Y'all, I was mulling over the 7 mags and wondering where useful velocity ends. Do the RUM and STW add too much velocity to the RM? What bullets hold up at these high velocities?

I think the bonus of one of the big boys is shooting the super ballistically efficient 175s.

Thoughts appreciated.

Best,
QD

I use the 7mmstw for all my deer,sheep and pronghorn hunting.I use 140gr ballistic tips and kills are always quick and clean.To date not one animal has covered more than 30 yards or so after being hit with most dropping on the spot.

Two of the most knowledgeble riflemen ever used a cartridge similar to the 7MM STW with 175 gr Partitions. Both Warren Page and Bob Hagel were fans of the 7MM Mashburn Super Magnum.

If I were to get a extreme 7MM I am not sure what case I might pick. The thing is that the RUM case is superior for reloading as it headspaces on the shoulder but it's kind of big for that bore volume.

But it's large cases that push heavy bullets best. Otherwise I would trumpet my current favorite the 7MM WSM.

Consider a 7mm Dakota if your into advanced handloading.

For a factory rifle I guess I would get the 7MM RUM and live with it. I am not happy with the choices here.

[ 12-28-2002, 21:42: Message edited by: Savage99 ]

Savage99,

Thanks for reminding me of the 7mm Dakota. What's the difference between that and the RUM? Aren't they both based more or less on the .404 case?

Thanks,
QD

The 7mm dakota uses a shorter case than the remington ultramag

The 7MM Dakota is 2.49" long and holds 95 grs of water. The 7MM RUM must hold about 110 grs of water but I don't have the exact number. A 7MM STW's capacity is 100 grs, at the same action length as a 7MM RUM.

The 7MM REM Mag holds 82.9 grs of water and my 7MM WSM also holds 83 grs of water.

This data is from my "Calculoader" program with the exception of the 7MM WSM and that is from a fire formed case out of my chamber. The Calculoader data I am told is an average of FL sized cases. I have not checked it against another source.

From my observations of "overbore" in the 7MM calibers the 7MM STW is way up there and the 7MM RUM is over the line.

Gentlemen,

The 7mm Rem Mag, using the 175 gr. Partitions, has killed 2000 lb eland at 20 yards, and Blue Wildebeest and Zebra at 400+ yards for me. Also been responsible for the demise of many, many springbok at long, long ranges at my hands. I can't think of any reason why I would need more than that. Besides, I can find ammo anywhere for it.

The 7mm STW and 7mm RUM are interesting though, I just can't justify needing more than what I have.

Joel Slate
Slate & Associates, LLC
www.slatesafaris.com

7mm Rem Mag Page www.slatesafaris.com/7mm.htm

I am not sure that there will ever be an end to the quest for more speed. After using a 7x57 for the better part of thirty years, mostly with bullets heavier than 160 gr, I started using lighter, tougher bullets. Contentment reigned at 2950 fps for a while, until I took a shot at a springbuck with a 220 Swift belonging to one of my daughters. To say that the extra 1450 fps took me by surprise would be an understatement. As long as the bullet remains intact and gets the job done, more speed brings only good things.