7WSM

[horsemen61]

Ok guys I am looking at trading into a older model 70 black shadow I know about the gun what I don’t know about is the round?

So any info on the 7wsm helps chaps thanks

 

[troy fairweather]

What are your plans with the rifle, target or hunting and what size game.

 

[horsemen61]

Hunting Midwest white tails

 

[jmr40]

It does exactly the same thing as all of the other WSM's. If you compare the 270 WSM to 270 WBY mag, the 7WSM to 7RM and 300 WSM to 300 WM the WSM's will typically be about 50-75 fps slower, but burn 5-10 gr less powder in a short action cartridge. That means similar performance with 20-25% recoil reduction

You'll see recoil that will basically split the difference between 280 and 7mm RM in the same weight rifles, or recoil the same as 7mm RM in a lighter, more compact rifle. In theory at least they are more accurate. Some bullet manufacturers are now using 300 WSM to accuracy test all of their 30 caliber bullets because they found it to be more accurate. No game animal will ever notice the small difference in velocity.

The concept for the WSM line of cartridges was to offer a bit flatter shooting round than 30-06/270/280 in a smaller more compact rifle for mountain hunting that still had manageable recoil. Most hunters liked the results they got from the magnums,but wanted similar performance in a lighter rifle that wouldn't beat them up.

The concept of the round is solid. The problem is that rifle manufacturers never built a rifle designed to match the cartridges. Except Kimber who designed the lightweight 84WSM around the cartridges. In full size and weight rifles most hunters simply opted to stay with traditional magnums, or the more common 30-06 based rounds.

 

[troy fairweather]

I have used 140 to 175 bullets with my 7wsm all shot very good form my Browning Abolt. My dad had a savage striker pistol in 7wsm, he even killed a bison with. We have had a few other 7wsm rifles over the years. All shot very good. I don't load hot, I stay a few grains under max data. Mostly because I only have about 60 cases left and trying to make them last.

The best brass i have used was the win, the Fed brass are soft and have seen the only last one or 2 reloads. The weak point off the brass tends to be the primer pockets.
I tend to like the 150 and 160 grain bullets for the 7wsm, I did last time out try a a nice load with h-4831 and what I think was a hornady sp 175. It was something like 55 grains, I just used the Lee dipper, and that single load shot stupid accurate, one group was 1/4 moa and the others were sub 1/2 moa.

The load data seems to be all over the place the nosler is was i use most, just go on the re web site for the data. I tend to use imr 4350 and h4831 because that's what I have on hand, I know h1000 is very good and need to get a pound to load up.

 

[Varminterror]

Ballistically, the 7wsm really isn’t a mystery, so the only unique aspect of “discussing a 7 WSM” compared to any similar cartridge is really the brass availability and quality, or factory ammo if you’re so inclined - which is a limited supply chain for either. Great cartridge, just not well supported in the market. Stock up.

 

[Llama Bob]

Ballistically it's the twin of the 7mm Remington Magnum. It fits in a short action. Accuracy-wise it's the best of the 7mm magnums all else being equal. Factory ammo is available, but not necessarily at any particular store. Brass is $1.30 a piece in stock from Bertram and their quality is decent but not Lapua. Good enough quality for me though. Die availability is good.

A 175 Wedlcore at 3000 ft/s is a good choice for pretty much all western NA game and African plains game.

I think it's a cartridge that should have been a big deal, and may still see a resurgence as there's nothing better come along in the same space.

 

[Llama Bob]

Ballistically, the 7wsm really isn’t a mystery, so the only unique aspect of “discussing a 7 WSM” compared to any similar cartridge is really the brass availability and quality, or factory ammo if you’re so inclined - which is a limited supply chain for either. Great cartridge, just not well supported in the market. Stock up.

I agree - I would never suggest that someone buy a 7WSM without buying a lifetime supply of brass. You know the bullet diameter will always be there, but the brass could potentially dry up.

I also would not recommend it unless you reload.