I am looking at getting a new Browning X-bolt in either 7mm wsm or 7mm rem mag that i will be using to hunt elk, spike only in eastern Oregon, can anyone tell me if there is any advantages to getting a wsm, i do know that there is not as many commercial loads out for it, but i have found a few that i am sure will work since i do not reload as of right now. one other thing i noticed was that the wsm barrel was only 23 compared to the rem barrel being 26 would that matter at all?
Thanks

Ballistically, they'll be close enough. You're choosing a 7mm magnum, as good as it gets. So since you're not really concerned with ammo, what I would do is choose based on balance and handling. The WSM will be shorter and lighter, the 7RM longer and heavier, obviously. I would get your hands on both and decide which one will suit your hunting style better. I shoot a 7RM, but would love to have a 7WSM too.

I'm a classic cartridge guy when it comes to big game calibers.

They have been working well for a long time, and now the bullets & powders are even new and improved.

http://elkhunter2.tripod.com/rifle.html


I do like messing around with the .17 HMR and the .204 Ruger for targets and the small stuff though !

read an article on a guy who built a long range setup for the 7wsm, should be good for it.

Really though, just get a .270wsm, they're 284/277 that's only .007 difference, the 7wsm is essentially dead, was dead on arrival I read in one article. The 270wsm and 300wsm are here to stay...

btw the wsm is a short action beltless, vs. the 7mm Rem.Mag which is a long action belted.

The WSM's usually have 24" barrels, and are fine. Even browning's 23" barrel is fine, but for the 7mm rem mag you would more than likely want 26".


What are you looking to do with this rifle? deer?
Strongly suggesting getting a .270wsm or .300wsm over the 7mm WSM.

the biggest bullet in the 7mm WSM you'd want to shoot would probably be 160grs, you can easily shoot 150gr from the .270wsm, both would have good BC and SD's, for great penetration.

If the 7wsm ever comes down to only have 1 load or even just a couple, that sucks, if you don't reload, and if you ever have to sell that gun, only a special customer would want a gun you can't buy factory ammo for.

Something to consider, but let us know what you're intention for this rifle/cartridge is? deer? everything in NA minus big bears?

I plan on using it for hunting elk, spike only.

If I were buying a 7 Mag Browning for elk hunting, I'd want that WSM! I don't care for 26" barrels on hunting rifles, they feel too long for me. That 23" barrel with a short action would be excellent for carrying all day/week. The XBolt Stainless Stalker in 7WSM would be about a perfect all-around rifle, and that is my vote.

Both are good but I'd get the Rem.

I have the 7mm Rem Mag in a 700. Also want the 7mm WSM so I'm buying a Winchester Model 70 .300 WSM and going to put a PAC-nor barrel on it chambered in the 7mm WSM. Like Big Z said I would get your hands on both and decide which one will suit your hunting style better.