Hi,

I am posting this question across several forums, just in case you see this more than once!

I've got a Savage (Model 516FSAK Striker) handgun chambered in 7mm WSM. It's got a short-action, and a 14" barrel.

Iirc, this thing chronographs about 700 fps less than the advertised 3120fps muzzle velocity (Federal w/ 160gr Accubonds). I assume that's almost entirely due to the short barrel. Additionally, each shot gives me an unburned powder shower and a ferocious muzzle flash - further indication that standard factory ammo is not all that efficient in this firearm.

I want to come up with a hunting load more suited to this handgun, but published load data only applies to rifle-length barrels. I have not found a single mention of anyone reloading this cartridge for a handgun.

I'm looking to get ~2900fps muzzle velocity using a 160gr bullet, and more efficient powder burn. Are there any rules of thumb for safely choosing different components for "light" loads I can then develop into the better combination I want?

Thank you in advance,
Brian

its only a 14" barrel factory rounds will be made for 22-26inch barrels. so youll need a slightly faster burning powder and a lower ammount of powder in the case. must be interesting holding onto a 7mmWSM in a handgun...

You would have probably got better performance from a 7mm-08 with a 14 inch barrel as the 7mm-08 would use faster powders better than the WSM.

Also, I dont think 160 grain bullets are agood choice, you would be better off trying a 120, 130 or 140 grain bullet with faster burning powders.

The WSM or for that matter any magnum really needs atleast a 22 or preferably a 24 inch barrel to burn all that slow burning powder.

Good luck

quote:

I'm looking to get ~2900fps muzzle velocity using a 160gr bullet,

You're being quite unrealistic IMO.

Forget it! It's just like buying an 80ton truck and then trying to race a Ferrari.

What I mean is, that the cartridge simple doesn't make sense in a handgun.

Thank you all for the responses!

Paul: Actually, I was surprised at how easy it is to hold on to. I truly enjoy shooting that thing. (Keep in mind, it weighs about 6 pounds, so it's not like I take a serious beating.) Thanks for the tip - I'm investigating the faster powder/smaller amount angle now.

Tumbo: I wanted that bullet weight as I would like to put it into elk, and that is what the Federal factory rounds use. Still, perhaps a lighter round would be better - shot placement being important and all. I have come to expect that there is little chance I'll ever burn off a suitable amount of slow powder in that short length.

Vapodog: Yes, I have come to understand that. That's why I posted though, so I could benefit from others' knowledge. I think I have a better understanding now of WHY it was an unrealistic hope, so I came out on top in terms of learning. Thank you for your help!

McFox: Doesn't make sense?!? Why, that's more than half the appeal to me! :-) Seriously, what this thing does is allow me to hunt deer and elk with a handgun capable of taking them at the relatively short ranges I can shoot it (i.e. up to 200 yards). Is it efficient? Heck no. Is it a handgun cartridge? Certainly not a normal one. Will it do what I want? Last year's meat in the freezer seems to indicate a "yes". You're completely right that there are far better ways to go about this, but... ever try to drive a truck like a Ferrari? It's kind of a fun challenge!

Again, thank you all for helping me learn.

Brian