Corona Bored. Need to Shed Some 308s. Vote for New Chambering

[Tahoe1305]

Folks

I have a few older 308s that don’t get much attention these days. Bored like most and trying to figure out the best “bang” for the buck to switch these to something new. Focusing now on a Savage Action. Can upgrade bolt face cheaply it appears to magnum. Do I load 6.5 PRC, 6.5 SAUM, or 7 WSM?

For reference I have a 6.5 Grendel and Creedmoor, and some other 308s. Also have a Rem 700 that I’ll be upgrading too but way more expensive to convert to magnum (Thinking 6 Creed for it).

Will likely use savage prefit (PR, Carbon 6, etc) barrel. Looking for 3100+ FPS with ~.65BC bullets 22-24” barrel. I handload but prefer something with decent brass availability without having to resize.

Use will be LR plinking and some hunting likely. Never used voting feature before....curious how it works.

Appreciate the help.

 

[wildwilderness]

I voted for 6.5 PRC based on your plinking predilection. If this was to be a dedicated 1000 yard big game hunter I would have voted 7wsm with a 180 gr pill like the eldm and a .777 G1BC! Or the Berger 195 eol

 

[ozyclint]

.358Win?

 

[16Bore]

223 twisted tight for heavies should be a mainstay....

 

[Bsnyder]

I went other 6.5 Sherman short 3100 with the 156 Berger’s

 

[Tahoe1305]

Thanks for the inputs. Good to see how this works in the sense that you can still leave comments (for other or things like that). Will be interesting to see if PRC continues to dominate.

 

[DudeBro]

Love ya, brother, but why’s PRC even an option when you’re already getting 2900+ out of the CM? Go for the 7 WSM.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Because I want 3100fps! I have this silly goal of 1000ftlbs of energy and 20MOA (200zero) of drop at 1000yds. I need a substantial increase over my tikka to justify. That’s what worries me about PRC is actual load data folks are posting is closer to 3000 vs 3100 (can’t go for 3000 with the tikka is at 2900). Miss yeah.

 

[Newtosavage]

I'm a 7mm fan, but I think the 6.5 PRC will have some staying power now that the 6.5CM has so many fans. Eventually they will be looking to shed the man bun image and "power up" and the next logical step is the PRC, which means ammo should be more available.

I wish the 7SAUM had become more popular. I still cannot understand why 7mm hunting rifles - aside from the belted magnum Rem 7 Mag - are not more popular.

 

[Tahoe1305]

I’m with you on the 7mm. Best BC under 200gr that I can find. I like the less recoil in the 6.5s but always wonder if it’s enough gun on bigger game.

That said I’ve had a blast with my 6.5C.

 

[CorbLand]

I’m with you on the 7mm. Best BC under 200gr that I can find. I like the less recoil in the 6.5s but always wonder if it’s enough gun on bigger game.

That said I’ve had a blast with my 6.5C.

As long as you know the limitations of the CM, its a great big game caliber.

When I get some more space and can finally start playing with reloads a 7 SAUM is going to be on the list very quick.

 

[Tahoe1305]

As long as you know the limitations of the CM, its a great big game caliber.

When I get some more space and can finally start playing with reloads a 7 SAUM is going to be on the list very quick.

Why the 7 SAUM over the WSM? Appears to be a few factory options on the WSM (a few more than SAUM) and a few 100fps faster.

Just curious as I educate myself...

 

[Newtosavage]

7SAUM is the only one I ever hear about anymore. I hope it lingers around kinda like the 7mm-08 has.

 

[CorbLand]

Why the 7 SAUM over the WSM? Appears to be a few factory options on the WSM (a few more than SAUM) and a few 100fps faster.

Just curious as I educate myself...

In full disclosure I read that 7WSM as .270 WSM, so I screwed that up. Along with I am new to the whole caliber thing myself so I wont even try to tell you why a SAUM over a WSM. I have never compared the two. My wifes uncle is into long range stuff and I am just starting to dabble in it. We were talking and he suggested a SAUM so its really all I have looked at. Plus, I like the way 7 SAUM sounds. HAHA

 

[Newtosavage]

7WSM brass has been reported to be rather tough to find. I've never looked for it though, so I don't know for sure.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Anyone have any input on 7 WSM with say 180 gr bullets having COAL issues (mag or lands contact) with a SA? Looks like people are saying about 3.1” is where you want to work (vs 2.84 SAAMI). Haven’t measured my Savage SA to see if I’ll have issues.

For the PRC folks....anyone getting around 3100fps for 140 class bullets out of their PRC (22-24”)?

 

[jfs82]

https://press.hornady.com/assets/site/hornady/files/load-data/6.5-prc-v2.pdf

From Hornady (26in barrel) take it for what you will, but it's a place to start.

 

[tdot]

My vote is another vote for the 6.5 Sherman Short.

The PRC really should be on a medium length action to load to it's full potential.

The 6.5ss should hit max pressure at 3150-3200 with 140grain and a 22" barrel. So an accuracy load should be around 3100. It will do this while staying within a short action COAL.

Headstamped ADG brass made it an easy choice for me.

 

[Newtosavage]

Anyone have any input on 7 WSM with say 180 gr bullets having COAL issues (mag or lands contact) with a SA? Looks like people are saying about 3.1” is where you want to work (vs 2.84 SAAMI). Haven’t measured my Savage SA to see if I’ll have issues.

For the PRC folks....anyone getting around 3100fps for 140 class bullets out of their PRC (22-24”)?

Savage short actions can handle up to 3.00" if my memory serves. One of the few production guns that allows you to seat a bullet at the lands and still fit the mag.

 

[BRTreedogs]

3100?
6.5-06 AI