First, this thread is for ANYONE who wishes to give fact, opinion, or thoughts. It is an open thread, so please feel free to contribute.

Just ordered a couple of 7mm preturned blanks in 9 twist, #4 contour.

I'm open to suggestions on a caliber. I have 2 7mm Mags, FYI. Specifically if anyone has any insight on the 280/280AI, the latter with any feeding problems, I'd like to read it, as they are both on the list to consider. The rifle will be just another toy for my hunting pleasure, not specific to any particular game. I tend to take 2 rifles on just about every hunt because I like having backup.

Fire away with suggestions for my build, thoughts, ballistics, favorite loads, etc. All magnum considerations are of great interest as well. I will be using a blueprinted Remmy action and I'll likely use a H-S Precision stock I have on hand, Jewel trigger set to 1 pound.

7 X 57 with a longenough throat to keep the base of a 175grain bullet out of the powder room w/ a 22" light barrel scout mounted 2x scope. Fast handling and deadly. roger

how does it compare to 7-08?

quote:

Originally posted by Doc:
how does it compare to 7-08?

Sounds like a loaded question to me, Doc. You're just putting me on,right? roger

Nope. Don't know much at all about the 7x57. ...other than it was, maybe still is loaded to lower pressures.

But I'll go look at some load books tonight. I know enough about the 708.

The 7 x 57 is a more versitile cartridge when hand loaded to the same pressures as the 7-08 especially with heavier bullets. It has more available capacity or powder room. Simple PxV situation. roger

Doc, I have 2 280AI's and they are both very accurate, although one took a lot more load development than the other one--who knows...I would not do it again. I would just shoot a 280 and be done with it. At the time the 280 AI brass was offered by Nosler (and I like their brass) so I went the AI version.

First one is a Cooper, which I had rechambered from a 280 to the AI version. I had chrono'd a lot of loads out of both, and the velocity difference was not that much, I can look if you want me to, but it was NOT over 100 fps. Same barrel length obviously on the Cooper, maybe a longer barrel would maximize the AI'ing, but I am an accuracy guy first, and the original 280 is plenty fast enough for me (around 2850), and was damn accurate.

I think with your experience with the .06 and that case length/velocity range, it would be a better match for you than going to the 308 version......

I do have a 7 Dakota though, and that is DAMN WELL a velocity increase, maybe a bit more than your 7 mags? It is defintiely something a little different, which I like, and sounds like would fit this build for you--I like the absence of a belt--for no particular reason--

The 7-08 is pretty close to the 7x57 IME, IIRC they both push 2750 fps, and most of the data for the 7x57 is lower pressure, so maybe a 'modern' one can be loaded to a little more zip than the 7-08???

If you are leaning toward the thumper side of the equation, I know you have a 300 RUM, maybe the 7 RUM is worth a look....

Check out the Dakota, or maybe just the good ole 280!

I have a 708 and now lust for .280 lite rifle

Yes, when it comes to the 7mm, there are so many options. I really don't want another 7mag.

I'm not sure about brass availability with the 7 Dakota but it has been of great interest for a long time.

I have many years of experience with the .06 and 270, so adapting to a 280 would be minimal I'm sure and I do like a "regular" caliber as I call them.

However, I did order a #4 contour which is one contour bigger than I would have placed for a 280. I did this in case I opted for a larger powder volume caliber, including a 7WSM.

This coming weekend, I will spend some time looking at data on websites and in my load books.

I still have two 270 barrels in the safe too! One is Krieger, the other a 3 groove Lilja.

Great suggestions so far.

Doc, the Dakota brass is pretty readily available now--plus it lasts and lasts in all three calibers I have it in...plus, I have about 80 spare cases new in the box if you decide you want to go that way, let me know--should last a lifetime....

especially if I start working again and buy the Ken Light annealer I am planning on....

I still like the WSM's I have, 270's and 300's only now, but just wouldn't go that route again, I really wish the mfgs. had zeroed in on a middle of the road case size, fatter than '06 by just a bit, and usable in a standard action, but with more oomph...perhaps to get them into a 308 length action they had to be that fat, but it is definitely a challenge on them feeding, and although all mine do just fine, I have fooled with a bunch of actions, especdially Kimbers, that didn't feed them worth a damn. Having said that, the 7 WSM has a real following with long range guys, and the one I had was super accurate, a Sako 75 with a Lilja barrel, sold it when building my 7 Dakota to a friend who liked it more than me

The 7 Dakota is just as accurate by the way. Sako 75 with a Lothar Walther barrel!

quote:

Originally posted by Fish30114:
especially if I start working again and buy the Ken Light annealer I am planning on....

Thanks for the brass offer! I will keep in touch on this. I thought you already had the Ken Light annealer? Or do you mean a new disc that fits the Dakota brass?

Doc,

I have several 7x57's and one 7-08.
The case capacity of the 7x57 is 82 grains of water, and the 7-08 is 76 grains of water, so you can see how much more powder you can stuff in the 7x57. For both chamberings, I use 140 gn Partitions, H-414 powder and Fed 210 primers. Best loads for each for accuracy 47.0 gn H-414 in the 7x57, and 45.0 gns in the 7-08. I doubt that there is enough difference in velocity to be concerned about, for field hunting. I sure like both chamberings.
I also have a 284 Win in a bolt rifle. Compared to the std 280, the 284 has a case capacity of 92 gns H2O, and the 280 case is 95 gns H2O, so again, not enogh to get excited about. I don't have a 280, either std or AI'd.
I also have a 7mm Mag bolt rifle.
I see the 7mm mag as being the high end of the velocity spectrum for 7mm chamberings that I am interested in. YMMV however.
The 7-08 and the 7x57's are a dream to shoot, and with partitions, or similar good killing bullets, get the job done on Deer and Bear up here.
Just some thoughts.

Don

Thanks Don. You still doing well with primers I hope!

If one of your barrels is 26"+, How about a 7mm STW?

I could finish a bbl at 26".

With an 26" barrled STW you can throw a 150gr pill at 3400. It makes for a flat shooting rifle that will get the attention of what ever you hit. Of course with a 80-100grs of powder, it will get the shooters attention as well.

I'd brake a STW at the range and cap it for hunting. That's what I do with my 300 RUM sometimes. I've never noticed a change in POI.

So, I'm not seeing any suggestions for the 7WSM. Is that one a dud?

quote:

Originally posted by Doc:
Thanks Don. You still doing well with primers I hope!

I'm in good shape with primers, and I appreciate your generosity is making my primer life a happy one.

Don

quote:

So, I'm not seeing any suggestions for the 7WSM. Is that one a dud?

I believe it's already been discontinued by Wincheseter. I expect the .270 and .300 WSM's to be the long term survivors of this line. Don't get me wrong, I think a customer 7mm WSM could be a real tack driver, I would just be sure to stock up on brass if I decided to build one.

My vote is the 280 Rem. I have a Rem. 700 Mtn rifle that I have been shooting for about 6 years now and love it. I have just started reloading for it though. Only loaded a few batches for it using Nosler data and the starting loads already shoot lights out over any of the factory stuff I've used. Might just stop there. I would forget about all that AI and Short Magnum stuff; you just can't go wrong with the 280 IMO.

But if I build a 280, and it is as good as everyone says, will it make me want to part with my beloved 270s and 30.06?

quote:

Originally posted by Doc:
But if I build a 280, and it is as good as everyone says, will it make me want to part with my beloved 270s and 30.06?

Not until you're about 84. roger

quote:

Originally posted by Doc:

Thanks for the brass offer! I will keep in touch on this. I thought you already had the Ken Light annealer? Or do you mean a new disc that fits the Dakota brass?

Doc, I had actually ordered the annealer, and they gave me about a 4 week lead time, and it still hadn't arrived after about 4 weeks... in the interim, my employment left me, so I called and they were real gentlemen, and let me cancel the order. I am still very interested in annealing brass for a few calibers I load for, so that annealer is on my short list when I can start bringing in some income again!

Keep us posted on what you do--I think the 280 is really a great round, but you'll never abandon your 270's and '06's as good as you and them shoot together!

Always fun to build a new rig, but I doubt you 'need' anything other than your '06 for anything except the Big Bears or Africa--and for whitetail, it's just hard to beat a 270! The 280 is just a cool cartridge, but for something different, the Dakota, STW are pretty damn spiffy, if you were looking for the lower end of the power spectrum, something in a modern action 7x57 sound pretty good to me!

Fish, as to the annealer, you certainly can buy a nice one like Ken's but I got the cheap Hornady kit and it works well and fast.

I will probabaly start a new post by the time I do the build since the barrel won't arrive until early next year anyway.

I really appreciate the ideas. I admit I'd like to have something a little different so I can feel like a bigshot around the guys who have plain old 'whatevers.'

But I also like the idea of SIMPLE and PROVEN!

By the way, parting with the 270s is laughable!! I would NEVER do that. Same for my 30.06. In fact, I was sorting through my safe for an item 2 nights ago, and had to take a current preturned barrel blank inventory. I took out the 30.06. I really like it: Jewel trigger set at 1 pound, a detach mag, 22" fluted #3 Pacnor, blued, spiral fluted bolt, and a paint job on the pillar bedded wood stock.

You know, I think my kill numbers are equal to or now even ahead with the .06 compared to my 270s. I'll have to remedy that this fall some time if I get a chance to hunt at all.

Hey Doc, good intel about the Hornady annealer, I'll look at it. I really do like that '06 you have, that paint job has made me think of painting the stock on a really plain sauer stock I have...probably would if that wood was on something other than a 202....

You definitely need to put the 270's back in the lead

The only thing I would change about my Sako's would be to have the ability to put Jewell triggers in them--their factory triggers are darn good, but Jewell's are just another level.
The one I have in my Surgeon is just sweet as honey!

quote:

I'm open to suggestions on a caliber.

No offense intended Doc but you'll have a good bit of money, time and effort in your new rig so I'd suggest holding on to the barrel, etc, until YOU know what you want rather than hope one of us could tell you what you want. ??

quote:

Fire away with suggestions for my build, thoughts, ballistics, favorite loads, etc. All magnum considerations are of great interest as well. I will be using a blueprinted Remmy action and I'll likely use a H-S Precision stock I have on hand, Jewel trigger set to 1 pound.

Return the #4 contour barrels.....way too heavy!!!

Nice action....compliment it with a #2 contour 22" .280 Rem barrel.....

The really nice thing about the .280 is the extreme versatility.....load it with 120 TTSX bullets and bambi will fall a very long ways away!!!!!

Load it with 160 A-Frames and everything from elk to eland will tip over.....and also a long ways away!

The .280 Rem is possibly the most versatile of any of the light weight rifles and in that Remington action you can load it easily to 65,000 PSI.....it's a real great round....forget the AI stuff.....

Thanks vapo. I always enjoy your and fish's posts as well as many others. I am indeed passing on the AI family. I just don't want to go there.

I just sent a request to change the order from #4 contours to #3. I don't want to go with a #2....too light for my taste on this one.

I'm 90% sure I'll go with the 280.

Jim, I appreciate your thoughts. But I'm happy for suggestions because there are so many that I want. Of course I'll still make up my own mind on this one.

7mm RUM?

Rich

i vote 7mm-08. a bit more ecconomical to reload. when you get a bit older its probably going to replace your 7 mag as your normal hunting round. Its a cute lil bugger. if you ever needed to take someone out hunting such as a woman or a kid they may not like 7 mags recoil. actions are cheaper than most magnum bolt faced actions.

Personally I like the #4 contour for longer barrels. It makes for a stiff barrel, and the weight helps with any recoil.

quote:

Originally posted by Antelope Sniper:
Personally I like the #4 contour for longer barrels. It makes for a stiff barrel, and the weight helps with any recoil.

I've got two #4 contour Shilens right now and like them both very much. Both are magnums, however. I think if I'm building a 280 I'll keep in consistent with all of my other standard long actions where OD at the muzzle is around .625 to .630.

a smaller chambered barrel can also be cut out to a larger cartridge if you later decide too. i have a .308 that i built off a remington long action. if i wished i could bore it to .30-06 or use my other bolt and go .300 win. unless you have something against using a long action for a short action cartridge.