linksmechanic
Well-Known Member
Frank21 I also agree. The 7rm had a slight advantage with the 168 and over bullet weights. I have seen 50 fps on average shooting 180's with the 7rm and wsm.
I have both cartridges mentioned in custom tactical rifles. I load for both and they are ballistic twins in ALL regards. IMO, the 7WSM is a 7mmRM in a S/A. No more, no less.
Here is my take on Mr. 3006Savages comments.
1. In theory, yes. However, I have yet to see a REAL difference with a field rifle in field conditions.
2. Not the case, Im running single digit ESs in both my 7mmRMs and 7WSM. Proper case prep, and loading goes a LONG way in this dept. Both cartridges are splendid LR performers. I dont worry much about BR shooting, because I mainly do field shooting- no return to battery rests, super stable rests, no 30LB rifles, wind flags, etc.
3. Negative. Proper chambering, and die set up is critical for either- belted or non belted.
4. Cant really comment, other than a 1/2 pound heavier/lighter or inch longer/shorter, has never made much of a difference to me. To some people and for some applications it does. To each thier own.
5. BS. When loaded to the same pressures they basically run identical velocities.. What I have found is that when both cartridges are confined to thier respective action lenghts/mag confines, the 7mmRM will outrun the WSM with heavy long bullets- due to the long bullets encroaching on case cap of the WSM.
Dont put much stock in the factory ammo ballistics guide when regarding 7mmRM performace potential, simply because it is widely known that 7mmRM factory ammo is severly underloaded..
Frank I dont want to be confrontational but I disagree with just about everything in your post. Starting with item #1. The short mag performance vs the traditional mags is not theory, it has been well established over last couple years. One only need look at the 79 grain 300 WSM go toe to toe with the larger 90.4 grain 300 Win Mag. I dont think you can claim the factory win mag load are severly underloaded.
Item #2. The case prep may go a long way, but on balance the shorter cases have clearly shown superior velocity control. I reference the benchrest shooters because these conditions allow the performance advantages to be quantified much more effectively than the field conditions you are shooting under. This year a 7mm WSM chambered 1000 yd Light Gun shot one of the best groups ever at 2.67". This is especially impressive considering this cartridge is nearly nonexistant in benchrest competition. The Rem Mag has never matched this despite its popularity and that it has been around for over 40 years. It would seem to me a cartridge that has some long range advantages.
Item#3. I guess this item is subjective, but I would point out the case design of the WSM closely models after the recent crop of steep shouldered short benchrest cases.
Item#4. You may not find moving a 1/2 pound of steel from the action to barrel as being desireable but most shooter would disagree with you.
Item#5. I first ask if your two rifle barrels are the same length. My experience with the two rounds are quite different. My model 700 7mm Rem Mag velocities were consistently 100+ fps behind my shooting buddys Kimber 7WSM at all bullet weights up to 175 grain NP. In addition the Sammi pressure limit for the WSM is 65,000 vs 61,000 for the RM so I cannot see the RM keeping pace, with the longer powder case and lower design pressure.
Nice line up of fine rifles Frank21
never had a rem mag, but have reloaded for them for friends and shot several. I own one 7wsm for long range shooting and one light for mountain hunting is being built. Yes I like them that much. I shoot 162 amax. Like james said if you go with a wsm get a long action and a center feed clip. If you however aren't going to be reloading they can get expensive at about $35 a box here in ND.
Brent