7 mm rem mag or......

[25 Sharps]

Thinking of putting in a variation, have 2 6.5s and a 25-45 all conditioned for deer (plus a 7.5x55 but that is not really for stalking).

Most of my stalking is roe & munties as that is what I have on my ground but getting regular invites for lowland red and fallow so I want something a bit bigger (yes i know the 6.5s are capable but that is not what I'm asking).

I've pretty much always fancied the 7 mm Rem mag, RFD is pushing me toward the 300 win mag but having had a look around .280 AI is looking appealing. What's people experiences of should I just go for the rem mag as that's what I want? Will be reloading, is the belt really an issue?

Cheers

 

[CerebralDistortion]

280AI or 280 Rem.

Do you need the magnum? If you want it, get it. Nothing and no one here will be able to change your mind.

But if you could be persuaded, the 280AI, 280 Rem, 7x64, 270 Win or even 7-08 might be enough.

Headspace in the shoulder as with any other cartrige.

 

[andyk]

The .280 appeals to me if/when I have (or choose) to rebarrel my .270. Only concern is the lack of factory ammo. Even though I reload, I do like to think it is possible to get factory.

Looking at my reloading manual, the .280AI can push another 100fps or so which is pretty good compared to some of the AIs which give little benefit.

Leading form my experience with my .270 losing velocity with a short barrel, I might suggest starting by working out what length you’d go for.

I’d have thought you’ll need 24/26” for any of the magnums to come into their own. If you’re sticking around 22” I’d go for one of the ‘big’ non magnums as I’m not convinced the velocity difference will be enough to justify the magnum in a shorter barrel.

 

[Border]

A boring non magnum suggestion but what about a 30-06. Should be fine for your intended use and ammo of the shelf most places IF you get tired of reloading.

 

[Lace1978]

Scratch your itch and get the big 7 it will certainly do the job

 

[Rusty Gate]

Thinking of putting in a variation, have 2 6.5s and a 25-45 all conditioned for deer (plus a 7.5x55 but that is not really for stalking).

Most of my stalking is roe & munties as that is what I have on my ground but getting regular invites for lowland red and fallow so I want something a bit bigger (yes i know the 6.5s are capable but that is not what I'm asking).

I've pretty much always fancied the 7 mm Rem mag, RFD is pushing me toward the 300 win mag but having had a look around .280 AI is looking appealing. What's people experiences of should I just go for the rem mag as that's what I want? Will be reloading, is the belt really an issue?

Cheers

280AI, you know you wang to. Bet you got the right powders from other calibres

 

[Dogtra UK]

I’ve got a 7mm Rem mag. Not had chance to shoot it much due to waiting for chassis parts. But my intention eventually is to rebarrel 7mm Saum. I’ve heard belted magnums can be fussy.

 

[wolfie]

I’ve had a rem mag for twelve years now. It’s an awesome round flat shooting, hard hitting but not a meat wrecking round. I’ve shot red, sika, fallow and roe with it.

 

[jb7x57]

Had a 7mm mag for red culled on the hill and woodland for 5 years moved over to a 7x64 a few years ago kills as good milder to shoot cheaper ammo and to reload

 

[alberta boy]

I've used various 7mmRM's over about 40 years . It is a really good cartridge . As to the belt , it's a non issue , actually it only became an issue in a few gun writers imaginations when they were shilling the newer beltless mags like the 300WSM a few years back . Set up your dies the same way you would a rimless , beltless round , it works fine . If you're looking for a potent long range round , it is just that . I actually prefer it to the 300WM , it kicks less for one , and it has ample power for most game , up to and including Moose and Elk . That being said , I recently built a 280AI on a Mauser 98 . It is ridiculously accurate and is close on the heels of the 7mmRM . It does it with less powder and you get two more in the mag . Personally , I couldn't choose between them . I think it would come down to what's available to you and whether the rifle fits you properly . Either one is an outstanding cartridge .

AB

 

[John Gryphon]

Had mine and used it for 40 years. Got plenty of others but in reality if I had to keep just one it would be the 7 mill.

I actually shot quite a few sambar this year with an `06 and sure they kill as they have done forever BUT they do not put big deer down with the authority that the 7mm RM does.

 

[Rusty Gate]

Thinking of putting in a variation, have 2 6.5s and a 25-45 all conditioned for deer (plus a 7.5x55 but that is not really for stalking).

Most of my stalking is roe & munties as that is what I have on my ground but getting regular invites for lowland red and fallow so I want something a bit bigger (yes i know the 6.5s are capable but that is not what I'm asking).

I've pretty much always fancied the 7 mm Rem mag, RFD is pushing me toward the 300 win mag but having had a look around .280 AI is looking appealing. What's people experiences of should I just go for the rem mag as that's what I want? Will be reloading, is the belt really an issue?

Cheers

Pm

 

[375win]

Go for the 7mm REM mag, it’s a brilliant round. Plenty of loadings and lots of factory ammo to choose from. Like the 300 Win Mag, it’s available worldwide, if you ever take your rifle on travels. Alternative would be , for me, a 264 Win Mag, beautiful flat shooting beast or the 300 H&H, the latter just because it’s an iconic round. Maybe also check what rifle you like and what calibre it comes in - that may make the choice easier? Also, you might want to test fire a bigger magnum to see how you get on.
Good luck and fingers crossed you find the right rifle.

 

[stubear]

I had the same itch with .300wm - I just wanted one, always have. So I got one and I love it

My advice would be get the one you fancy - you've got an itch for the 7RM, its a superb cartridge and will tick all the boxes for what you want to do with it and more (should you want to take it to Africa or elsewhere abroad) so I reckon get one.

If you get something else you'll always have that "yeah but its not the 7RM my heart wanted" so just get the one you really want.

 

[Selous]

This morning I headed out after red deer. My 7mm Rem Mag is got a trip out again, as it will do again on Friday. As it is I only saw Roe today which the calibre handled without fuss It is in my opinion the best see all, do all solution for uk deer stalking that is biased towards larger deer

 

[Grannysmith]

7mm mate all day long!

 

[Nelsans]

Get the 7 you won’t be disappointed

 

[Nelsans]

Get the 7 you won’t be disappointed

 

[Stalker-of-the-deer]

I've got a 300 win which has the very slight edge but isn't much In it. I use it for target and I absolutely love the thing.

Once firing it a realised that its just a wee bit much for deer in the UK but honestly if getting a magnum is an itch, scratch it!

Only down side is burning 70 to 80 grain of powder a go and the lack of factory ammo makes it a bit pricey to run.

7mm rem is really easy to reload as the components are readily available. The belts not an issue either, once fire formed just fly resize and bump the shoulder back 2 thou. Gets rid of the issues

No mater what anyone says in my opinion the 7mm rem mag and 300 win are in a league of there own. Yes a 6.5 will get you to 1000 but a 300 or 7mm will dominate it. Its just more gun a bigger bang and a load of fun.

 

[gixer1]

I once took a 7mm rem mag and a 300wm on a hog hunt in the states (seguine Texas) with another member off here - we both agreed that neither were much fun to shoot often and gave you a headache!

go 30-06 and you will have plenty of stopping power, bullet choice and never be undergunned.

regards,
Gixer