7mm Calibers Comparison

The 7mm caliber range, encompassing bullet diameters from .277 to .285 inches, includes a variety of cartridges widely used in both hunting and long-range shooting. These calibers are popular for their versatility, offering a balance between manageable recoil, flat trajectories, and effective terminal performance. Here's a summary of the key calibers in this range and their applications:

• .270 Winchester (.277 inch): Range: Medium to long-range (up to 500-600 yards). Applications: Primarily used for hunting deer, elk, and similar-sized game. It's known for its flat trajectory and moderate recoil, making it a favorite among hunters for medium to large game in open country.

• .270 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) (.277 inch): Range: Long-range (up to 600-800 yards). Applications: Similar to the .270 Winchester but with a shorter case and higher velocity, offering improved performance at longer ranges. It’s effective for hunting larger game like elk and moose, especially at extended distances.

• .280 Remington (.284 inch): Range: Medium to long-range (up to 500-700 yards). Applications: A versatile cartridge for hunting a wide variety of North American game, from deer to elk. It offers performance similar to the .270 Winchester but with a slightly larger bullet diameter, allowing for heavier bullet options.

• .280 Ackley Improved (.284 inch): Range: Long-range (up to 700-800 yards). Applications: An improved version of the .280 Remington, providing higher velocities and better long-range performance. It’s popular for hunting larger game at extended distances, with increased accuracy and energy retention.

• 7mm-08 Remington (.284 inch): Range: Medium-range (up to 400-500 yards). Applications: A popular choice for hunting deer and similar-sized game. It offers lower recoil than the .270 Winchester and .280 Remington, making it suitable for youth and recoil-sensitive shooters while still providing adequate power for medium game.

• 7mm Remington Magnum (.284 inch): Range: Long-range (up to 800-1000 yards). Applications: Known for its long-range capabilities and power, it is widely used for hunting large game like elk, moose, and bears. The 7mm Rem Mag is also popular in long-range shooting competitions due to its flat trajectory and high energy retention.

• 7mm WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) (.284 inch): Range: Long-range (up to 700-900 yards). Applications: Offers performance similar to the 7mm Remington Magnum but in a shorter, more efficient case. It’s suitable for hunting large game at long distances and is valued for its accuracy and efficiency.

• 7mm SAUM (Short Action Ultra Magnum) (.284 inch): Range: Long-range (up to 700-900 yards). Applications: Designed for short-action rifles, it provides magnum-level performance in a more compact package. It’s effective for hunting large game at extended ranges with slightly less recoil than the 7mm Rem Mag.

• 7mm Weatherby Magnum (.284 inch): Range: Very long-range (up to 1000+ yards). Applications: A high-velocity, flat-shooting cartridge ideal for long-range hunting of large game. It’s known for its superior downrange energy and velocity, making it a favorite among long-range hunters and shooters.

• 7mm STW (Shooting Times Westerner) (.284 inch): Range: Extreme long-range (up to 1200 yards). Applications: Developed for ultra-long-range hunting, the 7mm STW is capable of taking down large game at extreme distances. It’s one of the most powerful 7mm cartridges available, offering high velocity and energy retention.

• .284 Winchester (.284 inch): Range: Medium to long-range (up to 600-700 yards). Applications: An efficient and versatile cartridge, originally designed for short-action rifles. It’s suitable for hunting medium to large game and is also used in some long-range shooting competitions.

• 7mm RUM (Remington Ultra Magnum) (.284 inch): Range: Extreme long-range (up to 1300+ yards). Applications: One of the most powerful 7mm cartridges, the 7mm RUM is ideal for long-range hunting of the largest game, including elk and moose. It delivers extremely high velocity and energy, with excellent long-range ballistics.

Summary of Applications:

• Medium Game (Deer, Antelope): .270 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, .280 Remington

• Large Game (Elk, Moose, Bears): 7mm Remington Magnum, .270 WSM, 7mm WSM, 7mm RUM

• Long-Range Shooting: 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm STW, .280 Ackley Improved, 7mm RUM

• Youth/Recoil-Sensitive Shooters: 7mm-08 Remington