I purchased a Browning A-Bolt Stainless w/Boss in 7MM Rem Mag. I used this deer season and worked well. Shot a mule deerbuck @ around 200 through the shoulder - No exit using 162 gr. Hornady SST's - No exit wound. After firing I thought I missed. Scatter of the does, then I see the buck looking around like "what happened". Took about 3 steps and dropped hard.

I have been shooting this gun up after learning how to reload to cut down costs. I have began hating the muzzle break on the BOSS, so replaced with the CR to bring on the recoil, and cut down on muzzle blast and noise. The 7 Mag does not recoil that bad as I can pop off 100 shots at a time. I am now to where I can group well, 3 shots strung together, or in 2 holes, so under MOA the majority of the time unless I pull one. Never though over 1 1/2" @ 100 yards.

My dad is wanting me to go elk hunting with him this fall in SE Idaho, and I have never been. I have read that people use 270, 7 Mag, and of course the 30.06. Even people using the .243!

I am looking for something bigger to learn to shoot. I know that most will say that a 7 Mag will suffice. However, I have a "craving" for a larger weapon, something with more power.

I am looking at the 300 Win Mag. However, seems pretty close to the 7 Mag so may not be much of an "upgrade". Thinking maybe the 338 Win Mag, or possibly the .325 WSM but unsure of the short mag hype or fad? I think if I can handle the little recoil of 7 Mag, I should not have any problems with these? However, I have never fired any of these... just the 7 Mag.

I am really looking at the Remington Sendero in stainless... seems like a sweet gun? Then have the 7 Mag for deer (larger mule deer here in ID) and a larger caliber for elk, or if ever lucky enough to draw on moose? Not sure of all the calibers in the Sendero, but the 300 mag, and they have the 300 RUM.

Thoughts?

35 Whelen.......

You don´t need to worry in most cases if gun has enough power or not. You don´t really need Ultramags and hyperthings, what counts is good shoot placement and there it depends on you yourself! Train hard and there was some nice words: "Don´t go hunting with a cartridge younger than you are..." The old classics of .30-06, .270 Win, .375H&H and so on will do all jobs, no worry and not real need of RUM´s and hyper-RUM´s...

If I could choose my next rifle: .270 Win or a double of old classic 9,3x74R - sweet dreams...

quote:

Originally posted by scubapro:
You don´t need to worry in most cases if gun has enough power or not. You don´t really need Ultramags and hyperthings, what counts is good shoot placement and there it depends on you yourself! Train hard and there was some nice words: "Don´t go hunting with a cartridge younger than you are..." The old classics of .30-06, .270 Win, .375H&H and so on will do all jobs, no worry and not real need of RUM´s and hyper-RUM´s...

If I could choose my next rifle: .270 Win or a double of old classic 9,3x74R - sweet dreams...

No Rums or Hyper-Rums? LOL

I do need to add to my gun collection -> Ruger 10/22, Weatherby 12 GA, Browning 7 Mag....

Need to add and looking for a good reason to rationalize (elk hunting) to buy another! Then the $'s spent are well justified!

Since you seem like you are really just wanting something bigger. Buy one of the new sendero's in 338RUM.

Since you already have a perfectly good elk rifle, how about considering a semi-custom rifle from Weatherby, Dakota or Jarrett? Jarrett & Dakota have their proprietary 330 magnum calibers, & Weatherby has the venerable .340 mag. All of these are superb elk cartridges.

Dave

My choice for elk is "overkill" in a 338-378 Weatherby... The 340 Weatherby is a fantastic round...

Look very closely at the 338 Win Mag. It is an excellent round for elk as well...

My hunting partner uses a 300 Win Mag and both of use a 30-06 for back up...

Best of luck in your search...

Ken....

Your 7RM will work just fine on ELk but, I understand we all like new toys.

I personally think you'll be displeased with a Sendero for an Elk Hunting rifle. The Sendero is a great factory rifle IMO and I currently own two but, they are definitely not something I'd want to go hiking with (Heavy!). They work well for walking 1/4 mile from the truck and sitting on stand all day but, long hikes and heavy barreled rifles don't go together very well.

I agree with you that the 300WM will not be much of a step over the 7RM to notice a difference. The 338WM would probably be the most practical choice and it's reputation speaks for itself.

If you buy a 338 in a lightweight rifle be prepared for much more recoil than your 7RM.

Good Luck

Reloader

I think rembo is giving you prety good advise,
Since you reload and seem to like remingtons a CDL in 35 whelen would be an excelent choice, out to 300 yards. A .338 win is a good choice too and shoots a little flatter.
I don't care for the short mags, or the ultra mags either ,
If you are hunting in thick cover a good ol marlin 45/70, with a low power scope is lots of fun for the handloader, but I limit mine to 200 yards.
...tj3006

quote:

Originally posted by rembo:
35 Whelen.......

Or rebarrel your 7mm mag to 338 mag and some day in the future replace the 7mm mag with a 270.

quote:

Originally posted by hvy barrel:
Since you seem like you are really just wanting something bigger. Buy one of the new sendero's in 338RUM.

I know this rifle is heavier than most, but isn't this pretty heavy on the recoil? I have heard the 338 WM is not much worse than the 300 WM, but not sure what the 338 RUM adds to this?

As far as elk hunting (my dad's way), from the sounds of it likely blind. He mentioned that he does not shoot where he cannot get the 4X4 to. He is getting up in years and has a bad hip though. Him and a partner go to a desert area and catch the elk coming off the mountain. However, last year it did not snow so the elk stayed high. I myself would go into the mountain to at least have a chance in getting an elk. He did not get anything.

If you get in the mountains there (the Tetons) you get to the elk, but also the grizzlies. I think that is what bothers him the most but won't admit it.

quote:

Originally posted by hvy barrel:
Since you seem like you are really just wanting something bigger. Buy one of the new sendero's in 338RUM.

I thought they only made these up to 300WM and 300 RUM? I was thinking a 300 Win Mag, although a step up from 7Mag not a whole lot.

Thinking the 338 WM. Best rifle for caliber. Ie, I have 2 friends that shoot the newer 270WSM. One is a Browning like mine and shoots nice. The other has a Kimber, pretty gun but recoils more than the Browning. If you are going to get a larger caliber may as well choose the one that shoots better.

Yes, they do in fact make the 338 RUM. Even in a heavier rifle the monster mags have some pretty serious recoil... If you have the ability you might want to fire some of those that have been suggested here to see if you really want something with that much kick... You can put a muzzle brake on them but they do have some of their own draw backs such as muzzle blast and possibly added noise (some are very loud to the shooter and bystander)...

Ken....

I have shot several elk. 4 with a .280 Rem and two with a .300 win mag. All died quickly. Shoot what you shoot the best.

I just bought a Tikka T3, 6lbs 4oz, with out a scope it should be around a 7lb rifle.It is 300win and I know it will kick but if I upgrade the recoil pad it think it will be manageable.I am tired of packing a 10lb rifle up the mountains.

quote:

Originally posted by hinkleid:

quote:

Originally posted by hvy barrel:
Since you seem like you are really just wanting something bigger. Buy one of the new sendero's in 338RUM.

I thought they only made these up to 300WM and 300 RUM? I was thinking a 300 Win Mag, although a step up from 7Mag not a whole lot.



Thinking the 338 WM. Best rifle for caliber. Ie, I have 2 friends that shoot the newer 270WSM. One is a Browning like mine and shoots nice. The other has a Kimber, pretty gun but recoils more than the Browning. If you are going to get a larger caliber may as well choose the one that shoots better.

Personally if it were me I would buy a 270,280, or a 30-06 in a rifle that I liked & hunt with it. Then when I was ready I would rebarrel it into either a 338-06 or a 35 Whelen, maybe a 30 Gibbs. It just sounded like you wanted something bigger.

quote:

I am looking for something bigger to learn to shoot. I know that most will say that a 7 Mag will suffice. However, I have a "craving" for a larger weapon, something with more power.

Why, what for ?, A 300 mag or even a 338 win mag will not put game down any better than your 7mm mag, especially if you can not place your shots well.

The fact is, not too many can shoot the 300 mags(or bigger) well enough to place their shots well, consistantly.

Do yourself a favour and swap those 162 SST for some 150 or 160 barnes TSX's, or accubonds etc and go get your elk.

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/ammunition/seven_092105/index2.html

I think the comments on page 3 are particularly relevent here, please read them.

I think everyone should have at least one rifle in thier lifetime they're scared to shoot. My vote goes for a .338 UltraMag. Don't be whimpy and buy a Sendaro either, get one of those 7 1/2lb XCR models

Believe me, a 7mm RM shooting 162's is a far cry from a 338 win mag with 225's or 250's in terms of recoil. If it were me, I would go the 338-06 route. Lighter rifle, standard length action, less recoil than the win mag, easier on barrels, gun will hold one more cartridge, and can achieve velocities within 150 fps of the 338 win mag. Load up some 210 partitions @2750 fps and you are set for elk out to 350 yds or so.

quote:

Originally posted by TC1:
I think everyone should have at least one rifle in thier lifetime they're scared to shoot. My vote goes for a .338 UltraMag. Don't be whimpy and buy a Sendaro either, get one of those 7 1/2lb XCR models

You got the XCR in 338 Rum? I looked at those shells today... make the 7 Mags I shoot look pretty weak indeed.

quote:

Originally posted by hvy barrel:

quote:

Originally posted by hinkleid:

quote:

Originally posted by hvy barrel:
Since you seem like you are really just wanting something bigger. Buy one of the new sendero's in 338RUM.

I thought they only made these up to 300WM and 300 RUM? I was thinking a 300 Win Mag, although a step up from 7Mag not a whole lot.



Thinking the 338 WM. Best rifle for caliber. Ie, I have 2 friends that shoot the newer 270WSM. One is a Browning like mine and shoots nice. The other has a Kimber, pretty gun but recoils more than the Browning. If you are going to get a larger caliber may as well choose the one that shoots better.

Personally if it were me I would buy a 270,280, or a 30-06 in a rifle that I liked & hunt with it. Then when I was ready I would rebarrel it into either a 338-06 or a 35 Whelen, maybe a 30 Gibbs. It just sounded like you wanted something bigger.

Thinking the "lighter" calibers like 270 Win, 270 WSM, and 7 Mag are all close. No reason to have a 270 with a 7 Mag. A little (.14) bigger with a little extra mustard. Can take anything a 270 Win can.

When i bought the 7 Mag... I was looking for an overall rifle, ... antelope, deer, elk, or maybe moose if lucky to draw. Now realize it is a tad on the lighter side, and is perfect for antelope , deer.. and is fine for elk (load up Barnes X, Failsafe, or Partitions).

But the 7 is feeling lonely and needs a friend! LOL.

Then again, my dad has 7 or 8 rifles and always goes to that aught six!

I would not buy a 270 over 7mm either. I think that the the 7mm offers a better variety of bullets. If I had something that I wanted to build based on the 06 cartridge & a deal came along on a 270 I would buy it in a minute.
Don't under estimate the ability of a non-magnum cartridge. For example, the last time I went antelope hunting there was a 25-06, 270, 280, 7mm08, 7mm RM, & a 308 contender pistol. All of the animals taken were clean one shot kills except for the 7mm RM. I am not saying that the Rem mag is not capable of taking an antelope cleanly. I am saying that all of the other rifles were just as capable as the only magnum in bunch.
Good luck on the aquisition of your next rifle & don't pass up a deal because it is not a magnum. Give it a try, you might just like it.

quote:

don't pass up a deal because it is not a magnum. Give it a try, you might just like it.

I agree, pay attention to the balistics of each cartridge. Some non-mags's are pretty dang close to the mags. Why use more powder than you have to when less will work.

There is always the custom gun route. There are some really talented folks around here doing this type of work. Of course being a stock maker, I'm bias....

Well, the 7mm mag is totally sufficient for elk, but it's clear the need for a new toy is present!!

If you're looking for the next step up in power, I'd go with any of the fine 338 caliber cartridges available today. I bought a 340wby (A** KICKER!), but a 338 win or the 338RUM would also be superb choices. Yes, these rifles will recoil more than the 7mag, but they also hit a LOT harder on the other end. Get a rifle that fits you well and has enought weight to it (I wouldn't be looking for a 6lb 338 - ). While I haven't handled one yet, the new Sendero II sounds like a good choice.

I own the 338 RUM. It can be down loaded or taken to Max load. Sounds like you would want a 338.

I would agree that a 338 caliber is in order! I personally like the non-belted cartridges. I, like molar1, think the 338-06 is worthy of consideration as a 338, but I guess I would go with something that could be stepped up a bit more than that since you already have the 7.

As jro45 said, the big cannons, i.e. 338 RUM, can be loaded down, so I'd look at something like that. I built a couple of 330 Dakota's to get into the 338 cal, and they are shooting rascals. They also really hit hard, only shot a cow elk and some whitetails so far, but damn did it put them down!

Being a handloader, the 330 Dakota is another 338 cal that might be worth a look.

Good luck on your new rig--Don

338 RUM........for sure.

I have a 300 win mag and even though it is touted all over the place for accuracy, power and consistency I like the 338 Rum just as well.

I had a friend who bought one in 700 LSS and it's a nice gun and for some reason it's not bad to shoot. I noticed a little difference from my 300 but not so much for me to say there is.

It was easy to load for too.

Here's his 210 Barnes XLC load. at 3200fps.

I say chalk another one up for the .35 Whelen . Great companion to the 7mm Mag. It will do anything up to 300 ish yards.

Here is what you do, go buy some R-22 and some 160 or 175 gr Nosler Partitions. Work up a load. You know how. Then go zero the thing, spot on for 200 yards, you know this too. Then go shoot an elk this fall. Spend the money on another hunt or tag. Or a good pair of boots, a good knife warm clothes and good rain and wet weather gear. Now if you must, then go get yourself a 338 Winchester Mag. I see no real need for you do do so since you already have a pretty good 7mm Remington Mag.

35 Whelen, 9.3X62, or 375 H&H. Packy

Like packrat said: .375 H&H

It's a real step up in power and a classic cartridge to boot. With a well-designed stock, it's not hard to shoot. I love mine, but it's a CZ and kinda heavy for humping around the elk hills.

That said, the .338/.340 may be a better choice for U.S. hunting. It can be had in a lighter rifle than a .375, has a great selection of bullets (like the 7mm), and is a noticeable step up in power.

LWD

If I did not have a gun for elk and were wanting one, I'd be seriously looking at a 338-06, that being said, you said you shoot the 7mag well, several replies commented on bullet choice.

I believe the fact that you are familiar, comfortable, and shoot the 7mag well, put a good 160-175 grain bullet MADE for large game......a partition or barnes would do very well as grand slams, etc., and go hunting after checking zero.

Years ago a guy named Warren Page used a 7mm Mashburn Mag I believe to dump an elk at like 450-475 yds with a 175gr partition.

The magnum high velocity craze has made many forget how well the heavier, slower, but DEEPER PENETRATING bullets kill large game.

If you hit an elk solid with either 160 or 175 partition, I have a hard time thinking it will get away. Now if you want to drop them as quickly as possibly, minimizing a chance they fall in a canyon, which DOES sometimes happen if you are in that terrain, then a 338 or larger bore may help. It does not negate shot placement, but a larger heavy bullet will help put a large heavy animal down quickly often times.

Whatever you do, use a bullet known for controlled expansion, for getting a quick humane kill that benefits you and the game you hunt.

I would not hesitate to bust a large bull in a shoulder knuckle with the right bullet in the 7mag, but the 162 SST is NOT designed as an elk bullet, much more suitable for deer and the like. You will WANT an exit wound and blood trail should you need to track one, esp. after dusk.

Your 7mm is plenty for elk with the right bullets - read 160+ grain Barnes X, Nosler Part., Swift, etc. However, I would certainly never try to talk someone out of the "need" for another gun. I still use that excuse every chance I get.

In my opinion, the 300's are good elk guns, but are not enough of a step over your 7mm to make it worthwhile. In my opinion, the .338 Win. is the best all-around elk caliber available. But you can certainly kill one just fine with less gun, or more gun. The .338 just plain works (if you can shoot it well).

7mm rem mag hasn't let me down for elk or moose. Majority were shot with 150 or 160 Nosler parts. I have also used 160 AB and recently switched to 140 Barnes TSX. The TSX has accounted for 2 bull elk and 1 bull moose. The elk were both pass thrus, 1 through the opposite shoulder. The moose was a double shoulder shot of under 100 yards and the bullet stopped in the opposite hide, retained 92% of original mass and over 2x diameter expansion.

Like already mention I don't feel you need a bigger rifle to hunt elk or moose. Though want is usually the winner in such a debate. I'd say a 338wm is a good choice and reasonable step to take, if you have already made the decision that a new rifle is warranted for your upcoming hunt.

Good luck

I have used 7mags, .300winmags, and .338wm on elk. They all worked well. I used some NP's and a lot of Grand Slams. I didn't see where the .338 killed an elk any deader than the other two so for years my go-to elk rifle was a .300Winnie with a 1.5x5 scope on it or a 7mag with a 2x7.
The .300WM kicks a little harder than the 7 but not much. You need to shoot it regular to stay good with it.

35 whelen and 225 gr. XXX shocks!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by hinkleid:

quote:

Originally posted by scubapro:
You don´t need to worry in most cases if gun has enough power or not. You don´t really need Ultramags and hyperthings, what counts is good shoot placement and there it depends on you yourself! Train hard and there was some nice words: "Don´t go hunting with a cartridge younger than you are..." The old classics of .30-06, .270 Win, .375H&H and so on will do all jobs, no worry and not real need of RUM´s and hyper-RUM´s...

If I could choose my next rifle: .270 Win or a double of old classic 9,3x74R - sweet dreams...

No Rums or Hyper-Rums? LOL

I do need to add to my gun collection -> Ruger 10/22, Weatherby 12 GA, Browning 7 Mag....

Need to add and looking for a good reason to rationalize (elk hunting) to buy another! Then the $'s spent are well justified!

Next up the scale caliber-wise from the .300 Mags., which are too close to the 7mm you aready have, is the .338 Win/.340 Weatherby. Both are excellent and nothing bigger is really needed for anything in NA and most things in Africa.

Another vote for the 35 Whelen. It's what I use Elk hunting here in Colorado. Love it! 250 gr. NP @ 2,500 fps.

I'd go with a .338 Win Mag.

Before I got mine I really worried about recoil: could I handle it?

But I threw caution to the winds when I calculated the recoil of my Franchi Falconette 20 gauge. If I recall, it weighed only about 5 lbs, lacked a recoil pad, and had 3 inch chambers w/1 ounce of shot.

If I remember correctly from 30 years ago, I calculated that its recoil was greater than a 9 pound .338 with scope and loaded mag, when shooting 225 grain bullets. Or at least, close enough to not matter.

Problem solved.