Thread: Where to from here with my 7WSM?

A frustrating day at the range today. I’ve been through almost a full box of 150 grain ABLRs trying to get them going at a decent speed but staying accurate.

Today’s effort was 2 x 2” groups at 100m and a 6” group at 240m, travelling at around 3000 fps with spreads of 45-60 fps.

So far I’ve tried:

- 4 x different powders (currently using Magpro)
- varying searing depth
- bedding rifle
- checking torque on action screws and scope rings
- lightening the trigger (it’s not great, but around 2lb)
- lapping the barrel

The best load seems to give 1.25” groups at 2850 fps. Okay for close stuff but I’d bought this as a long range tops / tahr gun.

I really like the specs of the ABLR but I’m thinking it’s time to give up on it! ELD-X maybe? 150, 162 or 175 grain?

Rifle is a near-new model 7 with a 6-18x50 Meopro scope and Dean Maisey varimax break in a laminate stock.

Im sure theres some 7WSM fans around here that can help.Results not that flash for the effort you putting in,bugger.

Rifles dont always like the projectile we want them to like.

I'm using Bertram brass. fed 210 primers and H4831sc with 168 Berger vlds. 150thou jump to the lands. one ragged hole groups out of my kimber Montana. 2830 fps and validated out to a thousand yards. found pressure at 2880 fps
nosler ablr can be an arse to get to shoot.
have also started a bit of development with win brass and fed 210, H1000 and 162 eldms and that looks promising. the charge weight ladder test shot one ragged hole over ten shots. looking like an easy one to get to shoot. got up to 2950 fps with no pressure signs.twenty thou jump to the lands. haven't tested any further yet as the vlds have been good on the deer I've shot with them so far.

Is it a factory barrel or a rebarrel job? I don’t remember Remington making them in that caliber specially in the 7 but my memory might fail me. ( I have saum in a 7).

Try PPU 160 grain projectiles. Probably not the type of projectile for long range stuff but them and 2217 work well for me out to 350. So might restore your confidence.

I’ve never had a lot of success with NLRAccubonds, very fussy which is a pity cos they do kill very well

I would obtain some rounds that are proven very accurate and try those - that will rule out any rifle barrel issue and then start again

I'd try 162 (or 180) ELD-Xs.

Accuracy issues with the ABLRs are not uncommon.

Try a 160 gn ballistic tip. If that works you can then try the std 160 gn AB and know it will shoot. Their BC is good enuff.

Does it shoot other projectiles accurately?
Before going to much further I’d try a simple flat base projectile, 150 - 160 gn with a proven powder in 7WSM (2213sc or 2217).
Run a ladder and record each shot so you can track what’s going on. You should find a node where several shots are closely grouped. Go from there.
If you can’t get accurate group with FB pill then it suggests something is wrong with with the rifle platform.
Check to make sure the mag box is not trapped & binding. I’ve been caught out with binding mag box in my 7SAUM in REM M7. The mag box should be able move slightly when the action is talked down.
Another trap with M7 is the stupid skinny rear action screw. Easy to strip & hard to get much torque into it. Tighten the rear action screw first with no pressure on front action screw. You should be able to get 15-20 in-lbs on it. Then torque down the front action screw which will also tighten up the rear.

162 eldm or x should be more than sufficient for all things near or far and way cheaper than LRAB's

Damage to the crown? If so, easy to have it recut.

Barrel twist rate?

As others have said, try a different projectile.

Has there been any ammo that shot well in it, talking about factory stuff mind?

Originally Posted by Friwi

Is it a factory barrel or a rebarrel job? I don’t remember Remington making them in that caliber specially in the 7 but my memory might fail me. ( I have saum in a 7).

Maybe rebarrel, it has what I’m guessing was a SAUM stamp machined out and WSM in its place