7 SAW
- Thread starter Hirschi1
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elkaholic
Well-Known Member
I read the, easy to find, article on the 7 SAW. It is an offering by West Texas Ordinance. They are using the small primer Lapua 308 case necked down to 7mm.
westtexordnance.com
7 SAW Parent: case small primer Lapua 308
Powder:capacity look at this page: https://westtexordnance.com/7mm-saw-barrel-length-and-power-tests/
Brass: readily available
7-08 dies
Velocities: velocities as seen here: https://westtexordnance.com/7mm-saw-barrel-length-and-power-tests/
It was built for Precision Rifle Series to reliably feed from AICS/AW magazines
Sure you can use it for hunting. As to the Max range that is up to you.
pros/cons? you decide.
Their results seem at bit over the top. Sure a small primer can add strength to the case head but their results IMO are more inline with what Nosler is getting with a 7 SAUM which is using 15 more grains of powder.
When they mentioned it. They used bolt lift to determine loads that were considered a max load, Bolt lift is not a scientific method for determining pressure.
While it is difficult to compare Hodgdon's load data due to their using a 24" barrel, WTO's loads are hotter. When comparing Nosler load data there are no 162 gr bullets mentioned. BUT looking at a 160 Nosler's accubond or partition with a 26" barrel the load data is far lower and much slower. WTO's varget load is 317 fps faster!
The pressures MUST be a higher. There are some people that load their personal ammo hot, but for a company to do it and offer the information to the public is scary. At the very least they should do some actual pressure testing with a strain gauge to determine max loads.
7mm SAW – West Texas Ordnance, Inc. | Custom Rifles & Accessories
westtexordnance.com
7 SAW Parent: case small primer Lapua 308
Powder:capacity look at this page: https://westtexordnance.com/7mm-saw-barrel-length-and-power-tests/
Brass: readily available
7-08 dies
Velocities: velocities as seen here: https://westtexordnance.com/7mm-saw-barrel-length-and-power-tests/
It was built for Precision Rifle Series to reliably feed from AICS/AW magazines
Sure you can use it for hunting. As to the Max range that is up to you.
pros/cons? you decide.
Their results seem at bit over the top. Sure a small primer can add strength to the case head but their results IMO are more inline with what Nosler is getting with a 7 SAUM which is using 15 more grains of powder.
When they mentioned it. They used bolt lift to determine loads that were considered a max load, Bolt lift is not a scientific method for determining pressure.
While it is difficult to compare Hodgdon's load data due to their using a 24" barrel, WTO's loads are hotter. When comparing Nosler load data there are no 162 gr bullets mentioned. BUT looking at a 160 Nosler's accubond or partition with a 26" barrel the load data is far lower and much slower. WTO's varget load is 317 fps faster!
The pressures MUST be a higher. There are some people that load their personal ammo hot, but for a company to do it and offer the information to the public is scary. At the very least they should do some actual pressure testing with a strain gauge to determine max loads.
cohunt
Well-Known Member
7-08ai will run the 180s at 2700, match guys have used the sp lapua Palma for it for quite some time.
