Stubble, I hunt with a savage rifle and they chamber both in 24" barrels. So it just depends on the rifle manufacturer and probably even the model. I dont really want to split hairs on that issue. My point is that the WSM has the same powder capacity and a higher pressure limit. The 7mm Rems need for additional barrel length to be equal, coupled with a longer action (in some cases) is a drawback in my opinion.Longer guns can be more difficult handling in some hunting situations. If the shooter does not mind that drawback then theywould beabout the same ballistically. Given equal length weapons with the same handling characteristics the WSM is on average 150 FPS Faster. I base the velocity difference on Federals ammo so I have a manufacturer with no incentive to pump up one cartridge over another.