Keen to try a big 7mm

I’ve been thinking about getting into a big 7mm for hunting the tops (7mmRM, SAUM, PRC, or maybe even .284 Win). Primarily for the lower wind drift it’ll get me over the 6.5 creedmoor that I’m using currently. A bit of extra bullet weight doesn’t hurt at range either….

But before coughing up the readies, I’d be keen to take a few shots from one, as I don’t have much experience with cannons of this size. I’m keen to get a feel of the recoil and how difficult (or not) it is to spot my own shots due to hunting solo predominantly. Is there anyone localish to me that would be happy to let me have a go on their long range 7mm? Happy to travel a few hours, and compensate for time and consumables. Having a crack at a gong or two would be ideal!

Nick

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hunter_Nick

I’ve been thinking about getting into a big 7mm for hunting the tops (7mmRM, SAUM, PRC, or maybe even .284 Win). Primarily for the lower wind drift it’ll get me over the 6.5 creedmoor that I’m using currently. A bit of extra bullet weight doesn’t hurt at range either….

But before coughing up the readies, I’d be keen to take a few shots from one, as I don’t have much experience with cannons of this size. I’m keen to get a feel of the recoil and how difficult (or not) it is to spot my own shots due to hunting solo predominantly. Is there anyone localish to me that would be happy to let me have a go on their long range 7mm? Happy to travel a few hours, and compensate for time and consumables. Having a crack at a gong or two would be ideal!

Nick

---

Where are you based ?

Sent from my SM-S916B using Tapatalk

@Hunter_Nick there is not a lot off recoil on a 7mm rem mag if using a suppressor. My now 13yr old has been shooting mine for a couple years. But i understand why you want to try before out laying money

Hey bro i got a 7prc in palmy your more then welcome to have a few shots through, its a lot more bang then the credemore but not punishing to shoot.

You can come have a play with mine it’s not a very good example though because it’s probably abit light I struggle to spot target impacts but I think that’s the blast I can spot shots on animals though

Hey mate I'm in palmy I've got a suppressed 20" T3X aspire 7mmRM would be happy to meet you at the RRGC range

Wicked, thanks lads. I’ll be in touch

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BRADS

Where are you based ?

Sent from my SM-S916B using Tapatalk

---

@BRADS based in the northern Manawatu

Good idea to test first before you buy - I just finished one of the lighter 7 PRC builds I've done. 23" Barrel light sporter profile, a bit heavier than the original tikka barrel - Tikka stock. Its pushing 180gr pills at 3000fps, with a suppressor fitted its actually not unpleasant to shoot - I do not like to shoot heavy recoiling calibers.

Remember that stock design & fit as well as all up weight can play a big part in felt recoil. This becomes more important when you push the weight towards “ultra light” end of the spectrum. This applies to any of the bigger 7mm you mention. Equally suppressor or brakes can vary between different makes in regard to how much felt recoil or muzzle blast or jump is reduced.

You don’t need a suppressor or brake on a rem mag

It’s a want, a luxury

Attachment 248783

I recently put a limbsaver on my 7Saum after the original pad started to crumbling- it has reduced the felt recoil noticeably.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hunter_Nick

I’ve been thinking about getting into a big 7mm for hunting the tops (7mmRM, SAUM, PRC, or maybe even .284 Win). Primarily for the lower wind drift it’ll get me over the 6.5 creedmoor that I’m using currently. A bit of extra bullet weight doesn’t hurt at range either….

But before coughing up the readies, I’d be keen to take a few shots from one, as I don’t have much experience with cannons of this size. I’m keen to get a feel of the recoil and how difficult (or not) it is to spot my own shots due to hunting solo predominantly. Is there anyone localish to me that would be happy to let me have a go on their long range 7mm? Happy to travel a few hours, and compensate for time and consumables. Having a crack at a gong or two would be ideal!

Nick

---

Remember that it's the bullet that does the work, not the headstamp.

If someone loaded the 280AI with 180 ELDM's I suspect they would have a nice surprise.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by caberslash

Remember that it's the bullet that does the work, not the headstamp.

If someone loaded the 280AI with 180 ELDM's I suspect they would have a nice surprise.

---

Surprise being?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kelton

Surprise being?

---

I think he means how well they kill

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kelton

Surprise being?

---

My guess ~2900fps based on my experience with 162s out of 280ai

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by chainsaw

My guess ~2900fps based on my experience with 162s out of 280ai

---

Yea they seem to run 2750-2850 with the ones iv seen plenty of speed for that big projectile

Being its important to be able to spot your own shots, IMO a 162 ELDM at a slower MV will probably be ideal. Its an awesome killer & most importantly is still very effective at very low speeds. If you run it in a .284 / .280ai etc or at a not too cranked up speed out of a rem mag etc, suppressed you shouldnt have too much trouble spotting shots.

In a lightweight hunting rifle, once you start getting into that 180gr territory & pushing them hard chasing speed, the recoil becomes noticeably harder to manage, even supressed. Being able to physically put up with the recoil is one thing but spotting shots becomes considerably more difficult especially if your not a big person.

Ive personally done alot of shooting with 7prc & 175 ELDX @ 3000fps in a pretty light tikka, and managing the recoil isnt a problem for me, but it can difficult to spot your own shots. I dont hunt with this rifle by myself though so its a non issue for me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 6.5 CRD

Being its important to be able to spot your own shots, IMO a 162 ELDM at a slower MV will probably be ideal. Its an awesome killer & most importantly is still very effective at very low speeds. If you run it in a .284 / .280ai etc or at a not too cranked up speed out of a rem mag etc, suppressed you shouldnt have too much trouble spotting shots.

In a lightweight hunting rifle, once you start getting into that 180gr territory & pushing them hard chasing speed, the recoil becomes noticeably harder to manage, even supressed. Being able to physically put up with the recoil is one thing but spotting shots becomes considerably more difficult especially if your not a big person.

Ive personally done alot of shooting with 7prc & 175 ELDX @ 3000fps in a pretty light tikka, and managing the recoil isnt a problem for me, but it can difficult to spot your own shots. I dont hunt with this rifle by myself though so its a non issue for me.

---

Iv personally found the recoil much more of a push moving from my snappy muzzle jumping 168vld load in my saum to the 180eldm load short barrel light rifle doesn’t make much sense to me but it’s what it feels like anyway

Good ear muffs with plugs goes a long way to stopping recoil and good shooting technique, which makes the biggest difference

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

I have a light weight big hitter you could try,next time im at my range.its a 7wsm actually a 300wsm necked to 7.shoots 175s at 3070 but thinking of tuning it down a bit.recoil not bad with the brake but its a concussive beast.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by caberslash

Remember that it's the bullet that does the work, not the headstamp.

If someone loaded the 280AI with 180 ELDM's I suspect they would have a nice surprise.

---

Yeah totally get it. Naming a head stamp was just an easy way to talk about a performance class of cartridge. Anything slinging a 162-180gr between 2800-3000 would fit the bill. But to be fair, I’m not looking for anything that takes extra effort to load. Been there done that with AI