Thread: Bushpig 7mm - 7mm08 vs 284

18-20 is not a bush pig imo, 16 or less

Originally Posted by Pushover

My 2c is true bushpig ~16" barrel is intended for <200m shots. 7mm08 best

Do it all 0-500m better with 19-20" barrel the 7mm08 can do it or 284 will do it with ease

Just need a 308 at 16 to get out to 500

Originally Posted by Gibo

Just need a 308 at 16 to get out to 500

I agree. I think OP was talking about 7mm

Thanks. A 308 will get the job done, no question, but a 7mm seems to more optimised for the 140-160gr bullets?

Being a bush rifle, I would prefer going with a heavier bullet and as mentioned have some 175gr EldM. What bullet would you guys recommend?

Anyone with some load data/velocity/accuracy and barrel length that they will be willing to share in a short barrel 7mm? Any other suitable 7mm rounds worth considering? 7x64 ( can get Lapua brass)?

Shortest barrel that you would recommend in a 284?

7x57mm and something made by speer with big fat flat or round nose with lots of exposed lead.....keep some fancy pants sleak jobbies handy if long shot presents itself....but for true bush work..slightly slower big fatties are the ducks nuts. WHY I use 170grn speers in the mighty 270 win for bush work.
Ive got good simple 140grn loads that take care of the 300-400 yard shots (few n far between) I personally believe a lot of folks over complicate things and make life harder than needed.a good rifle fits shooter like a glove and comes up well in a hurry..calibre is pretty much redundant if you can place shot where its needed at 50 yards in a hurry,anything from .223 upwards will do bizo with chest shot on all bar big riled up stag....
you could load your 7mm 08 with above projectiles and be a happy camper...sure as God made little green apples if heaven forbid you were away for a weeks hunting and left amunition at home,the chances of picking up ammunition at local store are higher for 7mm-08 than the 284...

Thats a very good point especially when discussing what are really baby steps difference in theoretical performance.
Ready availability of ammunition when travelling goes to the top of the list even if you are a reloader. People have been known to leave ammunition behind or have it "stolen" by airlines.

20inch 300 wsm
But if you must then 7mm wsm
178s in the 30cal
Not sure about the 7mm proj
Plenty of grunt, short enough for bush
1 rifle for all jobs

@Smiddy, been considering the short mags, especially a 7mm WSM or similar but finding one to buy is a little challenging.

ok so will approach this from a different angle.....
why do you feel need for bigger than 7mm-08?????
what advantage are you thinking you will get by going wsm or the likes????
do you already have action lined up for custom build or are you going to buy off shelf?????
if going custom route,does your smithy have the gear to chamber in your wanted cartridge????
being a bush hobbit myself....if $$$$ wasnt issue and could purchase whatever I so desired..a bakail SXS in dirty 06 would just about have to be perfect all rounder and for dedicated bush work same in .45/70 would be unbeatable...... which ever barrel is most accurate gets a sleak slipperyish load made up for it for the odd longer shot (both cartridges capable out as far as you want to go if you can get the drop right,remember it wasnt until .50BMG was used that the 45 cal got knocked of for longest confirmed military kill) other barrel fed something big n soft and doesnt have to be knock you into next week fast either....
the 308 case necked up to the fat winchester round...357 think its called would be awesome contender aswell...they were made in the BLR at one stage....mate had one in rem mod 7 too.
you got to think about what end use is going to be and work out what you NEED projectile to be doing and go from there...... no point in spending huge amount of dollars and making barrel burner if the extra is just going to be wasted...like taking a ferrari testicleroaster down to new world to pick up the weekly groceries for family of five......

18-20” 284

@Longbow my 284 had a 17” barrel. It shot the 162 ELD-M as fast as 2750fps with Rel 17 although I settled on a load with 2209 at 2600fps. Run the numbers on that and you will be very happy for such a short rifle. It was a deadly killer. Many sika and reds died from 20 - 550metres. I’ve since sold it but would have another in a heartbeat.

Would 175gr eld in 7mm need a faster twist than some factory barrels?

Might get cramped for space in a short action 708.
I'd do 120gr to 150gr in 708 myself. Better trajectory and plenty punch on deer.

162eldm @2750 in long action .284 would be potent.

I had good success with 140gr eldm at same moderate pace in .260

Originally Posted by Longbow

@Smiddy, been considering the short mags, especially a 7mm WSM or similar but finding one to buy is a little challenging.

Yea mate that’s why I went with the 300, never looked back

Loving my 17" 7mm08, shooting 120gr ttsx at 2970fps, has been veridied on steel out to 685yds( more than what i want to shoot with it) and taken animals out to 210 so far, intended for close up stuff with the option to go wide if need be

Was single feeding 162eldx in a short 708 with 2206h and getting 2680. If it had a LA mag and bolt stop would have been able to mag feed.