Reamer spec for 7 SAUM

[thaught]

I am building a rifle for my son who is serving for the next two years. When he gets back I want to hand him his new 7 SAUM. I plan on ordering the reamer pretty soon and would like y'alls thoughts on how it should be designed. We would plan on the 175 Elite Hunter Bullets or 180 VLD, so Im thinking .200" of freebore to maximize case capacity? Also, does lead angle matter, if so, what do you recommend? I appreciate your input.

 

[FEENIX]

I am building a rifle for my son who is serving for the next two years. When he gets back I want to hand him his new 7 SAUM. I plan on ordering the reamer pretty soon and would like y'alls thoughts on how it should be designed. We would plan on the 175 Elite Hunter Bullets or 180 VLD, so Im thinking .200" of freebore to maximize case capacity? Also, does lead angle matter, if so, what do you recommend? I appreciate your input.

Contact whoever the reamer manufacturer you are going with (Manson, JGS, etc) and ask for their reamer blueprint and modify from there or consult with them directly.

 

[Longtine88]

I am building a rifle for my son who is serving for the next two years. When he gets back I want to hand him his new 7 SAUM. I plan on ordering the reamer pretty soon and would like y'alls thoughts on how it should be designed. We would plan on the 175 Elite Hunter Bullets or 180 VLD, so Im thinking .200" of freebore to maximize case capacity? Also, does lead angle matter, if so, what do you recommend? I appreciate your input.

You're spot on with the fb. A 0.190" to 0.210" works perfect. I have 3 reamers .190, .200 and .230. The .200 gets used the most. The .230 I use for the 190+ bullets

 

[Buttermilk]

My 7mm RSAUM is 0.140" freebore which is perfect for the Berger 168 VLDH bullet. Using a heavier bullet, particularly if I'm running Hornady, I would certainly opt for a longer freebore.

 

[Get_Saum]

I had my reamer built with .210 fb. It's about perfect for the 180 vld. If I was building it specifically for the 175 EH I'd probably have shortened it .020 or so. I had originally thought I'd shoot the Hornady 175 eldx but never had any on hand to measure when I built my reamer. They've got a bit longer bearing surface than either of the Berger's in discussion. If I had been specifically been set on the eldx I'd have wanted more freebore. At least another .020. Best of luck to you and your son. Mine just returned a couple of months ago from being gone for a couple of years as well. It's been good to have him home. He hunted with a new 6.5 saum.

 

[Get_Saum]

Contact whoever the reamer manufacturer you are going with (Manson, JGS, etc) and ask for their reamer blueprint and modify from there or consult with them directly.

These 2 reamer makers are who I would recommend if you're considering. This is good advice as well.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Just make sure whichever FB you go with, that the loaded round fits in the magazine/box at your max CBTO to lands. If using a Short Action, this will require a shorter FB. If you are using an XM or LA, you are golden.

 

[Longtine88]

Yes. Please go with a long action or atleast a XM action. Going small action is like wearing a XS youth jock strap

 

[MagnumManiac]

My only advice here is to follow what @lancetkenyon says.
If going 180VLD, make sure the pressure ring is above the neck/shoulder juncture when seated, I like .005"-.010" above.
My 6.5-300WSM only ever liked the 140VLD jammed, so just take this into consideration.

Cheers.