New semi custom build

[Steelthowl]

7mm WSM for sure.

 

[FURMAN]

The 280 will be limited by the short tikka mag box. So it has less capacity than the 7 wsm and will have even less usable being limited by the 3.4". It is the worst of the 3 in a Tikka and I would not even consider it. Either of the other two would be great especially in a Tikka.

 

[clemens]

Untrue. Winchester was sued by the inventor and dropped the cartridge. The 7-300 was done when 7 brass dried up and it is easier than blowing out the shoulder on the 300 case. Results in a little less capacity.

I see I wasnt sure how all that played out over all that, learn something new everyday. Thanks for the information

 

[Orange Dust]

The neck is fine. Put a long mag in the tikka. Throat it for 180's and kill stuff.

 

[Ksduckhntr]

I appreciate all the responses and the information given. I understand completely the duality of the 300wsm and the short coming of both 7mm cartridges. For this build since the primary goal is hunting and mostly deer sized game I am going with the 7mm wsm. I am afraid if I built the larger 300wsm, I wouldn't use it as much.

 

[Tarheelpwr]

In a Tikka, I would def go with a short mag on a long bolt stop.

WTO also has out their switch lug. I'm toying with the idea of a switch barrel. Going 25SST and 300 WSM. Or, you could split the difference and go 7 mag (either WSM or ideally a 7 max from Sherman) since it sounds like elk are going to be a rare occurrence.

Hells Canyon also has mags for WSM cartridges.

 

[raider1v1]

i vote 280ai w/ that barrel length. i don't think the other magnum calibers will shine i a barrel that short.

 

[nmbarta]

For a hunting rifle I do like getting an extra round or two in the mag, the tikka might be a little short for the 280ai but you'd run the 160 class bullets at close to 2900 I bet, love the wsm's as well, they'll outrun the 280ai in that platform....or any for that matter but it's no slouch by any means, plenty for deer to 800.

 

[Bigeclipse]

I am dropping off an action and stock tomorrow for a new build. This build will be a hunting rifle first. I would like it to be able to be used on elk/caribou on down. But first and foremost it will be a whitetail and antelope rifle. Ammunition is not a consideration as I can handload or buy some even if it costs $60 a box. The build consists of:
Tikka action (I have either -06 bolt face or magnum bolt face)
21" barrel
McMillan game scout
Mountain tactical bottom metal
Stock trigger
Nightforce shv
SAS suppressor
Of the 3 listed calibers above which would you choose and why? Elk/caribou this rifle may only be used once or twice total for that game.

If you are recoil sensitive and will not be using a brake, then id go 280ai. If you don't mind recoil OR you will use a brake then id go 300WSM.

 

[Greyfox]

I lean towards the 300WM primarily because of your 21" barrel spec. Given you have elk/caribou in your game list, IMO, you can maximize energy for these larger animals using heavy/high BC bullets. Depending on your range requirements, ballistic and terminal performance can be optimized for antelope/deer by with the very broad bullet choice of the 30 cal.

 

[adamjp]

The Tikka action cutout at the bottom where the magazine mates up to is too short for effective use with a 280 and bullets suitable for such a fine case.

Instead of 7mm WSM (which I note you have already chosen) I would advocate for the 7mm SAUM. There is now more varieties of brass available to suit the SAUM cases than the WSM cases, particularly since the SAUM cases are all simple neck dia. changes.

Oh and a 24in barrel is plenty. Going longer make the rifle less mobile and does not add enough extra velocity to improve the trade-off.

 

[Tidus56]

Have you considered a 7 SAUM or the Sherman short cartridges? I think I will build a 7 ss or 7 max for my switch barrel short action setup. Give the Sherman cartridges a look. Good luck.

 

[Axl]

Untrue. Winchester was sued by the inventor and dropped the cartridge. The 7-300 was done when 7 brass dried up and it is easier than blowing out the shoulder on the 300 case. Results in a little less capacity.

The lawsuit had nothing to do with the demise of the 7 WSM
Rick Jameson held 7 patents on Short mag cases. He sued Browning(Win. rifles) and Olin (Win. brass) on patent infringement for 4 of his case designs- 300,7mm,270 wsm and 223 wssm.
They settled out of court in 2006. Rifles and brass were produced post 2006.