7 SAUM or 6.5 PRC

[700-223]

Morning,

I'm thinking about building a lightweight hunting rifle, < 8lbs ready to fire and am considering the 6.5 PRC or 7 SAUM. Would get started reloading if went with the 7 SAUM, but as I've been browsing the web, its currently difficult to even find brass or dies for the 7 SAUM; even more than other cartridges.

Have a 7 mm RM already, but it weighs 9lbs and I like the idea of a versatile lightweight hunting rifle that I can use for most things. Game is primarily deer, though I prefer to hunt elk and moose when I can get a tag.

So, I could get a 6.5 PRC and keep my 7mm for larger game or get the 7 SAUM and use it for everything but need to get started reloading and track down some possibly difficult to find components. What are peoples opinions? For those currently reloading, are you seeing any brass or dies for 7 SAUM? Seems like with the run on everything, 6.5 PRC is far easier to find in both factory ammo as well as reloading supplies.

[NCC]

In my opinion, a 270 win is ballistically nearly identical to a 6.5 PRC and much easier to find loaded ammo so buy a 270 Win unless you plan to reload.

[Dean2]

8LBs is not a light weight rifle in my books. Scoped, loaded and sling 6 LBs is Ultra Light, 7 lbs is light. Anything over that is a standard weight rifle. You can buy one that runs 6LBs ready to go right off the shelf in either cartridge, no need to build one. My 308 will launch a 150 grain bullet at 2950 FPS with 47 of 4895 powder and bunch less recoil than the two you are suggesting. In fact the PRC maxs out at 2880 with 59 grains of Retumbo powder and a 150 grain bullet.

[Bubs11]

I find that the PRC pushes a 147-153 grain bullet comfortably in & around the 3000FPS range using quality brass.

[sns2]

Originally Posted by NCC

In my opinion, a 270 win is ballistically nearly identical to a 6.5 PRC and much easier to find loaded ammo so buy a 270 Win unless you plan to reload.

Some may not like to hear this, but hey if the shoe fits...

All of us get wound up over this stuff as if it mattered, but in the end we know it really doesn't matter much if at all. We are just playing with grown up toys.

With component situations, there is no way in hell that I am buying a SAUM.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Bubs11

I find that the PRC pushes a 147-153 grain bullet comfortably in & around the 3000FPS range using quality brass.

I am running 3050fps with the 143eldx, and I really like the cartridge. It is a short action, recoil is easy to handle, and the 6.5mm bullets have high B.C.s.
If I was to go to a long action, I would go 7mmremmag.

[obsessed1]

Originally Posted by Dean2

8LBs is not a light weight rifle in my books. Scoped, loaded and sling 6 LBs is Ultra Light, 7 lbs is light. Anything over that is a standard weight rifle. You can buy one that runs 6LBs ready to go right off the shelf in either cartridge, no need to build one. My 308 will launch a 150 grain bullet at 2950 FPS with 47 of 4895 powder and bunch less recoil than the two you are suggesting. In fact the PRC maxs out at 2880 with 59 grains of Retumbo powder and a 150 grain bullet.

I like this idea. Sub 7lb 308, 7-08, ect good for any game up to further than most can hit in the field. You can go sub 6lb if you want but they tend to be harder to shoot. These days sticking with the "regular" cartridges will allow you to find ammo / components more readily. Going for the most efficient cartridge will allow components to stretch further...

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by obsessed1

I like this idea. Sub 7lb 308, 7-08, ect good for any game up to further than most can hit in the field. You can go sub 6lb if you want but they tend to be harder to shoot. These days sticking with the "regular" cartridges will allow you to find ammo / components more readily. Going for the most efficient cartridge will allow components to stretch further...

I find the exact opposite to be true. I walk the ammo isle regularly at the maggot shop in Caroline. About all I can find for ammo that I can use is .375 h&h. Lot's of the oddball stuff, the "regular", not so much. Try finding 7mm rem mag right now.
Just bought an RPM, lot's of ammo for that. Have brass and dies on the way as well.

[cowmanbob]

Originally Posted by Dean2

8LBs is not a light weight rifle in my books. Scoped, loaded and sling 6 LBs is Ultra Light, 7 lbs is light. Anything over that is a standard weight rifle. You can buy one that runs 6LBs ready to go right off the shelf in either cartridge, no need to build one. My 308 will launch a 150 grain bullet at 2950 FPS with 47 of 4895 powder and bunch less recoil than the two you are suggesting. In fact the PRC maxs out at 2880 with 59 grains of Retumbo powder and a 150 grain bullet.

Say Dean, what rifle comes in at 6lbs scoped and loaded and with a sling?

[leeelmer]

Originally Posted by cowmanbob

Say Dean, what rifle comes in at 6lbs scoped and loaded and with a sling?

my Kimber Andronidak is 6.1 loaded with a featherweight sling
I am sure that the new weatherby in 6.5rpm would be, there are a few others, not many but a few

[LJalberta]

I’d guess not much. A few Kimbers and Customs can be had at 4.75lbs, and with an ultralight scope and ring setup you could keep the weight down. The .308 Fieldcraft with some conservative bedding would be little under 5lb as well. It’s definitely doable, but I think the biggest weakness of such an ultralight rifle is with the lightweight scope you’d be putting on top. If zero retention or repeatability for dialling is a concern, then I think you’d be creeping up closer to 6.5 lbs.

I currently have a 6.5 Fieldcraft with an SWFA scope and Talley rings that weighs 6.75lbs before loading anything inside. If someone ever makes a reliable scope that can shed some ounces off, I sure would be a fan.

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by LJalberta

I’d guess not much. A few Kimbers and Customs can be had at 4.75lbs, and with an ultralight scope and ring setup you could keep the weight down. The .308 Fieldcraft with some conservative bedding would be little under 5lb as well. It’s definitely doable, but I think the biggest weakness of such an ultralight rifle is with the lightweight scope you’d be putting on top. If zero retention or repeatability for dialling is a concern, then I think you’d be creeping up closer to 6.5 lbs.

I currently have a 6.5 Fieldcraft with an SWFA scope and Talley rings that weighs 6.75lbs before loading anything inside. If someone ever makes a reliable scope that can shed some ounces off, I sure would be a fan.

What's your scope weigh?

[fishnguy]

^ Probably a couple (few?) ounces more than Swaro z5, which is just under a pound. Z3 is something like 0.8 lb, unless I am mistaken.

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by fishnguy

^ Probably a couple (few?) ounces more than Swaro z5, which is just under a pound. Z3 is something like 0.8 lb, unless I am mistaken.

Yes, 12.7 oz for a 3x10x42 BRH reticle in the Z3

[LJalberta]

Originally Posted by MountainTi

What's your scope weigh?

The SWFA that I currently have on it is 21.16oz.

I like the glass on the Swaro scopes - no doubt. But zero retention and repeatability on the Z5 and Z3 is not what I’m looking for.

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by LJalberta

The SWFA that I currently have on it is 21.16oz.

I like the glass on the Swaro scopes - no doubt. But zero retention and repeatability on the Z5 and Z3 is not what I’m looking for.

Check out the swaros if you're looking to shave over 9 ozs (more than .5lbs)

[Dean2]

My NULA in 308 with a 21" barrel is 6.2 lbs even with a full mag, swaro Z5 3.5x18x44 BRX in Talley rings. That scope has been on the gun for 15 years. I have never had to adjust the zero and you can't beat the glass. The new Weatherby will be in that range too in the right cartridge. The other guys have mention Kimber and Montana, Barret, The Forbes model 20, Sako carbon light, Starret and a couple of others.

https://www-fieldandstream-com.cdn.a...very-budget%2F

[sheep]

I have the Z3 2-10x42 with a brx or brh on most of my rifles. I like the weight and the reticle works out to 600 on game. I would prefer a dial scope but not for the weight penalty. These scopes are only 13oz, pair that with talleys and your scoped for a pound.

[MountainTi]

Just weighed 4-6.5 RPM 140gr shells (which the WBY TI holds). 4.1 oz's

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by LJalberta

The SWFA that I currently have on it is 21.16oz.

I like the glass on the Swaro scopes - no doubt. But zero retention and repeatability on the Z5 and Z3 is not what I’m looking for.

I have had no issues at all with my Z3 and Z5 scopes holding zero, and I have had 6. I still use Z5 scopes on my two fo to big game rifles.

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by sheep

I have the Z3 2-10x42 with a brx or brh on most of my rifles. I like the weight and the reticle works out to 600 on game. I would prefer a dial scope but not for the weight penalty. These scopes are only 13oz, pair that with talleys and your scoped for a pound.

15 oz to be exact (medium rings)

[marky_mark]

Fwiw Barrett stopped making the field craft

[fps plus]

I put together a Remington 700 short action , Douglas featherweight barrel, MPI ultralight stock, Remington pad ,Conetrol bases and rings , 6 x leupold and it comes in at 6lbs . ( action has been modified for weight )

[700-223]

Originally Posted by Dean2

8LBs is not a light weight rifle in my books. Scoped, loaded and sling 6 LBs is Ultra Light, 7 lbs is light. Anything over that is a standard weight rifle. You can buy one that runs 6LBs ready to go right off the shelf in either cartridge, no need to build one. My 308 will launch a 150 grain bullet at 2950 FPS with 47 of 4895 powder and bunch less recoil than the two you are suggesting. In fact the PRC maxs out at 2880 with 59 grains of Retumbo powder and a 150 grain bullet.

Fair enough, an 8lb standard weight rifle. I don’t care for the ultralights - I’ve got a tikka compact lite in 243 that’s just over 7 lbs with an older Leupold vx-3 ultralight.

[700-223]

Originally Posted by sns2

Some may not like to hear this, but hey if the shoe fits...

All of us get wound up over this stuff as if it mattered, but in the end we know it really doesn't matter much if at all. We are just playing with grown up toys.

With component situations, there is no way in hell that I am buying a SAUM.

Love the idea of the 7 SAUM, but think you’re right on the money…. Was at cabelas this week and the ammo selection is still terrible. This could go on for a while…

[700-223]

Originally Posted by Dean2

My NULA in 308 with a 21" barrel is 6.2 lbs even with a full mag, swaro Z5 3.5x18x44 BRX in Talley rings. That scope has been on the gun for 15 years. I have never had to adjust the zero and you can't beat the glass. The new Weatherby will be in that range too in the right cartridge. The other guys have mention Kimber and Montana, Barret, The Forbes model 20, Sako carbon light, Starret and a couple of others.

https://www-fieldandstream-com.cdn.a...very-budget%2F

Like I said, not a big fan of the ultralights, but maybe I haven’t found the right one. The Fieldcraft, NULA, and particularly the Forbes do appeal to me. Has your NULA treated you well?

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by 700-223

Like I said, not a big fan of the ultralights, but maybe I haven’t found the right one. The Fieldcraft, NULA, and particularly the Forbes do appeal to me. Has your NULA treated you well?

I own many rifles, and have owned literally hundreds over the years. I can afford to hunt with any custom rifle of any type made, including bespoke Holland and Holland, Purdy and those of that ilk. I chose to use the NULA for the past 15 years as my go to hunting rifle, so yes it has treated me great. I would strongly recommended ordering one while they are still available. The NULA is $4500, the last Holland and Holland, base price is $100,000 and it takes no work to run one up to about $300,000, especially in left hand.

[marky_mark]

I wouldn’t buy or set up an ultra light rifle
My carbon fiber titaniums weigh usually 6.5 ish lbs bare
A 7.5-8 lb rifle is fine for any application
Talley rings and ultralight scopes…. Pass
6.5 prc has lapua brass
7 saum has agd
The 7’s have better bullet options than the 6.5’s
If you found a nula or Barrett in 270 I would think about it
If your starting fresh, nope
I’d your looking to shave weight for a hunt buy a lighter pack, or sleeping bag, or clothes. Or just take less clothes
It’s goofy to compromise your shooting system for the sake of a pound or 2

[marky_mark]

Adg is making brass for the 300 wsm also

[buckman]

Originally Posted by marky_mark

I wouldn’t buy or set up an ultra light rifle
My carbon fiber titaniums weigh usually 6.5 ish lbs bare
A 7.5-8 lb rifle is fine for any application
Talley rings and ultralight scopes…. Pass
6.5 prc has lapua brass
7 saum has agd
The 7’s have better bullet options than the 6.5’s
If you found a nula or Barrett in 270 I would think about it
If your starting fresh, nope
I’d your looking to shave weight for a hunt buy a lighter pack, or sleeping bag, or clothes. Or just take less clothes
It’s goofy to compromise your shooting system for the sake of a pound or 2

Absolutely, the rifle is your most critical piece of equipment.Ultralight and steady shooting are an oxymoron for most hunters/shooters.