7mm Remington Mag vs 7mm Weatherby Mag vs 7mm STW

bern0134

Member
Feb 22, 2011
83
1
Sandia Pueblo, NM
So I'm in the field for a new gun and on my mind is a 7mm of some sorts. I just want to hear some opinions on ballistics and performance from some veteran shooters. Thanks
 

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
Can't go wrong with any on that list. All three are tremendous hunting cartridges. I have a 7 RM and really like it. It is fast enough, flat enough, powerful enough, and moderate in recoil.

The reason I most prefer it to the bigger mags is the 7 RM is easier on throats if you shoot a lot.
 

sjsmallfield

Veteran member
Feb 22, 2011
1,399
1
Jackson, CA
Also for the non reloader the 7mm Wby can get pretty pricey in the ammo department. (I have a 257 Wby and don't reload) Also along with the 7mm mentioned you might consider a 7mm WSM. My friend has one and he loves it. Good luck!
 

Chippy Hacky

Member
Jul 21, 2012
83
0
7mm RM for me. I tried to change a few years ago, thought I needed to go bigger/better but I went back. The rifle would look like a beater to anyone else, to me it looks like that hammer you always go to in the garage. It clover leafs at 100yds all day long and 400yds is a chip shot. I haven't touched the scope dials in a decade!

I do like the idea that ammo is in every hardware store between home and camp and probably in every hunting camp you go by. I wouldn't be afraid to use it on anything on the face of the earth.
 

bigshot

Very Active Member
Apr 14, 2011
538
1
Crestline, CA.
I have a 7mm RM and a 7mm Rem Saum, and like them both, but prefer the Saum only because it has a short action and is much lighter. But if I had to choose from the calibers mentioned above, I'd go with the 7mm STW, because it will out perform the Wby by a hair and you will have a wider selections of rifle makes to choose from. I assume your going to reload, if not stick with 7mm RM, due to the hard to find and expensive factory ammo for the other two mentioned.
 

xtreme

Very Active Member
Feb 25, 2011
859
4
Searcy, Arkansas 72143
You cant beat the 7rm. If you shoot long range or in wind 7 has a lot going for it. I have never used the Saum or STW and I too like short actions only because of the weight, well maybe the balance seems better too. Still, my choice is 7rm.
 

6mm Remington

Very Active Member
Mar 27, 2011
977
43
Western Montana
Nothing wrong with the .280 Remington either. That's one worth looking at as well. Or if you handload, the .280 AI might be worth considering also. Lots of good 7mm calibers out there.
 

bern0134

Member
Feb 22, 2011
83
1
Sandia Pueblo, NM
Thanks Guys! I actually started reloading earlier this year so I guess that will cut some costs for ammo. I'll keep you informed as I read up on the cartridges.
 

canvsbk

Active Member
Apr 8, 2012
176
0
Michigan
.280AI for me. With the short mags it's not unusual to not be able to seat the bullets out far enough for the best accuracy due to magazine length.
 

LaHunter

Active Member
Aug 24, 2012
322
0
N.E. LA
Another vote for 7mm rem mag. Very flat shooting, wide range of bullet weights / styles, easy to find ammo, reasonable recoil for a magnum caliber. Most all gun makers produce 7 mm rem mag also.
 

Bighornbreath

New Member
Oct 28, 2012
9
0
I have owned all three. The STW is the hardest kicking medium rifle I've ever shot and could not get it to beat the Remington by much. I would go 7mm-08. Light kicking in lightweight rifles and good out to 300 yards.
 

Fish

Active Member
Jul 8, 2011
319
3
WA State
If your going to keep your shots to 350yd or so, take a good long look at the 280Rem or 280AI. My friend had a Rem MT rifle in 280. With good hand loads it came very close to 7 Rem mag vel. All the ammo for this caliber are kept on the low side for velocities. This was due to the fact that the 280 Rem was chambered for a lot of semi auto's and pump guns
 

CaptSteve

New Member
Mar 4, 2013
1
0
7 STW A Giant among 7mm's

So I'm in the field for a new gun and on my mind is a 7mm of some sorts. I just want to hear some opinions on ballistics and performance from some veteran shooters. Thanks
You may have already purchased that new rifle, if so, wonderful. If not, give serious thought to the 7STW. Better performance than your other two options, highly accurate, and frankly pretty easy to reload. Commercial ammo is readily available, and even some specialty makers like DoubleTap Ammo will custom load for you. Used mine on an Antelope at 426 yards with a nosler 160 accubond with a muzzle velocity of 3305fps---devestating. Although the cartridge is a bit long when compared to say the 7 Remington Mag or the 7 short mag action lengths, I personally believe that the longer powder column contributes to the overall accuracy and outright punch. If you can find a Weatherby Accumark in the 7STW, you'll find it is not nearly as punishing as in a lighter rifle. Best when used with a 26 inch mid to heavier weight barrel. Handles anything from the lightweight 140 grain bullets to the heavyweight 175 Barnes or Swift bullets and penetration is almost always through and through.
 

Never in Doubt

Active Member
Jul 9, 2012
304
0
I've got a 7mm mag, and it's been great. I've never missed an animal, and never needed a 2nd bullet.

It's not a gun I take out and shoot a couple boxes of ammo for fun, but for hunting I plan on it being the only rifle I'll ever need.
 

Ikeepitcold

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 22, 2011
10,013
1,591
Reno Nv
I have used 7mm wsm since they came out. I have killed everything from coyotes to Bull Elk. It's the best gun I own IMO. I have 5 Weatherbys and don't shoot any of them because the cost for ammo is so expensive. The 7 for me it is the flattest shooting and most accurate for the hunting I have done.
 

Ikeepitcold

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 22, 2011
10,013
1,591
Reno Nv
I have owned all three. The STW is the hardest kicking medium rifle I've ever shot and could not get it to beat the Remington by much. I would go 7mm-08. Light kicking in lightweight rifles and good out to 300 yards.
I picked up a 7mm-08 in a youth model for my kid. I took it out last weekend and sighted it in. Wow I was impressed! I think with how light it is and even being a youth model with the short stock I might us it for pack in hunts. It's much more lighter then my 7mm
 

tdub24

Veteran member
Dec 15, 2011
1,330
557
Carlin, NV
I love my Remington model 788 7mm-08, it has killed coyotes, deer, antelope, and my first bull elk at 400 yards. It does have a very short barrel though, kicks like a mule. I have been really impressed with the lack of drop too.