was astounded at the amount of damage done, even at this extreme range.

Reviewing our position and his, we estimate that while the actual point-to-point range was about 800 yards, the gravity effect was probably half that, perhaps between 400 and 500 yards, because he was way above us. My buddy must have been aiming at a 45 degree angle to get at him. He said he’d placed the cross hairs of the scope right on his back.

So, the point of the story is, I’ve read about other even more powerful 7mm magnums, like the Weatherby, the Dakota, the 7mm Shooting Times Westerner, and more recently the 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum. I honestly don’t see the point. Considering what this gun did to a large (roughly 200 pound animal) at such long range, I don’t see why anyone would need more.

 

[ILCAPO]

From personal experience I can only speak about the 7 mm Rem. Mag. and the 7-08. I've killed a lot of blacktails, mulies and a couple of pronghorns with the Mag, but I've had it for 40 years. I've only had the 7-08 for a few years and have killed 1 blacktail at 200 yards. I seldom carry the 7-08 as it is shorter range rig. 20 inch barrel and synthetic stock. It is a lot easier to pack, but I have had to pass shots that I would have made with the 7 mag. So for me it is a matter of range. If you are going to take shots at over 300 yards, and this happens a lot in the Western states, the 7 mag is the hands down winner. Inside of that, it's a toss up. A good friend of mine was a guide in Idaho. He shot everything with a .280 including many deer, elk and black bears and 1 bighorn. I can't say he was wrong. One other thing to consider, at least in this country, is that if you walk into any store that sells ammo, the 7 mm Rem. Mag. is something that will be on the shelf. With any of the others, not so much.

On the other side, I have a 7 x 57 mm Mauser, which is very similar to the 7mm-08. And I have had my eye on a 280 Remington -- a Sako -- which I hope to get once things get back to normal around here with the shutdown. The latter falls right in between the two power-wise.

I'm here in Virginia now and I can assure you the 7mm Rem Mag is WAY too much gun for around here. That, and my 300 Win Mag are for western hunting -- or like conditions, which we simply don't have here in the east. My .30-06 is also too much for around here. The deer are small and it tends to blow them up, doing a lot of meat damage. For most hunting the 7 x 57 Mauser is perfect. So, the .280 isn't necessary, but I like the gun and would be happy to take that to Africa for open plains hunting.

 

[Newboomer]

7RM is just about perfect for African pg. It has the range and with Barnes 160 gr TSX will take everything up to and including zebra and blue wildebeest. Might be a little light for eland, though.

 

[CBH Australia]

I usrd a hire rifle in 7mmRM in Africa. I picked that over others as i had never used one. I like my 7mm-08 and .308 but i want another .300wm butvi would not discount the 7mmRM for those that want them. I have to be rational so the .300wm will get first preference for that position in my safe.

 

[Mr. Zorg]

I usrd a hire rifle in 7mmRM in Africa. I picked that over others as i had never used one. I like my 7mm-08 and .308 but i want another .300wm butvi would not discount the 7mmRM for those that want them. I have to be rational so the .300wm will get first preference for that position in my safe.

What a concept for the philosophical - a rational rifle loony, disciplined no less! I salute the concept and even more if other temptations over time are resisted!

 

[CBH Australia]

@Mr. Zorg i have refrained from my biggest temptation of late. Chocolate. I am on a diet and got through Easter without even a sniff. Nearly 2 months i never go 2 days. I plan to drink less on the days i drink. Im not particularly big but need to improve the things i can.
If i reduce the other indulgences this rifle loony might become a Blaser Nut. Or at least find a niche meed for a particular rifle.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

On the other side, I have a 7 x 57 mm Mauser, which is very similar to the 7mm-08. And I have had my eye on a 280 Remington -- a Sako -- which I hope to get once things get back to normal around here with the shutdown. The latter falls right in between the two power-wise.

I'm here in Virginia now and I can assure you the 7mm Rem Mag is WAY too much gun for around here. That, and my 300 Win Mag are for western hunting -- or like conditions, which we simply don't have here in the east. My .30-06 is also too much for around here. The deer are small and it tends to blow them up, doing a lot of meat damage. For most hunting the 7 x 57 Mauser is perfect. So, the .280 isn't necessary, but I like the gun and would be happy to take that to Africa for open plains hunting.

I like your assortment of rifles, it sounds like my own collection. A lot of us that hunted in the coastal area of Northern California started using the 7mm Rem Mag in the 1970's because we often had to shoot small bucks across canyons of chaparal brush and we wanted flat shooting rifles. The .30-06 was also popular but as you said, they both tended to wreck a lot of meat on small deer. The problem wasn't really so much the rifle cartridge as the bullet. Light, frangible bullets cause a l

On the other side, I have a 7 x 57 mm Mauser, which is very similar to the 7mm-08. And I have had my eye on a 280 Remington -- a Sako -- which I hope to get once things get back to normal around here with the shutdown. The latter falls right in between the two power-wise.

I'm here in Virginia now and I can assure you the 7mm Rem Mag is WAY too much gun for around here. That, and my 300 Win Mag are for western hunting -- or like conditions, which we simply don't have here in the east. My .30-06 is also too much for around here. The deer are small and it tends to blow them up, doing a lot of meat damage. For most hunting the 7 x 57 Mauser is perfect. So, the .280 isn't necessary, but I like the gun and would be happy to take that to Africa for open plains hunting.

You can actually use a bigger rifle on smaller deer without excessive meat damage. The trick is to use heavier, tougher bullets. However if you like a particular rifle or cartridge that you don't have, that's a really good reason get it!

 

[Viral_SIGness]

So , A gunshop in Adelaide (Australia) said that the 7mm-08 is popular with African shooters living there.
Is it a common round in Africa?
What about the others?
I've read on the 7x57, sounds like a classic.
Yesterday i read about the ,284Winchester another 7mm bore, and the 7mm-08 AI
People I've met with 7mm rifles are pretty happy with performance
It seems that for hunting the 7x57 is well liked. The 7mm-08 equals it and the 7mmRm is fine but there are other 7mm magnums too.
do these others show any real world performance for hunters?

The 7mm-08 is a ballistic twin to the 7x57, and I've always considered the 7-08 to be the finest deer cartridge in existence. Obviously, that is my opinion, but I believe a lot of folks would agree. My friend the PH in Africa, does indeed talk alot about the 7-08, 7x57, and .308 Win. Going by what he tells me, they are indeed popular there.

My personal favorite .284" bore? That would be the 7mm STW, but from a practical standpoint, I'd say the 7mm WSM. I'm not sure of the exact reason, but I find the WSM a hell of a lot easier to find accurate loads for, than the STW.

The 7mm Rem Mag is hugely popular still today, but I believe it's hay day, was before Chronographs cost less than $100. Because for all intents and purposes, the .280 is so close to it, that it seems silly that Remington had them both. I believe if they had made the case similar to the .300 Win Mag (more body, less neck), it would have been seen a totally different light.

DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in this post, are merely my opinion. I'm not trying to bash anyone's favorite, or trying to start an argument. Just trying to get to know folks here, and try to fit in. Thank you for viewing

 

[CBH Australia]

The 7mm-08 is a ballistic twin to the 7x57, and I've always considered the 7-08 to be the finest deer cartridge in existence. Obviously, that is my opinion, but I believe a lot of folks would agree. My friend the PH in Africa, does indeed talk alot about the 7-08, 7x57, and .308 Win. Going by what he tells me, they are indeed popular there.

My personal favorite .284" bore? That would be the 7mm STW, but from a practical standpoint, I'd say the 7mm WSM. I'm not sure of the exact reason, but I find the WSM a hell of a lot easier to find accurate loads for, than the STW.

The 7mm Rem Mag is hugely popular still today, but I believe it's hay day, was before Chronographs cost less than $100. Because for all intents and purposes, the .280 is so close to it, that it seems silly that Remington had them both. I believe if they had made the case similar to the .300 Win Mag (more body, less neck), it would have been seen a totally different light.

DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in this post, are merely my opinion. I'm not trying to bash anyone's favorite, or trying to start an argument. Just trying to get to know folks here, and try to fit in. Thank you for viewing

Dont apologize for an opinion. If your information is good all good.
If you are an ethical hunter and have a preference or opinion on performance., if yor preference is .243 my mate Bob Nelson. 35Whelen will give you his opinion.
If you write Bullshit statements you may get many opinions.
Thankyou for your insight on my question.

 

[Viral_SIGness]

Dont apologize for an opinion. If your information is good all good.
If you are an ethical hunter and have a preference or opinion on performance., if yor preference is .243 my mate Bob Nelson. 35Whelen will give you his opinion.
If you write Bullshit statements you may get many opinions.
Thankyou for your insight on my question.

Well I was going to edit my post, but it's been too long. I'm not sure which cartridge comparison I mixed it up with, but the 7mm Rem Mag is about 200 fps faster than the .280 in every case. So I do apologize for that screw up.

 

[CBH Australia]

Well I was going to edit my post, but it's been too long. I'm not sure which cartridge comparison I mixed it up with, but the 7mm Rem Mag is about 200 fps faster than the .280 in every case. So I do apologize for that screw up.

It happens, and I for one. Getting. Lot of predictive text or auto correct. No sure if it the IPad or site. Just try interpret those parts.
And welcome to the site

 

[Standard Velocity]

Well I was going to edit my post, but it's been too long. I'm not sure which cartridge comparison I mixed it up with, but the 7mm Rem Mag is about 200 fps faster than the .280 in every case. So I do apologize for that screw up.

I think your observations of the 280/7mm Rem Mag are accurate. The claimed velocity of the 7mm Rem Mag factory ammo is not always realized in 22-24” barrels. The neutered velocities of the original 280 loads for semiautos doesn’t have to be adhered to if you handload. Depending on which cartridge you’re using and if you are using factory or hand loaded ammo, you could be correct or not. I sometimes shoot a 7mm Rem Mag and find it performs well, but the 280 will accomplish anything it will in the real world.

 

[Viral_SIGness]

I think your observations of the 280/7mm Rem Mag are accurate. The claimed velocity of the 7mm Rem Mag factory ammo is not always realized in 22-24” barrels. The neutered velocities of the original 280 loads for semiautos doesn’t have to be adhered to if you handload. Depending on which cartridge you’re using and if you are using factory or hand loaded ammo, you could be correct or not. I sometimes shoot a 7mm Rem Mag and find it performs well, but the 280 will accomplish anything it will in the real world.

Maybe I was talking about the correct comparison. One thing I was getting at, is the .280 does it with 10 grains less powder.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

I think your observations of the 280/7mm Rem Mag are accurate. The claimed velocity of the 7mm Rem Mag factory ammo is not always realized in 22-24” barrels. The neutered velocities of the original 280 loads for semiautos doesn’t have to be adhered to if you handload. Depending on which cartridge you’re using and if you are using factory or hand loaded ammo, you could be correct or not. I sometimes shoot a 7mm Rem Mag and find it performs well, but the 280 will accomplish anything it will in the real world.

I think your observations of the 280/7mm Rem Mag are accurate. The claimed velocity of the 7mm Rem Mag factory ammo is not always realized in 22-24” barrels. The neutered velocities of the original 280 loads for semiautos doesn’t have to be adhered to if you handload. Depending on which cartridge you’re using and if you are using factory or hand loaded ammo, you could be correct or not. I sometimes shoot a 7mm Rem Mag and find it performs well, but the 280 will accomplish anything it will in the real world.

Actually, he was right. While there is no comparison in the factory loads, as the factory loads for the .280 are anemic. So that leaves reloading. I only checked the Nosler book and it showed that the 7mm RM has about 200 fps over the .280 with any bullet weight. This was with a 24" barrel on the 7 mag and a 26" barrel for the .280, so the velocity gap between them may be even greater. Now is any deer, sheep or African PG that's been hit going to notice the difference? I doubt it. But if you need to take a shot at say 400 yards, and throw in some wind, that 200 fps does make a difference. You have to hit 'em before you can tag 'em.

 

[RayAtkinson]

You gain nothing by IMP the 7-08 or the 308, the design of the case is basically imp to start with..

My choice of what you mention is the 7x57 handloaded to max..Ive used it for years and it still amazes me..even on aussie bulls, and one day on a cape buffalo cull, it just always seems to work if you stick it in the right spot...I witnessed a PH kill and elephant with the 7x57 and a solid with a heart shot..it was impressive..

Most folks would do better with a .375 however on any of the big 5..

 

[RayAtkinson]

All good cartridges but I chose the 7x57 some many years ago, shot every thing including buffalo with one, and observed a PH kill a bull elephant with one and with a heart shot..Its been my go to some years but I like to use them all, then feel qualified to judge, same with bullets...My final judgment on the 7x57 its the smallest gun I would feel comfortable hunting all the game in this world, not the best choice but confient I could get the job done over and over..