I have two 700 actions waiting to receive two Lilja 7mm barrels. I have quite a bit of shooting experience but not so much gun making performance experience. I just started what most would call long range shooting two years ago. You could say I am in the experimental stage….if it will ever quit.
First option: 9" twist max length 30" with a comparable #3 contour going on a HS Sporter stock. Use is for elk and smaller big game animal with a max range 600 yards to a min range as close as the shot allows. Gun will probably shoot 600 rounds in its life.
Second option: 7" twist max length 32" with a comparable #7 contour and fluted going on a Manners MCS-T4 stock. Use is on wolves at ranges of 700 yards + and ballistics practice during the off season. The wolves are causing havoc on my hunting area and the closest I have been able to come one wolves standing still for any amount of time is roughly 700+ yards. I would also like a decent magnum rifle to practice yet semi-concerned about barrel life and $s to some degree (four seasons worth of shooting or 1200 rounds).
Both guns will not be complete no earlier than Oct of this year. I can wait for Berger to manufacture the 195 gr (so I hear) for use on either gun. Neither will have a brake. I will pack the Sporter all day, not so much for the other…more of a spot and stalk. Will the 7" twist "chew" up the coming 195 gr Bergers if chambered in 7 RUM? Maybe a great test platform to find out. Wouldn't mind testing for Kirby and Dan if they are interested.
Caliber of choice is limited to either 7mm Rem Mag or 7 Rum for both rifles.
Experimenting is exciting but I don't want to be unrealistic. Interested in what cartridge and powder bullet combo you would chose in both guns under the above conditions. I am leaning on 7 Mag for both due to a combo of barrel life but I would appreciate any of your suggestions on what you would choose. 7 RUM in the 7" twist is soooo tempting also. I do alot of internet reading and thought it's time to post something to see what help I receive.
Thanks much and happy shooting.
First option: 9" twist max length 30" with a comparable #3 contour going on a HS Sporter stock. Use is for elk and smaller big game animal with a max range 600 yards to a min range as close as the shot allows. Gun will probably shoot 600 rounds in its life.
Second option: 7" twist max length 32" with a comparable #7 contour and fluted going on a Manners MCS-T4 stock. Use is on wolves at ranges of 700 yards + and ballistics practice during the off season. The wolves are causing havoc on my hunting area and the closest I have been able to come one wolves standing still for any amount of time is roughly 700+ yards. I would also like a decent magnum rifle to practice yet semi-concerned about barrel life and $s to some degree (four seasons worth of shooting or 1200 rounds).
Both guns will not be complete no earlier than Oct of this year. I can wait for Berger to manufacture the 195 gr (so I hear) for use on either gun. Neither will have a brake. I will pack the Sporter all day, not so much for the other…more of a spot and stalk. Will the 7" twist "chew" up the coming 195 gr Bergers if chambered in 7 RUM? Maybe a great test platform to find out. Wouldn't mind testing for Kirby and Dan if they are interested.
Caliber of choice is limited to either 7mm Rem Mag or 7 Rum for both rifles.
Experimenting is exciting but I don't want to be unrealistic. Interested in what cartridge and powder bullet combo you would chose in both guns under the above conditions. I am leaning on 7 Mag for both due to a combo of barrel life but I would appreciate any of your suggestions on what you would choose. 7 RUM in the 7" twist is soooo tempting also. I do alot of internet reading and thought it's time to post something to see what help I receive.
Thanks much and happy shooting.