RE: need all purpose Elk/muley western rifle--fast
 

If you shoot that 7mmWSM a lot, you may want to look at a reloading starter kit package. Reloading those puppies can really save some bucks AND you will be able to work up the optimum load for you particular rifle.
When I got my 7mmWSM chambered rifle, I had already been reloading for a fair number of years, so all that I needed were the appropriate dies. I got the neck size die, because I only have the one rifle chambered for that round and by neck sizing only, brass will last a lot longer.
My rifle is the Winchester Ultimate Shadow, which I really like. I did need a trigger job done, but after that, I am very pleased with that model in 7mWSM.
I firmly believe that with the new generation of premium bullets, the 7mmWSM with 140gr bullets will do the same job for which I used to load 180gr bullets.
In my rifle, the Nosler Accubond bullets have done best, in terms of accuracy. The Interbonds were second and the Barnes TSX came in third.

RE: need all purpose Elk/muley western rifle--fast
 

The 7mmstw will easily provide more velocity and energy than the 7mmwsm.It adds 200fps to 300fps velocity over the 7mmwsm.

RE: need all purpose Elk/muley western rifle--fast
 

Yes it will shoot 160 grain bullets as fast if not faster then the WSM will shoot 140 grain bullets. Problem is the STW is underloaded by the factories for some odd reason. In fact if they are loaded up to max they are matching the pressure levels of stout WSM loads.

RE: need all purpose Elk/muley western rifle--fast
 

Perhaps we are entering the realm of "how high is up?" My 140gr Accubond is showing 3230fps, on average, out of my 7mmWSM, using a 24" barrel. The groups are tighter then I have been able to get with any number of slower loaded cartridges in other calibers. I am using IMR4350, 64.5gr and Fed215 primers. The groups are consistantly inside 2" at 200 yards, when shooting off the bench (this from strictly cold barrel). As Oldelkhunter has previously pointed out, I am hunting an area not noted for giant elk. Should I continue the quest for higher MV, or be satisfied with the MV that I have attained, coupled with wonderful accuracy??