7mag barrel length

[kbhillhunter]

I have a stock Remington 700 ADL 7mag that comes with a 26 inch barrel. I'd like to make this my designated elk gun. I'm converting it to a BDL platform on synthetic stock that weighs 2.2lbs, and looking for ways to trim back the weight a little but also make easy to carry and handle in the field. Not looking to go UL, as I do want a little heft to absorb some recoil. But one thought is cutting the barrel back to 24 inches.

I've read a fair amount of content on the average loss of fps when cutting a barrel back. What i'm still unsure of is:

Is loss of fps as big a factor if my self imposed shot distance is 300-400 yards, and does it have a comparable effect on retained energy?

Does the 7mag get hamstrung with a barrel of this length or does it still offer the advantage of shooting a magnum cartridge? If it's ballistically indistinguishable from say an 06, I'm wondering if maybe I shouldnt saddle myself with the increased ammo cost.

Has anyone else cut a standard barrel back this length, and if so, how much weight loss did you see?

 

[Pelican]

Cutting it back to 24” won’t result in a meaningful loss in velocity for 300-400 yard shots.

 

[Doublecluck]

Does the gun shoot good? You realize a sporter barrel weighs like 2-3 lbs and your talking about cutting 2” off the narrowest part. Might save 3-4 oz if your lucky. 7 is still a killer with a 24” tube

 

[noharleyyet]

Leave it be and let it burn all that glorious propellant.

 

[mtmuley]

Leave it be and let it burn all that glorious propellant.

Faster is better and two inches of barrel is not much weight savings. mtmuley

 

[AggieOutlaw]

Weight isn't everything. Sometimes a shorter sporter barrel stiffens it and provides improved accuracy. Sometimes it's easier to carry and swing a 22-24" rifle in the woods. But I like the longer barrels for long action belted magnum.

 

[klampson]

I have several 7mm Rem mags with different barrel lengths. I find that 24" is a good compromise, it's easier to carry in the brush and timber than a 26" barrel, and the length still doesn't handicap velocity. Plus you mention a max range of 300-400 yards, the elk won't know the difference. Good shot placement and a quality bullet = dead elk....

 

[nrpate05]

I'd probably cut it back. 26" is a lot of tube and I think it would be pretty cumbersome to carry around in the woods. Not from a weight standpoint, but just from having a longer rifle. You probably won't notice the velocity drop and accuracy may improve, but it may not.

 

[mtmuley]

A 23 inch RUM? Interesting. Heavy bullet too? mtmuley

 

[HighDesertSage]

Leave it

 

[sbhooper]

I'd probably cut it back. 26" is a lot of tube and I think it would be pretty cumbersome to carry around in the woods. Not from a weight standpoint, but just from having a longer rifle. You probably won't notice the velocity drop and accuracy may improve, but it may not.

I have shot 26-inch 7 mags for many years. They are not cumbersome at all, in the elk country. I'll always select the longer barrel on a rifle. But, then again, a few ounces in weight does not bother me.

 

[375H&H]

If you trim the barrel to 24” you won’t notice any difference in regards to terminal performance.

 

[88man]

Worry about something else and don't cut the barrel. Use the time and money on something else.

 

[cahunter805]

Leave it 26”. Easier ways to save some ounces like Talley lightweight rings, lighter scope, lighter weight stock.

 

[std7mag]

My Savage 111 is 24".
Friends Browning A Bolt White Gold Medallion REMF is 26".
Mossburg Patriot is 22".

Me, i prefer the 24". Makes it perfect to put a brake on.