What 7rm to buy?

[craigapphunt]

So I'm buying a 7rm just can't decide what to get. I've already got 400 162 grain hornady eldx for load development. I own and love a tikka t3x in 6.5cm and wouldn't mind owning another chambered in 7 mag but i understand there my be challenges/limitations in a long action magnum cartridge. So for those of you that hand load a long mag cartridge in a tikka I'll take any advice you got and if the general consensus is go with something else what do you all recommend? Oh and I'd like to keep it under $1500.

[Mtnwalker]

The biggest limiting factor in a Tikka besides the mag length is the 9 1/2 twist barrel. It would be fine for those 162's, I shoot the 162 eldm's out of mine currently and it shoots great, and I don't appear to have lost any BC but there are a lot of cool new bullets out there these days that I can't play with on a factory setup.

[craigapphunt]

The biggest limiting factor in a Tikka besides the mag length is the 9 1/2 twist barrel. It would be fine for those 162's, I shoot the 162 eldm's out of mine currently and it shoots great, and I don't appear to have lost any BC but there are a lot of cool new bullets out there these days that I can't play with on a factory setup.

Did you have much trouble finding that load?

[Mtnwalker]

The biggest limiting factor in a Tikka besides the mag length is the 9 1/2 twist barrel. It would be fine for those 162's, I shoot the 162 eldm's out of mine currently and it shoots great, and I don't appear to have lost any BC but there are a lot of cool new bullets out there these days that I can't play with on a factory setup.

Did you have much trouble finding that load?

Not at all, H4831sc was all I had at the time so the velocity isn't staggering but now that I've got my hands on some powder again I might try to wring a little more out of it. I bought it for a donor gun about 5 years ago and just keep shooting the darn thing 

[craigapphunt]

The biggest limiting factor in a Tikka besides the mag length is the 9 1/2 twist barrel. It would be fine for those 162's, I shoot the 162 eldm's out of mine currently and it shoots great, and I don't appear to have lost any BC but there are a lot of cool new bullets out there these days that I can't play with on a factory setup.

Did you have much trouble finding that load?

Not at all, H4831sc was all I had at the time so the velocity isn't staggering but now that I've got my hands on some powder again I might try to wring a little more out of it. I bought it for a donor gun about 5 years ago and just keep shooting the darn thing 

Thats reassuring thanks for the info. What coal did you settle on if you don't mind me asking? I have a 8 lb jug of ramshot magnum I was going to give a go with whatever I end up with.

[Mtnwalker]

The biggest limiting factor in a Tikka besides the mag length is the 9 1/2 twist barrel. It would be fine for those 162's, I shoot the 162 eldm's out of mine currently and it shoots great, and I don't appear to have lost any BC but there are a lot of cool new bullets out there these days that I can't play with on a factory setup.

Did you have much trouble finding that load?

Not at all, H4831sc was all I had at the time so the velocity isn't staggering but now that I've got my hands on some powder again I might try to wring a little more out of it. I bought it for a donor gun about 5 years ago and just keep shooting the darn thing 

Thats reassuring thanks for the info. What coal did you settle on if you don't mind me asking? I have a 8 lb jug of ramshot magnum I was going to give a go with whatever I end up with.

Boy, I'd have to look. I think I'm somewhere in the 3.380 neighborhood with .100 jump. They barely fit in a MT mag

[opdinkslayer]

I load 168 Berger classic hunters over H1000 to magazine max length & it shoots phenomenal. If you want to shoot heavier than that maybe look elsewhere. Tikka’s are accurate with a good trigger at a bargain price in my book.

[craigapphunt]

The biggest limiting factor in a Tikka besides the mag length is the 9 1/2 twist barrel. It would be fine for those 162's, I shoot the 162 eldm's out of mine currently and it shoots great, and I don't appear to have lost any BC but there are a lot of cool new bullets out there these days that I can't play with on a factory setup.

Did you have much trouble finding that load?

Not at all, H4831sc was all I had at the time so the velocity isn't staggering but now that I've got my hands on some powder again I might try to wring a little more out of it. I bought it for a donor gun about 5 years ago and just keep shooting the darn thing 

Thats reassuring thanks for the info. What coal did you settle on if you don't mind me asking? I have a 8 lb jug of ramshot magnum I was going to give a go with whatever I end up with.

Boy, I'd have to look. I think I'm somewhere in the 3.380 neighborhood with .100 jump. They barely fit in a MT mag

Nice. What Gen of MT mag you get and how has it performed for you? Sorry for all the questions....

[10thmountainarcher]

So I'm buying a 7rm just can't decide what to get. I've already got 400 162 grain hornady eldx for load development. I own and love a tikka t3x in 6.5cm and wouldn't mind owning another chambered in 7 mag but i understand there my be challenges/limitations in a long action magnum cartridge. So for those of you that hand load a long mag cartridge in a tikka I'll take any advice you got and if the general consensus is go with something else what do you all recommend? Oh and I'd like to keep it under $1500.

I’ve got a browning x bolt hells canyon LR in 7mag and I love it!!

[craigapphunt]

I load 168 Berger classic hunters over H1000 to magazine max length & it shoots phenomenal. If you want to shoot heavier than that maybe look elsewhere. Tikka’s are accurate with a good trigger at a bargain price in my book.

Thanks for the reply good info. Couldn't agree more on the tikka comments that why I'd like to go that route just want to make sure I'm going in the right direction considering the cartridge and not missing something that would work better.

[craigapphunt]

So I'm buying a 7rm just can't decide what to get. I've already got 400 162 grain hornady eldx for load development. I own and love a tikka t3x in 6.5cm and wouldn't mind owning another chambered in 7 mag but i understand there my be challenges/limitations in a long action magnum cartridge. So for those of you that hand load a long mag cartridge in a tikka I'll take any advice you got and if the general consensus is go with something else what do you all recommend? Oh and I'd like to keep it under $1500.

I’ve got a browning x bolt hells canyon LR in 7mag and I love it!!

You hand load for that by chance?

[Sneaky]

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-fft-tungsten-cerakote-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-22in/p/1739533


https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-blackgray-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum/p/1461533

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-ridgeline-blackstainless-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-26in/p/1469072


Sportsmans has all the CA rifles on an awesome sale right now. Been happy with mine in 6.5CM. Have a ridgeline FFT in .300 win mag I haven't put together yet.

[opdinkslayer]

Too bad Browning doesn’t put a nice adjustable trigger in their rifles like Tikka does

[MountainWalk]

Why not buy something American?  One flagship model of bolt action is as good as another and 99% of factory rifles shoot better than their owners, so why buy foreign?

[idahohuntr]

I'd look real hard at a Seekins PH2...made in Idaho, have yet to see one that doesn't shoot extremely well, and they go to great lengths to keep customers happy.

It would be a little over your $1500 budget.

[craigapphunt]

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-fft-tungsten-cerakote-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-22in/p/1739533


https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-blackgray-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum/p/1461533

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-ridgeline-blackstainless-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-26in/p/1469072


Sportsmans has all the CA rifles on an awesome sale right now. Been happy with mine in 6.5CM. Have a ridgeline FFT in .300 win mag I haven't put together yet.

Those are attractive prices. I've heard mixed reviews about christensen which gives me some concern.

[craigapphunt]

Why not buy something American?  One flagship model of bolt action is as good as another and 99% of factory rifles shoot better than their owners, so why buy foreign?

No brand loyalty here I just want something that will do what i want it to do at a reasonable price

[craigapphunt]

I'd look real hard at a Seekins PH2...made in Idaho, have yet to see one that doesn't shoot extremely well, and they go to great lengths to keep customers happy.

It would be a little over your $1500 budget.

Awesome looking gun maybe hard to find one especially if a guy wanted to fondle one before he bought? Do you have experience with one by chance?

[idahohuntr]

I'd look real hard at a Seekins PH2...made in Idaho, have yet to see one that doesn't shoot extremely well, and they go to great lengths to keep customers happy.

It would be a little over your $1500 budget.

Awesome looking gun maybe hard to find one especially if a guy wanted to fondle one before he bought? Do you have experience with one by chance?

I think Scheels, Sportsmans Warehouse, bass pro carry them as far as getting your hands on them.  If you find yourself in Lewiston, ID - just go to their factory...they'll walk you right back to where they are being made and let you handle whatever you want.

I have experience with several, but not a 7RM specifically.  All three I've shot have produced .25 moa 3 shot groups with factory ammo (all were 6.5PRC's)...and unless I screwed up I don't recall anything over 0.5 moa out to 700 yards (which is the furthest I ever shot where I measured 3 shot groups). 

They are a well-built rifle, they shoot very well, and the company is hands down better than any other rifle manufacturer I know of in terms of customer satisfaction.

[10thmountainarcher]

Too bad Browning doesn’t put a nice adjustable trigger in their rifles like Tikka does

The trigger is adjustable (3-5lbs) or are you saying the trigger itself isn’t a nice one? I’ve never had any issues with mine whatsoever.

Op, I don’t currently hand load for it, but it likes the Barnes vor-tx and the 150 grain Nosler expansion tips just fine.

[Magnum_Willys]

Haven't tried one but looks like its worth checking:  Howa Carbon Stalker, 6.2#  < $1100.

https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/howa-carbon-stalker-7mm-rem-mag-bolt-action-rifle/FC-682146210910.html

[buckcanyonlodge]

Don't know the price but my friend shoots a 7MM STW. Just shot a bull elk in Arizona ranged at 750 yds....one shot dropped him  I've seen the shot on video.

[craigapphunt]

I'd look real hard at a Seekins PH2...made in Idaho, have yet to see one that doesn't shoot extremely well, and they go to great lengths to keep customers happy.

It would be a little over your $1500 budget.

Awesome looking gun maybe hard to find one especially if a guy wanted to fondle one before he bought? Do you have experience with one by chance?

I think Scheels, Sportsmans Warehouse, bass pro carry them as far as getting your hands on them.  If you find yourself in Lewiston, ID - just go to their factory...they'll walk you right back to where they are being made and let you handle whatever you want.

I have experience with several, but not a 7RM specifically.  All three I've shot have produced .25 moa 3 shot groups with factory ammo (all were 6.5PRC's)...and unless I screwed up I don't recall anything over 0.5 moa out to 700 yards (which is the furthest I ever shot where I measured 3 shot groups). 

They are a well-built rifle, they shoot very well, and the company is hands down better than any other rifle manufacturer I know of in terms of customer satisfaction.

Thanks for the insight. From what I've read the ph2 in 7 rm has a 1:8 twist and long action magazine length to seat bullets out to 3.94" which smokes the stock tikka

[Sneaky]

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-fft-tungsten-cerakote-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-22in/p/1739533


https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-blackgray-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum/p/1461533

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-ridgeline-blackstainless-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-26in/p/1469072


Sportsmans has all the CA rifles on an awesome sale right now. Been happy with mine in 6.5CM. Have a ridgeline FFT in .300 win mag I haven't put together yet.

Those are attractive prices. I've heard mixed reviews about christensen which gives me some concern.

My ridgeline had to go back to the factory before I even shot it for excessive tool marks in the chamber area. CA sent me a label the same day I contacted them. They quickly shipped me back the rifle with the issue corrected. The rifle shoots sub MOA groups with four different factory loads, two of which shot .5 or less. I love my Tikka's but they didnt perform like that for me. Had to find the load they liked which isn't a big deal at all or a knock on Tikka.

Whichever rifle you decide to buy, I recommend bringing a small flashlight and taking a close look. I was pretty upset about a brand new gun having to go back to Utah but was also surprised they addressed a cosmetic issue so quickly.

[craigapphunt]

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-fft-tungsten-cerakote-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-22in/p/1739533


https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-blackgray-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum/p/1461533

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-ridgeline-blackstainless-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-26in/p/1469072


Sportsmans has all the CA rifles on an awesome sale right now. Been happy with mine in 6.5CM. Have a ridgeline FFT in .300 win mag I haven't put together yet.

Those are attractive prices. I've heard mixed reviews about christensen which gives me some concern.

My ridgeline had to go back to the factory before I even shot it for excessive tool marks in the chamber area. CA sent me a label the same day I contacted them. They quickly shipped me back the rifle with the issue corrected. The rifle shoots sub MOA groups with four different factory loads, two of which shot .5 or less. I love my Tikka's but they didnt perform like that for me. Had to find the load they liked which isn't a big deal at all or a knock on Tikka.

Whichever rifle you decide to buy, I recommend bringing a small flashlight and taking a close look. I was pretty upset about a brand new gun having to go back to Utah but was also surprised they addressed a cosmetic issue so quickly.

Something to be said about great customer service. I've never heard anything good about the CS for tikka.

[thinkingman]

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-fft-tungsten-cerakote-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-22in/p/1739533


https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-blackgray-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum/p/1461533

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-ridgeline-blackstainless-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-26in/p/1469072


Sportsmans has all the CA rifles on an awesome sale right now. Been happy with mine in 6.5CM. Have a ridgeline FFT in .300 win mag I haven't put together yet.

Those are attractive prices. I've heard mixed reviews about christensen which gives me some concern.

My ridgeline had to go back to the factory before I even shot it for excessive tool marks in the chamber area. CA sent me a label the same day I contacted them. They quickly shipped me back the rifle with the issue corrected. The rifle shoots sub MOA groups with four different factory loads, two of which shot .5 or less. I love my Tikka's but they didnt perform like that for me. Had to find the load they liked which isn't a big deal at all or a knock on Tikka.

Whichever rifle you decide to buy, I recommend bringing a small flashlight and taking a close look. I was pretty upset about a brand new gun having to go back to Utah but was also surprised they addressed a cosmetic issue so quickly.

Something to be said about great customer service. I've never heard anything good about the CS for tikka.

I rarely hear of anyone need CS for Tikka.
That's why I own three of them.

[kselkhunter]

I love my Xbolt in 7mmRM.  I shoot 168gr Berger VLDs and 168gr ABLRs primarily in it.  Very accurate rifle.

[Encore 280]

Are you dead set on a bolt action? What about a T/C Encore Pro Hunter in 7mmRM. I'm not into long range stuff but I sure do like how mine shoots. Single shot makes you a better shooter therefore saving on ammo. E. A. Brown makes some nice precision barrels for the Encore and offer action jobs on the frames. Just my  Good luck.

[Alchase]

Might be a bit over $1500, I am partial to the Sako Finlight

https://www.sako.fi/rifles/sako-85/85-finnlight

I own two, one 7MM mag, the other in 300 win mag: both came with sub-MOA guarantee and a target with 5 shot group. One 0.6” the other 0.5” with round used, and the shooter’s name.
They also have a note to call for load data if you prefer handloads.

[huntnphool]

 I’ve never needed more than one shot from my Ruger M77, and it’s tagged several trophy quality critters! You don’t need to break the bank!

[craigapphunt]

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-fft-tungsten-cerakote-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-22in/p/1739533


https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-mesa-blackgray-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum/p/1461533

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/christensen-arms-ridgeline-blackstainless-bolt-action-rifle-7mm-remington-magnum-26in/p/1469072


Sportsmans has all the CA rifles on an awesome sale right now. Been happy with mine in 6.5CM. Have a ridgeline FFT in .300 win mag I haven't put together yet.

Those are attractive prices. I've heard mixed reviews about christensen which gives me some concern.

My ridgeline had to go back to the factory before I even shot it for excessive tool marks in the chamber area. CA sent me a label the same day I contacted them. They quickly shipped me back the rifle with the issue corrected. The rifle shoots sub MOA groups with four different factory loads, two of which shot .5 or less. I love my Tikka's but they didnt perform like that for me. Had to find the load they liked which isn't a big deal at all or a knock on Tikka.

Whichever rifle you decide to buy, I recommend bringing a small flashlight and taking a close look. I was pretty upset about a brand new gun having to go back to Utah but was also surprised they addressed a cosmetic issue so quickly.

Something to be said about great customer service. I've never heard anything good about the CS for tikka.

I rarely hear of anyone need CS for Tikka.
That's why I own three of them.

Very true. Any of those three happen to be long action magnums by chance?

[craigapphunt]

Are you dead set on a bolt action? What about a T/C Encore Pro Hunter in 7mmRM. I'm not into long range stuff but I sure do like how mine shoots. Single shot makes you a better shooter therefore saving on ammo. E. A. Brown makes some nice precision barrels for the Encore and offer action jobs on the frames. Just my  Good luck.

Yeah I'm pretty partial to bolt gun for hunting purposes.

[craigapphunt]

At the range a few years got to look over a guys sako I forget the exact model but was definitely a nice rifle. Once owned a ruger m77 in .270 win which I liked but sold for a winchester m70 which I have also sold to fund this project.

[opdinkslayer]

If you decide you want to spend more money take a look at doing a HCA Tikka Carbon Killer in one of the short action 7mm options he offers. $2500 if you have a donor action & an extra $750 for an action. It’s the least expensive way that I’ve seen to have a custom built on a factory action & they shoot really well. Just a thought if you want to shoot heavier bullets with better performance than a factory 7RM & own a very nice semi custom.

[craigapphunt]

If you decide you want to spend more money take a look at doing a HCA Tikka Carbon Killer in one of the short action 7mm options he offers. $2500 if you have a donor action & an extra $750 for an action. It’s the least expensive way that I’ve seen to have a custom built on a factory action & they shoot really well. Just a thought if you want to shoot heavier bullets with better performance than a factory 7RM & own a very nice semi custom.

If I didn't already have a 150 pieces of virgin adg 7RM brass I might consider such a thing

[opdinkslayer]

Well those could be easily parted with im sure Just a thought & I have one in 300wsm shooting 215 Bergers so I can testify on the quality of the build for the money.

[Fidelk]

For the lower end of the price spectrum.......Remington 700 Long Range........under $800.......comes in 7mm. Good bench rest rifle......heavy to carry for hunting (would need to shoot from a stable rest). At the price, leaves room in the budget for optics.

[Mtnwalker]

Well those could be easily parted with im sure Just a thought & I have one in 300wsm shooting 215 Bergers so I can testify on the quality of the build for the money.

Where'd you end up for velocity on those 215's?

[opdinkslayer]

In the 28’s somewhere if I’m remembering correctly.

[Alchase]

I’ve never needed more than one shot from my Ruger M77, and it’s tagged several trophy quality critters! You don’t need to break the bank!

I still have my M77, mark II, 3 position safety, in 7 mm mag. Love that rifle. Have killed many deer and elk with it.
I bought it at an Ace Hardware up by where the Muckleshoot Casino is now in 1990, before there was a casino.
It is now a safe queen with some well earned road scratches on that beautiful wood. It has a special place in my heart.
Fantastic rifle

[craigapphunt]

Thought I'd follow up with what I ended up buying. Tikka t3x roughtech in 7mm rem mag and a Ziess v4 4-16x50. Thank to everyone who responded and gave recommendations.

[Dan-o]

That's a beauty!

[Geoduck Duck Goose]

been thinking about trying out a tikka.  looks great!

looks like a well organized work bench too!

[craigapphunt]

Thanks guys.

[Duckslayer89]

Thought I'd follow up with what I ended up buying. Tikka t3x roughtech in 7mm rem mag and a Ziess v4 4-16x50. Thank to everyone who responded and gave recommendations.

Clean the grease out of the bolt assembly. Few videos online. My buddy has the same gun he loves it.

[blackymaster20]

I second the hells canyon long range. Very accurate shooting 168 grain vlds.

[craigapphunt]

Thought I'd follow up with what I ended up buying. Tikka t3x roughtech in 7mm rem mag and a Ziess v4 4-16x50. Thank to everyone who responded and gave recommendations.

Clean the grease out of the bolt assembly. Few videos online. My buddy has the same gun he loves it.

Already done. Went through the whole rifle top to bottom, cleaned and lubricated.