Xphunter,
Thank you for taking the time to list your experience with 7mm bullets. How is the recoil of the 284 without a brake? I'm probably going to start with the Nosler 120 grain Ballistic Tip with my 7mm BR, what powder would you recommend? I'm thinking H322 or VV133 with this weight?
My 284 Win XP had an H-S stock on it and 15.75 inch barrel and it was a heavier contour than a stock XP.
Mine had a 2 port Mag-Na-port (which I don't recommend). It didn't hurt me to shoot it, and on two occassions I shot it 100 times on two different days shooting PD's.
A good muzzle brake on an XP turns them into a puff-cake.
The 120NBT's would be my first choice with the 7BR. My hunting buddy Steve used to have a stock 7BR XP and took several mulies at the 250 yard range succesfully. I have never had a stock 7BR long enough to load for it. I would buy them to customize, so i don't have any good loads for the 7BR.
Larry Sand had an XP or a H-S handgun in 284 without a brake or maybe someone else. Depending on the overall weight of the XP it may be just fine for you or you may prefer it braked. That is a personal preference.
I would recommend a brake though.