Stubble is right on the STW. I just got rid of my Model 70 STW because someone thought it was worth $1000. I thought it was a good time to sell. It chrono'ed 3557 with my handloads which were more than a grain under max in at least one book. However, itwas 3 over in other books. The one that counts is the one by the bullet manufacturer I was using....NOSLER and it was a hair under w/140 gr and IMR 7828 from its 26" pipe it had an avg speed of 3557(ten shots) and on top of that it was a sub moa shooter. But, it was heavy, and made LOTS of noise. Here in WV we don't get too many long shots (over 500 yds) so, studied efficacy and effeciency and got a 270 WSM..... Externally it is pretty close w/130gr ballistic tips to the 7mm RM w/140s.... Terminally there is a little difference, but not enough that a dead critter will ever notice.

Key is guys, I am a trained Medical Professional and no matter what the modality.....there is but one stage of dead and that is DEAD. My kids killed dear for years, all one shot, dramatic drops, with a lowly 55gr pill from a 22-250. They were all just as dead as any killed with a .284 bullet. Most, I would argue, reached that singular stage of dead quicker than with the big magnums I used to use.
The virtues of cartrige over another will be argued for decades to come....I HOPE.... and nothing will change that, especially as long as the ammo companies want to keep making and selling shells. Ever notice how we have to run and get the latest caliber....even if it really has no true need in our arsenal. Oh, we can tell ourselves it does, make our wives believe it does, but in the end.....is there something it can do that another we already own cant????

Dave

I use the loading manuals only as a guide and for a starting load.Just because the book lists a load does not mean that the particular load will be safe in my rifle,even if I use the exact same components as listed in the manual.I have seen pressure signs with some rifles using those same identical components and was still a few grains under the maximum load.On the other hand,I have had loads that produced nearly 200fps less than the manual velocity even with identical components and barrel length.In many cases,manuals produced by the powder companies,and even by other bullet manufacturers have been much closer to my rifles,than the manual from the manufacturer of the bullet that I was using.

As for the 7mmstw,I use it because I hunt elk and moose as well as deer,and on the larger game,the extra power is certainly welcome.If deer was my only big game,I would most likely use a .257" bullet as I consider even the .277" bullet overkill. As well,the extra velocity reduces wind drift which can be a factor even at 300 yards,let alone 500 yards.

Yep! All of the above.

You know I have noticed that in STW....which there are lots of them here in my hometown, Seem to shoot better and show no signs of pressure with max or even higher loads. I have seen 2 guys with Remingtons run them 4grs over max and still show no pressure signs. Then one rather wealthy shooter had a strain guage made. His was only running in the mid 50s CUP with a very hot load. That is less than the WSSM factory loads!

Now, I don't condone this at all. I load for accuracy and don't care to take chances. I have seen the results of others. You know one of lifes greatest lessons is that learned from SOMEONE ELSE'S MISTAKE~!~~

Dave

Be careful that you don't confuse CUP and psi.Both the 7mmstw and the wsm cartridges are rated by SAAMI at 65,000psi.

No mistake. I am a pressure fanatic. Afterall, without it, bullets don't move!!!

But I appreciate your concern. The guage read in Copper Units, not PSI. I am aware of the new SAAMI listings. I like PSI better. It gives the avg joe shooter a better mental comparison factor than the CUP did. Most didn't have a clue what a Copper Measurements were or how to visualize them.

Good Post.

Just stating that although both cartridges are designed to operate at the same chamber pressure,the wsm cartridges are usually loaded to the maximum just like weatherby cartridges,while most other cartridges are loaded more conservatively.As a result handloading doesn't gain nearly as much velocity with the wsm cartridges.The confusing part is that there is no direct conversion for psi to cup,so comparisons aren't alway possible.

You're right. Isn't that crazy. I went looking when we started playing w/the strain guage and couldn't find a thing. So, I am not lost, it doesn't exist?!

Well when you think about it, CUP would be hard to do anything with as it alone is not an exact science.

Hey Stubble, What do you say we let this post die. It has gotten way off course.
Good Conversation and some great info has made it to the light of day for new reloaders or those that didn't do a great deal of research.

Thanks,

Dave

This was definitely the right place to look for advise. Thank you all for the great information (although I must admit I get a little lost when it comes to the specifics some of you have given in reference to ammo, LOL). Severalof you said my husband'scurrent rifle is a good one and he's decided to give it a chance. I’m glad because it was a gift from a family friend last year and it's never been used. I’d hate to see it go to waste.We went to Bass Pro and got a Leupold VX-II 3x9-50mm scope for it so that he can do some target practice and see how it performs. I've printed out this thread for a list of good rifle options, just in case he still wants a different one in a couple of months. Thanks again!

Great to see this site helped.

I have the Remington 700xcr in 270wsm. I just got done with barrel break-in procedure. Using Factor Winchester 150gr. Power-Point ammo. Winchester claims 3150fps. with their load. When I first started barrel break-in process I was getting 3174fps. and at end of procees was getting 3211fps. This was in 98 degree weather. Know it is time to start reloading and get ready for up comminghunting season. For scope I am using Burris Euro-Diamond 2.5x10 power with their ballistic plex retical. using Warn bases and rings. This is going to be my extreme weather gun. So far I am really Happy with it.