6.5PRC, 6.8 Western, 7SAUM

[StumpyJohnson]

Anyone who tells you that you "have" to get a longer action to make the saum effective probably cries in the shower so their family doesn't hear. Of course a long action is better for a long bullet, but that doesn't mean it's a letdown in a short action. It's just that in long actions people can frequently exceed 7prc values, but in short you're more likely to get hot 280AI. Mild loads for me look like 7-08AI +P, but that's not typical. Look around on here in some of the threads at what people get for MV with the "handicapped" long bullets.

If you're into the 180 ELDM/berger thing, the Saami-ish saum can get them adequately fast to crush way out there. (Try to get to 2.9"). That said you will probably get the best external ballistics from the 168 leads and 140-155 coppers in a short action. But the 180 family is far from bad. If you want to pass 190 or use the 175 eldx, yeah you might want to consider single feed. But my hunting loads are 168 ABLR at 2900 and a 140 hammer at 3250, and that's out of a weak action. The bullets that make the PRC really shine aren't bullets I want to shoot elk with personally. It obviously can be effective, I just don't feel the need. There's nothing wrong with the 6.8 or 6.5 but the versatility of projectiles in 7mm just makes me feel good. You can load it like a light 6.5 prc or a midweight 30-06 and still get some change back.

If you have to do factory, that's a problem of course. But I have yet to talk to anyone who regrets investing in handloading. It's incredibly rewarding. And I don't know anything about PRC accuracy, but most folks experience a creepy level of precision with the saum. It survived Remingtons greasy failures for a reason. It's just hard to mess up.

That's my opinionated opinion. Good luck on your choice of project!

I'd be interested in your thoughts on favorite 7saum powders!

 

[WWG55]

6.8 Western, buy a good set of Redding dies and go to work. Amazing round. I found loads under 1/2 inch with nearly every bullet. the attached article has recipes for all of them

Reloading the Winchester 6.8 Western

I have been loading center-fire rifle ammunition for years, but when I started this project there was nothing published, on paper or the internet, as far as loading the 6.8 Western.

www.mossyoak.com

 

[ZAK13]

I recently got a rifle chambered in the 6.8W, and honestly, I'm pretty happy with it. Accuracy is fantastic, every different factory load out there has been through my rifle and is always 1/2 to 3/4 MOA. I'm working up some reloads, so we'll see how that goes.

 

[Longrangers]

I would not rule out a 7prc since they are gaining popularity.

 

[joshf303]

I'd be interested in your thoughts on favorite 7saum powders!

Not Jake…but H1000, R26, and 7828ssc all have worked well for me.

 

[haisardao]

Not Jake…but H1000, R26, and 7828ssc all have worked well for me.

I'll add H4350 and H4831SC to that list.

 

[ARlife4me]

I've been a 26cal fan for 48 years and the 6.5prc would be my choice. 6.8w w/150gr would be fine and no need for 165 and up. I'm new to the 28cals having only 2 (7-08 & 7saum) w/ a wide range of bullets to choose from (120, 150, 175, 183, 185 & 195). 27cal isn't as popular and for no good reason. The 27cal can get the job done!

For the 6.5prc yhe powder choices are n560, 7828ssc (good luck finding any), magnum, magpro, 26, HD, grand, h1k, and both 4831's.

 

[FEENIX]

Doing a custom build soon. I'm trying to choose between the above calibers of 6.5PRC, 6.8 western, and 7 SAUM.
I'm going to use this rifle for deer and antelope 80% of the time, elk 20% and would like the confidence to go goat and moose hunting in the future when kids are older. I do want to stay short action and go with a lighter setup to take up the mountains. I don't handload at the moment (only shotshell reloading currently) but not opposed to doing it. I don't plan on hunting critters over 500 but would like to be able to target shoot a long ways just for ***** and giggles. I don't shoot competitions at this point.

Here's my thoughts on each option

6.5PRC- pros- flat trajectory and accurate. Lots of experience from others to garner wisdom. Great factory ammo selection and plentiful reloading info and supplies
Cons- lighter bullet weights so may not be ideal for the 20% of my time I spend elk hunting (and eventually moose). Everyone and their dog has a version of a 6.5 now so low "cool" factor lol

6.8 western- pros- heavier bullet weights that would cover all my hunting scenarios. Ballistically similar to 6.5PRC but not identical (drops a bit more but not by much) but retains more energy downrange. More rare so has a medium "cool" factor
Cons- isn't getting the attention I think it deserves thanks to Hornady and Federal colluding to mutually avoid making factory loads as it competes with Hornady's 7PRC Some decent factory loads but not many. Reloading components can be spotty (Winchester and ADG brass only).

7SAUM- pros- very accurate (pry on par with 6.5PRC). Highest "cool" factor
Cons- practically have to handload and some sources indicate to use the long, high BC bullets you need a medium or long action for proper bullet seating.

I am sure there are other pros and cons I haven't listed here, especially since I don't have hand loading experience.
Fwiw, I purposely did not mention any build components as I've kinda already made those decisions, but I really need to nail down a caliber.
I appreciate the feedback!

This depends on whether you are trying to fill a gap since you are considering 3 different calibers/chamberings.

.24 cal =?
.25 cal =?
.26 cal = 6.5 PRC
.27 cal = 6.8 Western
.28 cal = 7 MM SAUM
.30 cal = ?
.33 cal = ?

However, if you want a cool factor solely, go with the 7MM SAUM. If you want a cool factor, build your wildcat.

 

[Will.284]

I've got a 7 saum in a Remington model7 crazy light deadly accurate and I'm running 168 Bergers in factory bottom medal so you don't "need" a long action.
6.8 western absolutely love the one I have, adg brass is dang good stuff, factory loaded 162 grain Winchester-I've had excellent luck with it, I got 700 factory rounds for it and thinking about building one !!
6.5 prc , packed a elk out yesterday for a friend 631 yards 147 hornandy eldx . I'm having a barrel spun up for one as we speak!!
All in all the 6.8 western or the 6.5prc factory ammo is available in central Mt but I do hand load for all 3. Tough decisions but have fun deciding

 

[Mike D Texas]

Based on your current need for factory ammo, I would go 6.5PRC. Nothing else on your list will have as much factory ammo availability.

If you are serious about getting into reloading, 7SAUM would be the best out of the cartridges you listed.

6.8W would not even be a consideration for me.

Are you planning to buy a factory rifle or build a custom?

 

[tysonmax]

I'd vote for 6.8 Western. There's enough factory ammo that covers your needs and it's all accurate. It really shines when you reload for it though, especially with the 500-series of VihtaVuori powders. Plus it has the best name of the 3

 

[MT-JONAS]

I'm loving the 6.8 Western. I've shot Whitetail's, mule deer and elk with mine. I'm impressed with the efficiency of the round. As stated, factory ammo is limited but all the animals I've taken were with Winchester 162 grain Copper Impact, very effective bullet. And regardless of the naysayers there's plenty enough reloading options available to more than cover any needs.

I plan to build another .277 rifle, either .270 WSM set up for longer bullets or the 6.8 Western…

 

[Jasbo]

7SAUM. Nov 2024 using 143 grain Hammer Hunters in new Gunwerks Brass at 3178fps (66.0 grains H4831SC), I killed two Elk and one Whitetail with one shot each. All three were DRT, no more than 1-1/2 steps. This case is very efficient and a piece of cake to find small round accurate loads at 300 yds. I get 3178 fps in new Gunwerks or ADG cases and 3225 fps after fired three times (I anneal after each firing). My rifle is Gunwerks ClymR 22" barrel with 1-8.5" twist and weighs 7.8 lbs with VX6-HD scope, all designed for 500 yd range.
Paul Kirk of North American Ammunition will Custom Load for you if DIY is not your forte.

 

[Plinker147]

7SAUM with 20 in barrel is what I ended up doing when I was contemplating the same decision. Just more versatile if a guy wants to shoot heavies. I built mine with the intent of shooting 155-165 gr bullets. It's pleasant to shoot and solid performance at 600-800, great all around Cartridge.