7WSM vs. 7SAUM?

[TORCHRIDER]

I am sure this has been posted but I cant find a thread on it. I want to build a 7mm and have been thinking about the 7WSM. However, lately I am seeing more about the 7SAUM. Does one have any clear advantages over the other?

[Kinetik1]

http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/7mm/
Hope this is what your looking for.

[nuclabuyer]

Seems from the reading that I have done on this, the 7saum can do what the 7wsm can do with a little less powder. and the body dimensions are a little more favorable for long range shooters.
I had a Ruger 7 saum M77 and I loved that gun. I sold it because I was going to build a long range version. I am wanting it for long range so I am hoping I can get like a 26-28" with a 1.25 straight taper barrel and put on it.

[geargrinder]

In a nutshell, no. There is no "clear" advantage. You're comparing a Camaro to a Mustang. Which do you like? Ford or Chevy.

The difference between the WSM, RSAUM, and even the 284win, can be small. You could have a barrel chambered in 284win with an accuracy node faster than a WSM chambered in a different barrel.

I built a Shilen 7mmWSM that didn't like to be pushed fast. To get the accuracy that I wanted I had to cut the speed down. I could have gotten the same speed with less powder in a 284win. My buddy shoots a 7mmWSM, his barrel likes them fast enough that a 284win, or RSAUM couldn't comfortably get there.

Your barrel may also favor different bullets. It may prefer the lighter bullets like the Accubond, A-max, or SMK. It may not like the 180g Bergers or 200g RBBT Wildcats.

I'm just saying there are more factors to a good shooting rifle than the chambering.

[TORCHRIDER]

In a nutshell, no. There is no "clear" advantage. You're comparing a Camaro to a Mustang. Which do you like? Ford or Chevy.

The difference between the WSM, RSAUM, and even the 284win, can be small. You could have a barrel chambered in 284win with an accuracy node faster than a WSM chambered in a different barrel.

I built a Shilen 7mmWSM that didn't like to be pushed fast. To get the accuracy that I wanted I had to cut the speed down. I could have gotten the same speed with less powder in a 284win. My buddy shoots a 7mmWSM, his barrel likes them fast enough that a 284win, or RSAUM couldn't comfortably get there.

Your barrel may also favor different bullets. It may prefer the lighter bullets like the Accubond, A-max, or SMK. It may not like the 180g Bergers or 200g RBBT Wildcats.

I'm just saying there are more factors to a good shooting rifle than the chambering.


Good points. Lots to think about. I really like the .284 WIN. I have heard with R17 it is performing really well with heavy bullets. Would a short action with std. chamber support this cartridge if loaded as a single shot or would I have to have a barrel with a special chamber to feed the long bullets?

[cdherman]

I have a barrel ordered from Shilen in 7mm SAUM right now. There are several good reasons to consider it, unless you are set on maximum velocity.

The case length, at 2.035 is actually shorter than a 7mm-08 and about .14 shorter than the .284 Win. That means in a short action, your chances of getting an accurate round that will function in the magazine is better. You can seat further out and still get them into the mag. OTOH, if you are useing your rifle as a single shot, it doesn't matter too much, either way.

The neck is relatively long, also touted to be a plus. And not having the rebated rim, like the 7mm WSM, at least is supposed to result in more reliable feeding.

Both WSM and SAUM limit you to 2 rounds in the mag, and frankly, the reliable feeding part is mostly theoretical. You are not going to use either of those guns on dangerous game.

As for brass, the Rem Brass is touted as pretty good for the 7mm Saum. In the 7mm WSM, the competition shooters like to use Lapua brass for 300 WSM and neck it down. In native, 7mm WSM, your choices are limited to win brass.

Here's another article that might help.

http://www.6mmbr.com/7mm284.html

[psharon97]

I was in a similar dilemma as you: which 7mm to get considering the 284, 7mm wsm, 7mm rsaum, and 7mm rem mag, all perform about the same +/- about 100fps. As far as brass availability, I went with midwayusa.com

I'll start with the 284. Brass is very limited with only Winchester brass right now. It is decent brass, but it isn't lapua or nosler.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1390258292/winchester-brass-284-winchester
The 7mm wsm has the same problem as the 284. Brass right now can only be purchased by winchester.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1390138986/winchester-brass-7mm-winchester-short-magnum-wsm
The 7mm rsaum does increase your choices of either remington or nosler.
http://www.midwayusa.com/find?&sortby=1&itemsperpage=20&newcategorydimensionid=5842
The 7mm rem mag has the greatest amount of companies that produce brass for the round. Prices are about the same with the other popular 7mm cartridges available.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/630688/nosler-custom-reloading-brass-7mm-remington-magnum-box-of-50
All cartridges should shoot about the same all things considered equal. Prices for brass vary from one caliber to the other. Remington and Winchester brass cost about the same across the board. I went with the 7mm rem mag for availability.

[geargrinder]

As for brass, the Rem Brass is touted as pretty good for the 7mm Saum. In the 7mm WSM, the competition shooters like to use Lapua brass for 300 WSM and neck it down. In native, 7mm WSM, your choices are limited to win brass.


Lapua doesn't make WSM brass in any flavor. Norma makes 270 and 300wsm brass. It's very good stuff. I use 270wsm brass in my 7mmWSM. Necking up prevents the donut.

[geargrinder]

I'll start with the 284. Brass is very limited with only Winchester brass right now. It is decent brass, but it isn't lapua or nosler.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1390258292/winchester-brass-284-winchester

You can neck up Lapua 6.5x284. You can also get it from Hornady, Nosler, and Norma.



The 7mm wsm has the same problem as the 284. Brass right now can only be purchased by winchester.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1390138986/winchester-brass-7mm-winchester-short-magnum-wsm


My previous post above. It's easy to use necked up or down Norma brass. Much better than Winchester.



The 7mm rsaum does increase your choices of either remington or nosler.
http://www.midwayusa.com/find?&sortby=1&itemsperpage=20&newcategorydimensionid=5842

You can also use Norma 300rsaum.