Free: Contests & Raffles.
Unless you've already heard of one, I won't be surprised if your initial response to this is, what's that, but the 7mm Blaser mag will do what you are looking for.I had mine built a couple years ago on a LA Rem 700 using a 26in (less brake) Hart #4 fluted barrel. Mine has a laminated wood stock and a NF NXS 5.5-22x50 scope, neither of which is particularly light and it's right at 9lbs so less optic it'll easily meet your 7.5lb requirement.I'm shooting 180 Bergers with a COAL of 3.260 (which is 5 thou off) with 68.5gr RL26 and that sends them at 3088-3100fps from a 26 in. tube and stacks them up into real small little groups.Norma makes the brass and Redding has the dies. If I recall, I got both from Grafs shooting supply.
I didn’t figure you could hit 3k with a 7em mag on a standard long action without single feeding maybe I’m wrong. Also I should add I’m not really one for pushing pressure limits etc
You should be able to get 3k out of a 7 mag. My 28 Nosler is spitting them out at 3300. My only complaint with the Nosler is the cost of the brass.
Barrel life should almost never be a consideration in my opinion. Most guys wont even put 100 rounds a year down range so even a hot 28 you'll get a decade of use from. They make new barrels every day so get to shootin