Long necks are also supposed help with run-out during loading, and provide more consistent neck tension.75 yrs ago, I would have agreed with you. However, with our more precise, tighter tolerances with regards to lathes, reamers, and tool machining, it’s a moot issue.
Look at all the newer cartridges such as Creedmoor, PRC. ECT. They all have shorter necks, and deeper throats to accommodate longer seated, longer high B.C. Bullets.
I cant honestly say if it makes a difference. As none of my gear is match grade and i dont have the equipment to check concentricity.
So effectively....That's just what I've read.....
What’s the big deal with short necks? My 7mm08 comes within 200-250fps of my 7mmRemMag with just over half as much powder. The 7-08 has only a 20”bbl vs 26” for the 7mag.
With H4350 or RL17, the ‘08 seated to magazine length (2.835”) has only the tapered back of the Speer 160btspt below the case neck and is only lightly compressing the powder. Darn near perfect if you ask me…
The big 7mm actually has a 1/2” air space with most powders, except for WC860 which fills to the neck @80.0gr….
Only a 175gr bullet base “intrudes” into the air space, but doesn’t reduce useable capacity.
The real advantage of the longer neck and Loooong free bore of the Weatherby is that it reduces bore erosion.
Retumbo will compress under a 162eld, and yield 3000-3100fps.... I prefer powders that run at 90%+
IMO tho that much capacity isnt optimal on 162 and lighter projectile but that's the limit for most factory 7s.
My Christensens 1-9 seem to be pretty happy with 180s but I haven't trued the BC on any of them yet.
The 7PRC can deliver those specs from a standard factory rifle. Which is why i would generally recommend someone not tied to factory ammo choose that one over the 7mag if just getting into the big 7s game.
If a person's comfortable doing whatever they need to with a 20 grain lighter bullet and a 2/300 feet per second slower, there's really no reason to put the extra effort into shooting a magnum....heck the 280AI can pretty comfortably drive a 162Eld at 3000 from a 26" and my 7-08 will launch a 140 at 2900 from a 22..... really thats enough for most things
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