7mm rem mag vs 7mm STW

[rusty75]

I am about to order a sako 75 hunter in either 7mm rem mag or 7mm stw.  I do not handload, but i am impressed by the ballistics chart of the 7mm stw.  is there enough of a performance advantage to get the STW?  how readily available are bullets for the 7mm stw?

[longwinters]

Now granted I do not live by a Cabelas or ProBass Shop, but I have never seen 7mm STW ammo in any store.  The STW (story times western) does compare well with the Weatherby 7mm, but be prepared for a fair amount  more recoil and higher cost ammo than your typical 7mm.    To me, unless you like the hopped up versions of standard calibers, they are not worth the recoil and cost.  I had a choice between a Sako in 7mm Weatherby (which I bought) and a Sako in 7mm STW.  After several outings to the range the rifle got sold.  For me it was too much recoil to be enjoyable at the range . . . and I spend a lot of time at the range with my hunting rifles.  By the way, I still have Sako rifles.  One in 308 and the other in 280.  
Long

[swecology]

I've only seen the ammo once, in one shop in downtown Mesa, Az.  

I would be very concerned about ammo availability and the level of recoil that you will encounter.  Stay with either the 7mm Rem Mag or the 7mm WSM.

If you purchase this, consider the installation of a Sims Limbsaver recoil pad (if it doesn't already have this).  Not a Pachmyer or anything else, but a Sims.  It is the best one on the market to date; I had spinal surgery in June and they go a long way to manage the recoil.  I've had them installed on my 12 ga., 25-06, 30-06, 30-30, and the new 7mm WSM is in the shop getting one.  I won't shoot the 7mm without one.

Also consider using a PAST Recoil Shield, if you can.  It's minimal cost will pay off in lessend pain.

Matt

[tbmaker]

I shoot a 7 STW for just that reason, performace over the Rem mag.
But I have as a specialty rifle, I never planned on seeing how often I would need to take it to the range. I have plenty of other rifles to plink with from the bench.
It does recoil plenty and I knew this going in.
What niche are you trying to fit?
For general purpose I would go with the Rem Mag. Just plain more common every where in everything.
Loads for the STW,
Remington loads a 140gr Core Lok and 160 Swift A frame.
Federal offers 160 Accu Bond and 150 Trophy.
Winchester offers 150 Power Point and 160 Fail Safe and 140 Silver Tip.
Plenty of variety.
I've shot 140 CL, Win 150 PP, and Fed 160 Sierra BT (disc.)
All shot well in my Savage. Have harvested 4 deer so far with it.
Your choice.
Wayne

[Dufur]

It all depends on what you consider an advantage.  Is 200 fps significant?  A couple friends of mine use the 7 STW.  I use a 7 Ultra,  Mod 700 LSS.  They shoot 140's up around 3500 fps.  I think they load a little hot though.  I get close to 3500 with factory ammo ( 140 partition ).  I know that I could handload and probably improve on that somewhat.  The 7 Ultra is on average 50-100 fps faster that the Stw.  The STW is faster than the 7 rem mag.  The 7 weatherby is only marginally slower than the 7 Stw.  Some people get real big speed numbers, but once again there are people out there that are comfortable loading pretty hot too.  Basically the STW will cut a couple or few inches off your trajectory @ 400 yds from a 7 rem mag.  all things being equal.  choose your poison and have fun shooting!!

[Dufur]

I just realized that you are only going to use factory ammo.  In that case I'd just go with the 7 rem mag.  Many more choices in factory ammo.  Cheaper too.  The STW benefits from handloading and factory ammo options are somewhat limited and more expensive.  Weatherby ammo is $$$$.  7 ultra ammo is real limited and pricey also.

[tbmaker]

Dufur, that's why I picked the STW over the Ultra, ammo selection. And rifle selection, I like the Savage Weather Warrior.
Like I said earlier, this is a specialty rifle, every inch counted within reason. The STW is backed off on powder to get consistency, pressure problems common.
The factory selection is plenty good, as long as you plan. I can find some loads easy here in MN. others I just mail order. Go hunting with plenty of ammo on hand, don't expect to find them just any where.

[Grubbs]

I see no practical advantage of the STW over the 7mag.  You can get factory Hornady heavy mag running 3250 fps with 139 gr sst interlokts.  I fail to see how the extra fps in the stw has any advantage at actual hunting ranges.  In my opinion the stw will slowly lose popularity over the next few years due to the short mags and ultra mags from the big boys.

[tbmaker]

Not to argure too much.
I don't see the STW going too soon.
7 different loadings by 3 different companies. Federal just added the new Nosler accubond bullet to the STW line. New loads, must be selling.
The ultra has ?  One or two by one company?

[BKS]

I have a 7STW and like it. BUT, I won the rifle and scope.  The rifle is very fast and kills them DEAD :shock: . But the ammo is very expensive for the gain over a 7 remmag. The yelllow&Green box remington is 24.99 and Winchester Ballistic Silvertips are $28.99. To me it is worth the extra money if you just want to have something different, also the recoil is tough, at least to me. So far my rifle is five for five. It also has a very distinct report in the woods.

 Let us know what you decide

[Bear Wallow]

Go with the Rem there is no practical advantage with STW

[Corbin Gunsallus]

I have a Ruger No. 1 chambered in 7mm stw. I would'nt trade it for
  a 7mm of any kind.With my 140 gr. Balistic tips and 74 grs. of H 4831.
  It shots around 1.25" groups. If anyone has a good recipe I would like
  to try it.

[mag41vance]

I have a Ruger No. 1 chambered in 7mm stw. I would'nt trade it for
  a 7mm of any kind.With my 140 gr. Balistic tips and 74 grs. of H 4831.
  It shoots around 1.25" groups. If anyone has a good recipe I would like
  to try it.

 You may want to post that question at the link below.
http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewforum.php?f=46

[X-man]

I'd go with the 7mm Rem Mag. Comparable performance with a much greater choice and availability of factory ammo. The STW is supposed to be a bit of a barrel burner as well. By the way, I was under the impression STW were the initials for "Shooting Times Westerner" can anyone comment on this?

[victorcharlie]

That's the way it's listed in the Hornady reloading manual.  Shooting Times Westerner was designed in 1989 by Layne Simpson a gun writer for Shooting Times.  The Remington 8mm Magnum is the basis for the Cartridge.

[Zachary]

I own several 7 rem mags, and 1 7 ultra mag.  

I don't own an STW, and for good reason.  First, the Ultra Mag is faster than the STW.  Second, finding ammo is difficult.  And Third, there really is no real noticeable difference between the 7mag and STW.  Yes, the STW is faster, but when you take all of the factors into consideration, it really isn't worth it in my opinion.

While manufacturers are slowing down production of factory 7 Ultra Mag ammo because the Mega Magnum craze has slowed down, the Ultra Mag is still more popular than the STW,  which is being phased out more and more every year.

Out of all the three, I would pick the 7 Rem Mag.  It has been a tried and true 7mm shooter for years, and for good and many reasons.

Zachary

[jackfish]

Its obvious you need to get that SAKO in 7x64.   :-)