Rem700 SA rebarrel, 7mm08, ai, .284?

[magnum44270]

I am rebarreling my sons hunting rifle, a Rem 700, SA, std bolt face. I ordered a 22in X caliber cf in 7mm. Now just need to decide on caliber? 7mm08, 7mm08ai, .284 or 7saum and open up the bolt face.

This will remain a hunting rifle, 500yds and in. I hand load. I've already have the Wyatts extended mag to get to 2.95+. Thinking about 139/145 lrx, 140etips, 150ABLR.i would like to be around 2950-3000fps.

For those who have done it on a rem700 SA in a 7mm flavor; let's hear which direction you went , what were your results (bullet and fps) and the good the bad and the ugly?

 

[Two Roads]

Maybe this will help. We hunt 7mm-08 w 145 lrx and 140 Berger VLDs in Coopers, not Remington. They work great but I don’t see hitting 2950 w LRX.
Since this is from scratch and you have the box, I would consider two options, the 284 win for the extra oomph (and Lapua brass) or if you are willing to go ackley, then 7mm-08 ai off Lapua brass. I like the saum (a lot) but finding brass is almost a defeating challenge and somewhat short changes you on OAL in sa Rem because of mag length for 168 VLDs or other heavies.
All of this said, going thru exact same review w my wife on her next lightweight rifle w HS Precision. Mag length issues there.
And last, I would ship that action over to Kampfeld Customs and have him lighten, skeleton / spiral flute / blueprint. He does some great work at very reasonable cost.

 

[Newtosavage]

I am rebarreling my sons hunting rifle, a Rem 700, SA, std bolt face. I ordered a 22in X caliber cf in 7mm. Now just need to decide on caliber? 7mm08, 7mm08ai, .284 or 7saum and open up the bolt face.

This will remain a hunting rifle, 500yds and in. I hand load. I've already have the Wyatts extended mag to get to 2.95+. Thinking about 139/145 lrx, 140etips, 150ABLR.i would like to be around 2950-3000fps.

For those who have done it on a rem700 SA in a 7mm flavor; let's hear which direction you went , what were your results (bullet and fps) and the good the bad and the ugly?

Was gonna say 7mm-08 until you mentioned the extended mag. In that case, I'd be tempted go .284 Win. I have both for my Savage LWS short action. The 7mm-08 gets me 2850 from 140 class bullets with IMR 4166 and the .284 Win gets me 2950-3000 with 140's.

Since you said it was your son's, I'd stick with 7mm-08 and load 150 ABLR or ELD-X's to the lands. That way he can always find factory ammo if he needs to. Either of those bullets, at 2750+ fps, are more than capable for deer and elk to 500 yards.

 

[Oregonmuley]

I'm a big fan of the 7MM-08 and have several so that would be my suggestion. Not a hand loader but have great success killing stuff with the 120 grain Ballistic tips.

 

[Northpark]

I had a 7-08ai built this year on a rem700 SA. I’m shooting 140 Absolute hammers at 3005fps and 168 Berger VLDs at 2810. I have a 24” proof barrel on mine.

I doubt there is much improvement in velocity over a standard 7-08 but after fireforming I’m guessing I will never have to trim brass. It’s now my go to gun for everything less than elk.

 

[B23]

This would be and easy decision for me. Since you already have an extended mag box grab some Lapua 284 brass and go to town. With the right powder/s you shouldn't have to much trouble meeting your velocity goal/s even with the 150's.

Personally, I wouldn't ever bother to AI the 7-08 case when you can just go straight to the 284 and have quite a bit more case capacity with zero extra work or use of components.

 

[Newtosavage]

Personally, I wouldn't ever bother to AI the 7-08 case when you can just go straight to the 284 and have quite a bit more case capacity with zero extra work or use of components.

That was my conclusion as well, which is why I went straight .284 Win for my elk barrel.