What is the best way to build a 7mm WSM?

[knowolive2000]

I am interested in building a Savage 7mm WSM to shoot 180 gr Bergers. All I have currently is a 7 mm WSM large shank barrel...nothing else. I'm looking for suggestions from Savage 7mm WSM shooters who may have had to build their rifles. I've seen forum traffic from some who want to start with a 30-06 long action instead of starting with a 270 WSM or 300 WSM and just swapping barrels? I definately want a DBM. The reason I think someone may recommend the 30-06 may be better is because the long action may give more clearance for the long round and may provide less feeding problems from a DBM. I'd love to hear from folks who have built a 7mm WSM from a 30-06 and any problems they've encountered. Thanks.

[ellobo]

Measure a loaded cartidge with the bullet out to where you want it then measure a short action magazine. if too short then go ahead with a long action.

El Lobo

[tyler.woodard04]

If its a factory barrel just use the short action. If its throated long for the 180s run a long. Mines a short and does all I need wsith 168's

[thirty06]

If you use the barrel you have, you will probaly have to go short action.
I'm not sure if they even made long action- large shank actions.
You could have your barrel turned down to small shank and be good to go.

[bubbaed]

Savage did make a long action/large shank for RUM cartridges. I have a 7 RUM that will eventually get a 7 WSM barrel put on that I have been holding onto for awhile.

[thirty06]

Thanks bubbaed I wasn't sure.

[jglover_81]

I built a 7 WSM on a long action for that exact reason. I got lucky and got a small shank barrel on the classifieds. I had a 270 which is the same mag as the 06. Mine is a blind mag but it will be the same concept to get it to feed. It took some tweaking of the mag lips to get it to feed but now it works like a charm.