7mm Rem Mag on the decline?

[rbTanzan]

For cartridges a person needs to consider the diameter, bullet weight, bullet construction, AND the POWDER CAPACITY necessary for chosen hunting. Several on the thread have mentioned the 280 and 280AI. Think about it. Those shoot the exact same bullets as the 7mmRM in a more efficient powder capacity. For hunting 0-400 yards or a little over, the 280 would do it all.
In fact, if I may be allowed some historical perspective, the 270Win has been covering the same ground for 90+ years. Jack O'Connor knew what he was talking about, and the 270 didn't earn its moniker "poor man's magnum" for nothing. The 7mmRM basically adds muzzle blast to hunting when hunting within 400 yards.

Look at the question from the other way around. What can a hunter do with about 80grains of powder capacity? Build something special for 600+yard? Perhaps. Or go heavier/bigger. That amount of powder could be put to better use with more diameter and knock-down power by going to 30 cal or 338 cal. Back at the diameters of .277" and .284" the "06" case size of the 270 and 280 become a powerful hunter's tool.

So if the OP wants to use the rifle as a platform, maybe think about a 300 PRC or 338 PRC, or just get a 338WM. A 270 + 338, 280 + 338, or 7mm + 338 would cover it all. (Disclaimer: I also like 375 and 416 calibers, but those are another story.)

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

As much as I love the 280, it simply does not match the 7mm mags performance. Same with the 280 ai. 7mm RM will easily out run both.

 

[25WSM]

It will outrun them both but not easily. Only 100 more than the ai and 200 more than the 280. That's not easily in my book. It will easily out run a deer or just about any other critter your after and that's the part that counts. I love all 3 of them. They are all solid performers.
Shep

 

[ndking1126]

I love how just about every post turns into cartridge comparison or debate, lol. I appreciate everyone's input. I spend way more time comparing ballistics, calculating recoil, and general cartridge research than I probably should. I'm downright nerdy about it at times. I'm perfectly happy with my 270 Win which will probably always get the nod hunting out here in the east. I want the 7RM for the fun of it and I hope to get back west for elk hunting in the next 3-5 years. Even if I have to rebarrel it, itll very likely stay a 7RM.

 

[25WSM]

Nothing wrong with being nerdy about all the ballistics and such. Makes it more fun. How much fun would it be if there was only the 308 or 30-30. You would still put meat on the table but.....
Shep

 

[antelopedundee]

If 280AI is close to 7 RM, 284 Winchester is also.

I just bought a set of 7 RM loading dies for parts because I need an expander for 284 dies from a defunct manufacturer.

The funny thing is that I already have a buyer for the parts I don't need.

Personally I want to stay away from belted cartridges otherwise I would have a 7 RM for sure.

I know loading for belted cartridges is different and I want to stick with straight wall and bottle neck...

If I was loading for a belted case I'd pretend that the belt isn't there and treat it like a beltless case.

 

[antelopedundee]

For cartridges a person needs to consider the diameter, bullet weight, bullet construction, AND the POWDER CAPACITY necessary for chosen hunting. Several on the thread have mentioned the 280 and 280AI. Think about it. Those shoot the exact same bullets as the 7mmRM in a more efficient powder capacity. For hunting 0-400 yards or a little over, the 280 would do it all.
In fact, if I may be allowed some historical perspective, the 270Win has been covering the same ground for 90+ years. Jack O'Connor knew what he was talking about, and the 270 didn't earn its moniker "poor man's magnum" for nothing. The 7mmRM basically adds muzzle blast to hunting when hunting within 400 yards.

Look at the question from the other way around. What can a hunter do with about 80grains of powder capacity? Build something special for 600+yard? Perhaps. Or go heavier/bigger. That amount of powder could be put to better use with more diameter and knock-down power by going to 30 cal or 338 cal. Back at the diameters of .277" and .284" the "06" case size of the 270 and 280 become a powerful hunter's tool.

So if the OP wants to use the rifle as a platform, maybe think about a 300 PRC or 338 PRC, or just get a 338WM. A 270 + 338, 280 + 338, or 7mm + 338 would cover it all. (Disclaimer: I also like 375 and 416 calibers, but those are another story.)

I thought that the 8mm/338 was the "poor man's" magnum. Based on war surplus 8mm Mausers.

 

[chanceinmt]

The 7 mm mag will be around for many years because it versatility and power. there are many wannabees and the only thing close the the total package is the 280 AI. just like the 6.5s cant actually replace the 7 mm mag the 7mm rem mag cant replace the 30 mags. But it is not supposed to. most cartridges fit a niche and will do somethings a little better than others in that same niche.

Ammo manufactures, go where the most business is at that time and sometimes neglect the cartridge that made them money in the past. The new designer cartridges are most of the reason for the shortages in other tried and true cartridges.

I used a 7mm rem mag for 1000 yard matches and I never had any doubts about it's capability at those distances, Especially when conditions killed other cartridges performance.

At one time the 280 had all but disappeared and only the dye hard knew there value. Now it is one of the best 7mm cartridges available and popularity has returned better than it was.

J E CUSTOM

J E
I have been using a 280 barrel stamped 7mmExpress Remington for 25 years...I swapped out the original clubby heavy basket weave impressed stock as soon as I bought it out of consignment at the old Trempers Sporting Goods shop in Missoula, Mt for a factory Rem plastic stock and it will put 3 150g partitions in the same ovaled hole at 100 yds every time I do my part. it has accounted for a good 3 truckloads of mulies, whitetails and elk over the years. I have a Leupold 6x42 with the LR reticle mounted on it and it is my go to rifle most of the time.....I started with a 7mm JRS in the early 90's but it was stolen these many years ago. When I found this 280 I immediately bought it for a cost I am almost embarrassed to admit to. I keep both a Kimber 300WSM and a Ruger 338 when in Griz country but that is rarely now

 

[excaliber]

I'd say no. It's the most popular 300 magnum ever built and arguably one of the best all around, accurate calibers ever designed.

I think a better question would be " is the 300 WM on the decline"..

 

[Westernhuntr]

I'd say no. It's the most popular 300 magnum ever built and arguably one of the best all around, accurate calibers ever designed.

If you say so

 

[FEENIX]

I love how just about every post turns into cartridge comparison or debate, lol.

Yep, and it complicates things unnecessarily.

 

[Far North Hunter]

The 7 Remmy will always make a mark. I clearly remember my excitement in reading about its performance in the '60's. I finally found a slightly used 700 ADL back then. I could afford the rifle but had to settle for a compromise in optics. The old ADL would shot .75 min all day long. It started my love for the cal. and it's performance. Today I have two 7 mags and two Stw's. They have brought home the bacon!! I just trust what they can/have done. I do reload for them however.
Just rebarrel that workhorse.

 

[ralphjunius]

It will outrun them both but not easily. Only 100 more than the ai and 200 more than the 280. That's not easily in my book. It will easily out run a deer or just about any other critter your after and that's the part that counts. I love all 3 of them. They are all solid performers.
Shep

However, if the 7RM is loaded to the same pressure as the 280AI, the 7RM does blow it away.

 

[25WSM]

If 100 fps is blowing it away then yes I guess it does. I just happen to like 7mm no matter what case it's in.
Shep