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> 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?
7mm-08 or 7mmRM?
@ 08:45 am (GMT) |
Cor NepgenHi,I would really appreciate some advise in making a cartridge selection as well as rifle choice thereafter. After reading the first two books in the "practical guide.." series, I have settled on either the 7mm or 7mm-08 calibers. (thoroughly enjoyed the books and recommend it to people the whole time). I would appreciate some feedback from experienced hunters. The rifle would be primarily for hunting and during the off season target shooting to keep improving. Most of my target species would be below 200kg (South African hunting). I do enjoy shooting longer ranges though this would be my first rifle of my own. I do not want to go smaller than 7mm as many game farms require at least a 7mm caliber on their farms. I am not sure I need a 7mmRM for my intended hunting and at the additional cost I think I would be able to shoot the 7mm-08 more often, which has obvious benefits. If I do go the 7mmRm route I will buy the Remington Sendero and I think it would be rather fantastic. I do want to be able to practice out to at least 1000m. I know I have quite a bit of practice ahead of me and that is what I find most appealing. So I guess the question would be if the 7mm-08 would restrict me much more in terms of distance and possible game than the 7mmRM and if the additional cost of the 7mmRM would be worth it? I would really appreciate any feedback. Thank you very much in advance. |
Replies
@ 11:45 am (GMT) |
CBHRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?[b]IMHO they are 2 very different cartridges with different purposes.I don't own either but have researched both thoroughly but settled on something different for various reasons at that time. I think you have made some good points in your post and comparison. The 7mm-08 would be a great medium size cartridge and would likely be a good all rounder in Australia. Medium size calibre, various bullet weight's, medium length action if that would suit you better. I don't believe they make it in a sender but they may do one very similar in a Varmint configuration. I know Nathan Foster is a fan of the H>S> Precision stocks and they make 7mm-08 in that or the slightly larger calibre .308 win would certainly be. The case is slightly bigger than a 7mm-08 and also has a good range of projectile weights & Types. I would have chosen the 7mm-08 over the .308 if it was a bit more common but the .308 is far more common here for various reasons but If you can find what you want in 7mm-08 go for it. By all accounts it should perform well at least to 300m and further if you have the right skills and setup. If you wanted a sporter then a 7mm-08 would be ideal but that is a lighter rifle than the one you are considering. the 7mmRem mag is obviously a big step up being a magnum. It will shoot flat , further and is available in the Sendero. It would be better on the bigger animals if they are going to be your primary target. faster, Flatter, Dearer, Better. But if you are really going to plan to be learning long range then It would be the better choice. I would own either if I had the funds and the use for them Whatever the case shot placement is paramount for hunting and accurate gear, Skills, practice and patience all assist this. In Australia many feral pigs are dispatched with the .223, possibly opportunistically as most would not usually plan to target pigs with the smaller cartridge but when opportunity presents why pass it up. My Heavy barrel varmint .223 has accounted for many pigs and with good shot placement they never knew what hit them. My point being if you can use the 7mm-08 well you will do well with it. If you are PLANNING to hunt plains game then a .270, 7mm Rem mag or .300 win mag would be a good start. If its the 7mm you favour then you are half way there. A Sendero will be ideal if you want a heavier rifle to learn long range and unless its a heap of junk then then you can tweak it and there is so many Remington upgrades available that you should be able to get it just how you want it. Learn , use it , enjoy it. Shoot within realistic hunting ranges, saves cursing if you miss. I will leave the long range advice to those who know |
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@ 12:14 pm (GMT) |
Cor NepgenRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Thank you very much for your advise, I really appreciate it. I think you are correct and raise very valid points. If I do go the 7mm-08 route I was thinking of buying Tikka though I am a bit weary because of the floating recoil lug design and it being more challenging to bed.I really enjoy the open spaces of the plains and this would be my primary hunting area, which is also why I would like a cartridge capable of longer distances. Though still staying with medium game, I have no desire to hunt dangerous game. In terms of shot placement I fully agree with you and know that I will be practicing a lot which I am thoroughly looking forward to. I think I am just a bit weary of the cost implications of practicing a lot with the 7mm RM. On the positive side, nothing is rushing me so I can do more research and perhaps also go right back and better define the purpose of the rifle… Thank you very much for your time and advise, much appreciated! |
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@ 03:19 pm (GMT) |
CBHRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?No worries, I think the 2 cartridges that you favour should be found in every good gun store on every continent.I have a Tikka T3 in .308 stainless laminate. Looks the part and is a smooth action but after buying it new and sight unseen I was a bit taken back at how many plastic parts are on it including the trigger guard. Yes it is a tough polymer or something but it is not traditional. I found the floating recoil lug a bit different too. Howa still use alloy trigger guards and floor plates I am not the expert but it seems back to front to conventional designs. It does MOA even after bedding I have other rifles that shoot better that I bedded myself and can get better groups from but I will do some load development. Tikka are proven and popular. My mate has 3 T3"s in his family and I know his Battue model is quite accurate U think Tikka T3 might be the second most modified bolt action rifle on the market after Remington 700 which are highly regarded in there price bracket. Based on the amount of after market accessories that I see readily available and there is no end of gear for the Rem 7600 pumps too. Remington and Tikka still have good offerings (practical and functional) in there various models relevant to there price point before you start to consider dearer brands and models. Off topic:- Do you need to consider protecting yourself from dangerous game when hunting? I read that some US places carry protection from bears mountain lions and the like when pursuing outdoor activities. We don't have any real predators here. I would like a Sendero in the .300win mag for pests that seem to look back as they pass the 300+m mark thinking that seems to be a safe distance and might try learn to shot long range but see no reason I should have to try hunt over maybe 500m or surely not to often. .300 win mag , again availability and price point . Without looking to far I think with .308 & .300wm these cartridges are accessible at a fair price. No premium price tag or special order. But don't let sway your decision if you know what you want. I saw a good collection of trophies in an Aussie hunters trophy room taken over a number of years and various trips. 2 cool looking warthogs and various antelope, Gazelle, Zebra skin and stuff don't really know the names of. ALL TAKEN WITH A .270 OR A .338wm , No cats or D.G. though Kevlar and Synthetic stocks are practical, particularly in wet/humid countries but If I hunted Africa I would like to see traditional looking. rifles in my trophy pics . Remington have nice Walnut stocked rifles if you like American rifles. Sako's are quite appealing too and for the extra dollars they should not need any upgrades. The Remington CDL Stainless Fluted look nice but I guess its not just about the aesthetics. I think when you have heard everyone else opinion and trawled through the web you must still go with what you really want unless someone can put up a compelling argument proving it will fail repeatedly. Within reason they all work well most of the time used correctly with the appropriate ammo choice. Happy Hunting |
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@ 08:59 pm (GMT) |
Cor NepgenRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Hi,Yes you are right regarding the 270 as well as the 308. In South Africa, when asking regarding which rifle caliber to buy, you are advised between the 308, 270 and 30. 06 (with good reason). All of these calibers has a very fierce following. The 270 really does an outstanding job on plains hunting, a friend's dad has hunted the majority of his life with a 270 Musgrave shooting just about anything tasty. I have also heard an account of a very good marksman taking a Kudu at 500m. That said, I think that was stretching the round a bit and perhaps not the most ethical of hunting practices. (I may be wrong here and do not know all the detail..) When I first started researching calibers, this was indeed my first choice and if I only wanted to hunt, I would not have looked further. However the hunting season is not very long and I enjoy shooting in general, and spending time outdoors, so I would like to shoot quite a bit to ensure I am always improving. Again I may stand corrected but I think the 7mm is better for long range. I have looked at the 308 and I think the strength lies in the variety of uses, but especially in bush application. It also has a massive following in this regard. However I think the 6,5mm varieties has much better ballistics and more suited to what I enjoy doing. Unfortunately I would be very limited in where I can hunt due to a minimum caliber of 270 on most game farms. More is the pity… This along with a great amount of reading in-between brought me to the 7mm. I am interest in the 7mm due to the large amount of available bullets, low wind drift and high BC available. I think the 300WM would be a bit overkill for my intensions, with an unnecessary amount of recoil. I am also not sure how much meat would be destroyed if a Springbok was shot with a 300. So that was my reasoning behind choosing a 7mm diameter which then brought me to the question between the two cartridges and their appropriateness to my application. Regarding safety when hunting, For the most part, myself and most of my friends have always shot on farms where some game moved across the farms, so there would not be any dangerous game around. In terms of hunting on a game farm, it depends what game is within that camp. I think when animals like large Wildebees and a few others are around it would be a good idea to keep you're eyes open though this would apply mostly to bush veld hunting (and I am not speaking from experience.) Apart from some nature reserves, no public land exist where you do not know what is moving around. The hunting industry has become very precise and organized. I think your notes on the Tikka is correct and I also felt a bit odd seeing one for the first time. I have looked at the CTR as well which has a bit less plastic, though I do not think it is chambered in what I am looking for. The variety of aftermarket options on a Remington 700 (especially triggers) is definitely a big plus for me. Thanks again for your advise and notes on the Tikka T3, much appreciated. |
@ 09:05 pm (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Hi CorI've used most calibres over many years, over the last 3 years I've been using a Remington 700 in 30-06 and love it, should have had a 30-06 from the start. I cull Goats & Pigs out to 500+m easily. The 30-06 has a great range of projectile weights 125 - 220gns to cover a lot of hunting. I hunt for meat with 168gn pills at 2850fps that kill like lighting but do surprisingly little meat damage. My mate uses a 7mm-08 with 140gn pills, at long range my 30-06 seems to kill better, a bit more powder & recoil but not a dramatic step up like to the 7mm rem mag. 7mm Rem Mag is a great calibre but too much gun for most of my hunting. With heavy 162gn pills the 7mm-08 will do a good job Cheers Bob |
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@ 09:21 pm (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?I left out the important A-Max bit. With heavy 162gn A-Max pills the 7mm-08 will do a good job I use 168gn A-Max great pill. Bob |
@ 11:00 pm (GMT) |
Thomas KitchenRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?hi cor.this really a difficult subject to tackle as it comes down to personal choice. what is your shooting experience as you have said its your first gun but sounds like you have done a bit of hunting. to really gain the most of any caliber reloading is your best option no matter your caliber choice is. also cuts cost when your reloading magnums massively if you do get a 7mm-08 with a heavy profile barrel some can be reamed to 284 win or 280 rem later depending on how much meat is left in your barrel. think bob is on the money that a 30.06 is well worth a thought people tend to forget about the humble cartridge's but they tend to do everything well with little fuss, also if you need extra oomph once you master a 30.06 you can ackley or jdj it. any way be interesting to see what you come up with, im the same i recommend Nathans books to anyone that will listen best of luck |
@ 12:28 am (GMT) |
Martin TaylorRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?You have been offered some well thought out points Cor.I can see how you have come up with using a 7mm for your intended use but trajectory should be low down on your list for shooting out to 1000 yards as we can dial in with the right equipment & allow for it. High BC pills do help so the 7’s will have the edge over the 30’s in that area. This is at least a 3 stage question you have to answer, learning and developing skills, ethical/legal hunting & LR target/plinking. Which will be the largest portion will have some sway over the others. Thomas has a good question in do you intend to reload at some stage? This may swing your selection due to component options and factors like case life, loading down for training to save barrel & recoil etc. Or are you only going with factory ammo, what’s cheap (for training), easy to obtain with the right pill types for both rolls like Bob has offered. Rifle design/chambering as has been discussed and l would not go light weight. The Remington’s being a great starting platform with all its aftermarket options and ease of bedding. I to like the CDL SF with its large range of calibre offerings and heavy barrel as the stock could be changed if needed but would stick with the Sendero if the calibres suit. Your round count will be high as you have said so to me that would rule out the magnums in the training roll due to expense and barrel life unless low power loads can be found or made, but saying that my Mag is not my trainer and l reload. The 7mm08 may be in the mix if suitable options can be found staying inside suitable max ranges. Don’t rule out the 30’s due to trajectory and bc’s alone. It’s hard to beat the 308w in factory offerings, both rifles & factory ammo (hunting & target). I too like the 30-06 in as a dual role with its higher power dependent on if it fits in with your answers, a great versatile calibre that is still very popular for good reason. You say you have a few of Nathans books so grab the Cartridge book, that will help with this decision a great deal……….. much more than you may think. There are so many things to consider a short answer like this is only the start. Good luck |
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@ 04:52 am (GMT) |
Martin TaylorRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Just realised the cartridge book is the 2nd book so you have a great deal of knowledge already available to help you make an informed judgement!You will see why you have suggestions for the 7's & 30's for game up to 200kgs after reading it. It is hard to find a balance with only one multi role rifle/calibre but as said reloading makes any given calibre more versatile to a point. |
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@ 07:16 am (GMT) |
Cor NepgenRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Thank you everyone for taking the time to give advise, it truly is much appreciated. I am most definitely planning on loading, I think it is also a crucial step in getting the most from your rifle and part of the fun.In terms of experience, I was taught how to shoot when I was 8 and lucky enough to spend the majority of my younger childhood on an assortment of farms where I spent most of my time shooting. (No large calibers at that time, just lots of fun with .22 etc.) During high school I started target shooting as a sport and also thoroughly enjoyed it and I think I was not too terrible at that. Since then life got in the way with studies and other things but managed to get away with friends for a bit of shooting. I have shot a bit with a 243 and 30 06 and enjoy both. The complete lack of recoil on the 243 makes it a fun caliber to shoot with and ideal for Springbok. I have indeed read and re read the book on cartridges and gone back to check things often. I really do not understand why everyone isn't buying one, absolutely amazing books jam packed full of useful information. I have thought of the 30 06 and can not say anything bad about the cartridge at all, it has proven itself over and over especially in a hunting application. If I am honest with myself, theres no real reason why I am not overly fond of the 30 06. This I will admit is personal preference. For the most part I prefer being more precise with a smaller diameter bullet. My thinking may be horribly flawed and if it is, feel free to say so. Because of this, and the rule of thumb on game farms the 7mm diameter is the smallest I would like to go but do as much as I can with it. If I am going for something in the 30 06 size I might as well go all the way and choose the 7mm RM and put together a proper long range rig. I think it will take some time until my skill level match that of the rifle and I am fine with that. At the local prices I do not see myself buying another rifle in the foreseeable future so I would like to buy one rifle and get to know it intimately and maximize that cartridge, while still being realistic about its performance. That has been my thoughts, perhaps I am being a little idealistic? I just want to reiterate that I really do appreciate every response and the time you take to advise a young guy starting out. There is no substitute for experience and I do appreciate it a great deal. Cheers |
@ 08:26 am (GMT) |
Mike DavisRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?South African??????? you missed out the obvious (well I think so) cartridge in your choices....... here in Kiwiland most of us old farts cut our teeth with a SMLE in .303 Brit and millions of animals have been taken here with itat same time the .303 Brit was being used in huge numbers the "other fellas" from over your way were sending lead VERY accurately back towards troops with another great cartridge that has always been there and has accounted for large/huge amount of game over the years too. why not the 7x57mm????? people say of the 7mm/08 it is modern equivalent of the 7x57mm BUT in theory a new 7x57mm could maybe have slight edge over the 7mm/o8 and sit somewhere in between should it not?????? bet finding ammo for 7x57mm will be easier for you too. Im a .270 man myself......there isnt a heck of a lot of difference between alot of cartridges in use today and fellas can get all hung up on this Vs that, sometimes just using what is easy is a good option. |
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@ 09:35 am (GMT) |
Cor NepgenRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?You Sir are absolutely correct. The .303 has been used extensively over here as well and is still very much alive and kicking today. In fact it is also most likely the cheapest rifle you are likely to find. Only problem is they are all second hand after being bought as army surplus, then used for a number of years. Chances of finding one with a semi decent barrel is slim and after a new barrel you could have bought a new rifle. Hence the cheap price.. I heard that the .303 is also the cartridge that has taken most elephants here, using FMJ and very accurate shot placement to the head. So most definitely a well respected cartridge though most people I have spoken with won't shoot past 300m with it. I have also heard on a number of occasion about a few older gentlemen that know their rifle well enough to shoot with iron sights out to 300m. If it is true, I am not sure..I think you are right regarding the 7 x 57.. Also after looking around I think I might look for a rifle cambered in 7 x 64mm. I think these are a little bit more common than the 57 and should be what I am looking for. Thank you very much for the advise! |
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@ 11:08 am (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Hi CorI was in the same position as you, considered 280 rem, 280 AI, 284 win, my gunsmith talked me into a 30-06 and I'm very happy that he did! I finally (while hunting) finished fire forming 100 cases and took some loads to the range. They all shot less than an inch but I settled on a load of 168gn A-max@2890fps with 12fps variation over 5 shots, just on 1/2" group. I sighted that at 60mm high at 100m. Last week using my Sighton S111 mil dot scope I cleanly killed 3 Goats at 560m, too easy. Love my 30-06. It's a Remington 700, 24" Maddco 1:12 barrel & HS stock. Cheers Bob |
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@ 11:57 am (GMT) |
CBHRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?As an Aussie I think you will find the .303 had iron sight that allowed for elevation allowing shots much further than 300m and possibly even marked for over 1000m . They accounted for a lot of game in our country too. They were also commonly barrelled to .303-25 and .303-270 after the war and some were scoped with many old ones still coming up for sale and some even in excellent condition.If you can get the 7x64 and a supply of ex military ammo it might be a good way to train with cheap ammo. All things being equal if you know the cheap ammo groups are twice the size at a given range you still have a benchmark to compare it with and if the Hunting ammo is more accurate you will still have some comparison when you zero your sights at the start of the season as well as being confident with the rifle and setup. It sounds like you have been leaning toward a 7mm calibre all along and if that's what makes you happy then that is one good reason to stick with it. You will always doubt your choice if you are persuaded to buy anything but a 7mm. The best advice I have is to settle on something and get ready for the hunting season so that you can go get some of that yummy stuff! Cheers |
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@ 12:15 pm (GMT) |
Christopher HowseRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Sorry, I intended to add to that the .303 were quite widely used and functional but I don't think the action has ever really been used much for custom guns. But the Mausers, particularly the 98 models are still given a new lease on life as custom guns. Partly because of the strength and acceptance of the controlled round feed and better extraction for dangerous game along with availability, lack of anything better till maybe the 60's or 70's but the design is still copied by various manufacturers with their own improvements and styling.So if the 7x64's that are available are a Mauser action and gun smithing services are accessible then you have something that is highly customisable and many alterations can be DIY too. If not its back to buy new if the nearest gunsmith is inaccessible. |
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@ 02:00 pm (GMT) |
Cor NepgenRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Thank you for the good advise. I think I need to study the .30-06 objectively as I have honestly not given it too much thought. Bob, you are absolutely correct that it is a very powerful cartridge and more than adequate for all my hunting purposes. The 168 A-max does sound good and I will definitely look into it.The .30-06 should suite me well, from Springbok, 41kg (most of my target species would not weigh more than 100kg) to the occasional Eland, 350kg. If after I look at the .30-06 I am still leaning towards the 7mm, then I think I will do it all the way and get the 7mmRM in the Sendero. It seems in the whole country theres not much Remington stock and will only receive a new shipment end of the year. This actually suits me as it gives me plenty of time to consider all options and buy the right caliber-rifle combination. A few months won't make much of a difference in the greater scheme of things.. Then it will indeed be on to all the tasty things! Thanks for all the practical advise! |
@ 02:09 pm (GMT) |
Warwick MarflittRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Hi Cor. Thanks for your post. Interesting reading. Choosing your next girlfriend oops I meant to say "Rifle" is a challenge for sure.I'm no expert but I will say this. The time you spend researching and planning for this lifetime purchase is time well spent. You say that 1000 yards is the maximum range. Size of game around 200kg . Look at the costs and service life expectancy from the consumables and the range and availability of these for you in Africa.? So quantity of powder per round +case life+range of different types and weight projectiles! Cheap for target shooting and premium for hunting . Good barrel life would be a good bonus! As for the brand of rifle Look at the design and favorable features that are inherent to producing good accuracy and the availability of good proven parts and accessories to get the best rifle for the money and time outlay. If it was me doing this I'd look for a Good 2nd hand Stainless 30-06 with a good strong bolt-action. If the barrels good and it shoots put a Sightron SIII 6-24×50 LRMD scope and decent signature zee rings on it, fit a decent trigger and get reloading. Work up some nice accurate loads and get out there target shooting n hunting. If the barrels worn-out that's great news for then you can rebarel with a 28" one and get the most out of a proven cartridge? You can always shorten the barrel mate. The type and weight range of bullets for a 30-06 cover every situation your likely to get into. You can change the stock as your own situation does. As long as you start with a good proven rifle action you have options and (as we say here)Choices for Africa! Or do the same thing with a New rifle. Remington 700 Stainless Synthetic and custom it into your own lifetime meat harvesting tool. As your finding out! Making the decision is the hardest thing. No one wants to make a bad choice of rifle setup? So what your doing is quite normal and will serve you well for the next choice your going to face? What is the best Range finder for LR Shooting? Ha ha welcome to the loony bin .......... have fun and be safe. |
@ 08:02 pm (GMT) |
John SmithRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?I am very happy with my Ruger No. 1A in 7x57. With the Hornady162 Amax it is my elk rifle. I shoot nothing but reloads. Usually Norma brass with Varget powder. Low recoil and accurate. What more could a guy want. I do, however, use a Ruger No. 1A in 6.5x55 for deer. It is a one-shoot killer with even less recoil. |
@ 08:18 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Hi Cor, sorry for being late to the party. Interesting to see several guys steer towards the .30-06. One factor that you need to understand is that your local powders are not the best quality and slow burning powder is not easy to come by. This can cause accuracy problems in the likes of the 7mm Rem Mag along with velocity limitations. Having said this, the 7mm Rem Mag is doable. Larger problems occur with the likes of the 7mm Practical.A cartridge like the .30-06 has a good case to bore ratio so you will be able to make good use of your local powders. The .300 Win Mag can also utilize local powder without running into too many problems. So yes, it may pay to consider the .30-06 for a while and see if it is something you could live with. It may not be the flattest shooting on the block but it will provide the least finicky performance with what you have to work with. If you want a factory Sendero, you may like to consider a .300 Win Mag. You don't have to run this fast if you don't want to. |
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@ 07:49 am (GMT) |
Cor NepgenRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?I must say, I am quite blown away by the amount of well thought through and friendly advise I am getting. Thanks a bunch..Nathan, thank you very much for the comment on the powders, that is one part I have not looked into all that much and sort of assumed that it would not be an issue.. and ass the saying goes, assumption is the mother of all… I think I will pay a visit to my local store and see what they have in stock (and regular supply) before going too much further. After a good deal of thought, the .30 06 is looking like a very sold option and probably the most practical. On the other hand, I think theres a lot of fun to be had with the 300 WinMag and it would allow for just about any hunting condition I enjoy. So I have a bit more research to do on local availability. I think this will play a big part in my decision between 7mm and .300. If I do go with either the .30 06 or .300 WinMag I also have the option of buying one of the (new) Musgrave rifles. These are locally manufactured and because of it, after sales service is very good, you also have the option of requesting a specific twist rate. So it is an option I will explore a bit more. The Varminter rifles are quite solid so recoil should be ok as well. Being built on a VZ action most of the after market parts for the K98 should be available and it comes standard with a timney trigger. http://www.jjwapens.com/varminterblackpepper.htm So I have a bit more information, and the journey continues… Since I started research (roughly beginning of the year) it has been a lot of fun. I have met some really friendly people, spoke to many more and read some very interesting view points. (This reading also got me to this website and Nathan's books). Which was super refreshing as most South African hunters are very traditional and not open to any new ideas, with their own opinions not really backed up by any conclusive data and very few people agreeing with one another. To say the books have been a great help would be a massive understatement. Thanks a lot for all the advise and guidance. Cheers |
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@ 08:56 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Hi Cor, yes, we have a good bunch of guys here.I had a look at the latest Musgrave varmint rifle in your link- very nice. The custom shop will certainly enable a wider range of options. If you do opt for the .300, check the mag length. Best if they can open up the front of the mag box and mill the front of the action as they are doing with the .375 H&H offering. Check to see if you can find any weaver bases to fit the Musgrave locally. This will depend on the hole spacing they used on top of the action. A rail would be ideal for overcoming grinding and polishing anomalies where the magazine charger was milled (or hand ground) off. You will need to google "picatinny rail Mauser K98". Kep an eye out for canted rails. But again, hole spacing is going to be a major factor, so you will have to network with Musgrave and see what can be done. This is all doable. The laminate will be good to work with if you choose to bed the rifle. |
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@ 10:07 pm (GMT) |
Martin TaylorRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?The Musgrave sounds like a good option being local with the option of customising. The Winchester extreme may be yet another option for you Cor, solid, reliable action with a good barrel & stock.With reloading you have terrific versatility depending on your local component supplies and selected calibre. Here in OZ the 30 cal is the most supported with projectile choice in both hunting and target, form around 110 grain all the way through to 230 or so. With the recent component shortages it remained one of the easiest to get. If you side with a 30 calibre I would still lean towards the 06 rather than the 300, why? Brass is cheaper and more readily available for the 06 and you will find it easy to get from local shooters who don't reload being mindful of your high round count. The powders needed are very common and it’s not fussed, working across the projectile weight range. The 06 is a great learning and reloading cartridge very forgiving whereas the 300 will require a little more finesse or knowledge to work with. Hard to write what l mean but the 06 just works! Barrel & brass life is great with the 06, you can down load the 300 and then crank it up when needed, but do you need it? Your stated hunting range-weights are well inside the 06’s with further ranges being plinking or target. But keep researching the right answer will pop up! |
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@ 09:20 am (GMT) |
Cor NepgenRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Hi All,Thank you for the advise, I had a look at some of my local stores and I think in terms of reloading I may have more options for the 300 WinMag. I think this may in part be because a lot of the .30 06 hunters shoot factory ammo. It may also just be that with hunting season over here, they are a little low on stock. I think the main thing I am realizing is that in terms of accuracy "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts". So I think its time to get the reloading and accuracy books as well. Then check against local availability. I think both the .30 06 as well as .300 WinMag will suite my needs with the 300 allowing a bit more peace of mind if I get the opportunity for a larger game hunt. (Theres quite a bit of taste difference between smaller game such as Springbok and larger such as Eland). Bullet selection and appropriately matching bullet to target game I think will play a big part in both calibers, that plus Nathan's good advice to check local powder quality (and my lack of knowledge in this area) suggests to me I should understand all aspects of the proposed caliber, rifle and bullet combination. I am in no rush since licensing of a firearm here takes around six months so I have till the end of the year to purchase in order to catch next year's hunting season. Thanks for all the advise! Cheers |
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@ 09:27 am (GMT) |
Warwick MarflittRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?You guy's would be stuffed if someone attacked your country. It'd take 6 months for the army to license all the the new guns to fight the war? Lol |
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@ 10:25 am (GMT) |
Cor NepgenRe: 7mm-08 or 7mmRM?Hahahahahahahaha, man I had a good laugh about that! Yes, our firearm legislation leaves much to be desired but meh, such is life... (Though obviously legislation for armed forces differ a bit). If we suddenly find ourselves in a war, I think indeed we would be stuffed lol.Since the end of the Border wars our Military declined very rapidly. Which gave rise to a lot of mercenaries.. Not something to be proud of but still interesting. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/11596210/South-African-mercenaries-secret-war-on-Boko-Haram.html http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/14/south-africas-ageing-white-mercenaries-who-helped-turn-tide-on-boko-haram The legacy of the old South African National Defence Force (SANDF) still active here and there. |
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