Educate me on the 7mm WSM

[leadcounsel]

I just impulsively bought a nice used Savage model 10 with 99% condition wood stock, 99% condition blued finish, and 100% condition bore, with Leopold Vari-X I 3-9x40 scope. It has the Accutrigger. Action and trigger are smooth and crisp.

(Also came with a nice Cabelas padded bag, and 30 rounds of Federal Premium 180 grain ammo).

Got the setup for $400 cash, local sale, from a guy who got a .300 Win Mag for his wedding gift, so decided to sell this one. I felt it was a screaming deal because the scope alone is worth $200.

Questions. How rare/difficult to find is the 7mm WSM?

Where does the 7mm WSM fall into the ballistics hierarchy overall, and even among what I already have:? (These are not necessarily in order, so possibly aid me in re-ordering.) I've done a little research and best I can tell is that it's under the .300 Win Mag, but equivalent to the .270, and a little better/flatter than the .3006.
.300 Win Mag
.270 Win
.3006
8mm Mauser
7.62x54R
.308
7.5 Swiss
6.5 Mauser

Thanks.

 

[jmr40]

It will give you about 98%-99% of a 7mm Remington magnums velocity from a short action rifle. The cases are shorter and fatter with no belt. The case design is a little more efficient which means you can burn less powder to get the same speeds with slightly less recoil.

Winchester introduced the 270 WSM and 300 WSM at the same time in 2001. The 7mm version was supposed to come out at the same time, but Winchester discovered at the last minute that it was possible to load and fire a 270 WSM in a 7mm rifle. They delayed the 7mm version for a short time while they made minor changes to the case and chamber to prevent this. The 270 and 300 took off and have been hot sellers. Especially the 300 WSM version. The 7mm may be the best of the bunch, but because it was late to the game it never really caught on and is in danger of being obsolete.

The purpose of the design is to get rid of the useless belt used on standard magnums and the short fat cases tend to be more accurate. As noted above they give almost equal velocities with less powder. This allows them to be used in somewhat lighter more compact rifles.

I have a 300 WSM version. I don't really need the extra performance offered over 30-06 or even 308, but like you got mine cheap. Keeping it for now. It delivers as advertised. I'm just a hair slower than a 300 WM with the same bullet weights, but recoil is close enough to 30-06 to not notice the difference.

The only thing I don't care about on the Savage is that the magazine will only hold 2 rounds compared to 3 with all others. You can put 3 in the Savage mag, but the bolt will not close with 3 in there. You can load 3 and close the bolt while loading the top round making it 2+1. Probably never a major problem, but I just prefer to load 3+1.

 

[dvdcrr]

The 7mm being 0.007" different than the 270 WSM makes me wonder why we need both. The 7 will be harder to find ammo in stock. I think all 3 WSM are stellar. I thought for sure the final chapter would be a 25 WSM or 26.

 

[leadcounsel]

Yes, the ammo I received with it is 160 grains, not 180.

 

[Fredo0621]

It depends on bullet selection. A Berger 180 @3000 you are looking at ballistics rivaling a .338 Lapua to 1500 yards in a short action! If your just buying off the shelf ammo it will still be better than most mentioned. A .270 isn't even close to a 7WSM. Hand loads is where it really shines. Watch these vids to see what it can really do.
http://youtu.be/GcNn_BbtelY
http://youtu.be/j5G13N3Yd3w

 

[Edarnold]

The tipoff if you intend keeping the rifle long term is to stock up on ammunition while you can. Reloading can extend the life of an 'obsolete' caliber for a long time, but a supply of brass is a necessity.

 

[HOOfan_1]

The 7mm being 0.007" different than the 270 WSM makes me wonder why we need both. The 7 will be harder to find ammo in stock. I think all 3 WSM are stellar. I thought for sure the final chapter would be a 25 WSM or 26.

I'd say the opposite, why didn't they release the 7mmWSM and just forget the .270 WSM.

There are exponentially more 7mm cartridges out there and that means the bullet selection is going to be better.

 

[HexHead]

I'd say the opposite, why didn't they release the 7mmWSM and just forget the .270 WSM.

There are exponentially more 7mm cartridges out there and that means the bullet selection is going to be better.

Because 270 is one of them 'Merican calibers and 7mm is a furriner one.

 

[LeonCarr]

Load up on unprimed brass and you should be set. The other components to load it are very common.

If you don't handload, you should start. If not, keep all of the once fired brass from your factory loads.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Savage99]

The 7mm WSM is a current pet of mine. I was looking forward to a magnum without a belt the the WSM's fill that.

A problem with the cartridge is that brass and ammo are hard to find.

I like the Kimber rifles and I have a 7mm WSM in their Montana.

It shoots well with all loads.

 

[Lj1941]

It sounds to me to be an excellent caliber for a handloader or an excellent reason to become a handloader. As has been said stock up on brass and you will be good to go. The 7 MM is my favorite caliber and although I am not a magnum person-It appears that you made a good buy.

 

[NCsmitty]

It's a good caliber, and a good deal, now if you accumulate a quantity of brass, that's if you reload, you'll be set.
As mentioned, it's a 7mm Remag equivalent in a short action, and it's a very capable round. I think you'll be pleased with your purchased.


NCsmitty

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Good deal.

I would keep an eye out and buy ammo when you can. 100rds or so, if you reload, will last the average man a lifetime.

Pick up components when you can and you'll be fine.