6.5PRC, 6.8 Western, 7SAUM

[Berrnard]

Yes - I saw a post come through on FB. Said fastest factory 7mm. No details

Lou

thats the 7mm with a steel case.
there a thread here discussing it

 

[PapaSmurf22]

Love my 6.5PRC. Does most of the work I'll ever need.

 

[Cajun LR Rookie]

Great Thread. I am contemplating the 6.5PRC build. I just am confused about the conflicting information about using short action or needing long action. I understand it was built for short action. Can anyone clear this up for me ? I don't want the setup to be limited.

 

[Joefrazell]

If you want a short action 7 saum do a 7 sherman.

 

[Wilderness Blacktail]

Great Thread. I am contemplating the 6.5PRC build. I just am confused about the conflicting information about using short action or needing long action. I understand it was built for short action. Can anyone clear this up for me ? I don't want the setup to be limited.

Saami spec length is 2.955 i believe. So it requires a magazine that long in a short action so Winchesters, Rugers, savages, brownings etc which all allow somewhere near 3".

Some folks like to load it much longer and so put it in a long action, but ya dont need to.

 

[Cajun LR Rookie]

I want to do a 6.5PRC just trying to get the action length correct.

 

[Wilderness Blacktail]

I want to do a 6.5PRC just trying to get the action length correct.

I had the ruger m77 hawkeye (SA) and in a 22" barrel saw all the speed I need. Id go short action again in a heartbeat.

If you need to shoot 800yds or more maybe u want a long action?

 

[Cajun LR Rookie]

Our Range is 800 yards so what it to be dialed in at that range!

 

[OG-danimal]

I want to do a 6.5PRC just trying to get the action length correct.

Short action

 

[gpaw94]

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!

If you're leaning towards the 7 saum; may as well go with the the 7 Sherman short. If you want to have factory ammo option then 6.5 prc

 

[Wilderness Blacktail]

Our Range is 800 yards so what it to be dialed in at that range!

I meant impact range for hunting. Anything works for target. The creed is plenty and the prc is more so, so its a whatever makes ya happy kinda deal.

 

[Trm82]

Great Thread. I am contemplating the 6.5PRC build. I just am confused about the conflicting information about using short action or needing long action. I understand it was built for short action. Can anyone clear this up for me ? I don't want the setup to be limited

I would never again have a short action, medium, action or long is the only way to go.
My short action, 7 saum shoots like crazy, but definitely has a few limitations
But if your goal is to not shoot the high BC long bullets which I doubt you would do that in a 6.5 PRC then it's fine

Just do a medium or long action you'll thank yourself later for it

 

[southpa]

Great Thread. I am contemplating the 6.5PRC build. I just am confused about the conflicting information about using short action or needing long action. I understand it was built for short action. Can anyone clear this up for me ? I don't want the setup to be limited.

Not many options down the road if you go short. You can always go shorter in a LA but you can't go longer in a SA...

 

[Idaho Lefty]

"EASY Button" ,.. Find, a Burned out, Tikka T-3X, in .270 WSM or .300 WSM, the "Magnum Action" and screw on, a 22-24 inch 7 SAUM Barrel !
Proof used to Sell them ( Pre-fit, Just "Set / Check" the Headspace and Go, shoot ! ) a Few of, them, can still be, Found.
Launch 168 gr. H-VLD Berger's at 3,000+ FPS ( Or, the 175 Elite Hunters at, slightly Less ) and go Kill some Elk !
I Loved my .270 WSM launching 140's at almost, 3,200 fps as it, "Folded up", Elk,. NICELY and the 7 SAUM will, "Do It",.. even, FURTHER !
The 7 SAUM IS, Still,.. a Top contender @ 1,000 yd., Competitions ( a Very Accurate Cart. design ) and would easily Be, my #1 Choice, IF wanting,..
another Elk Rifle !
If, you Don't Hand Load, the 6.5 PRC works, "Ok" and would be,.. my 2nd Choice !