Can I get a barrel in 7MM Rem Mag?

[SmokyMtnSmoke]

I just picked up a 3 month old ( bought new just for the hunting season) Handi in 25-06 with a BAS 3-9x50 for $175.

Is there a source or re-chamber option to get a barrel in 7MM Rem Mag?

TIA
Smoky

[quickdtoo]

There is no source for a 7mag barrel and no gunsmith would likely rechamber a Handi barrel to it since the SAAMI MAP of the 7mag is 61kpsi with a case head diameter of .513", too much case head thrust for an SB2 frame and more importantly, the soft underlug. If you want to approach 7mag ballistics, get a 280 Remington barrel, with it's 26" barrel, you'll be right on the heels of the 7mag's performance.

Tim

[lik2hunt]

I just picked up a 3 month old ( bought new just for the hunting season) Handi in 25-06 with a BAS 3-9x50 for $175.

You got a GOOD deal!

[wcf3030]

There is no source for a 7mag barrel and no gunsmith would likely rechamber a Handi barrel to it since the SAAMI MAP of the 7mag is 61kpsi with a case head diameter of .513", too much case head thrust for an SB2 frame and more importantly, the soft underlug. If you want to approach 7mag ballistics, get a 280 Remington barrel, with it's 26" barrel, you'll be right on the heels of the 7mag's performance.

Tim

Good advice.
The only difference you will notice is less recoil.

[Mac11700]

There is no source for a 7mag barrel and no gunsmith would likely rechamber a Handi barrel to it since the SAAMI MAP of the 7mag is 61kpsi with a case head diameter of .513", too much case head thrust for an SB2 frame and more importantly, the soft underlug. If you want to approach 7mag ballistics, get a 280 Remington barrel, with it's 26" barrel, you'll be right on the heels of the 7mag's performance.

Tim

Good advice.
The only difference you will notice is less recoil.

And more money in your wallet

Mac

[GeorgiaDave]

Greetings from Georgia,

   I think Quick summed it all up concerning a 7mm Mag in a Handi. There are some limitations when considering introducing some cartridges into a handi rifle. I would love to have a 300 Mag in a single shot Handi, but it is the magnum performance really needed, not for me.  The .280 shoots the same bullet as a 7 Mag and is only slightly behind in velocity. I must ask, is the "Magnum" really needed to harvest game ? Assuredly not. A lot of people are lured into the magnum realm simply because it is faster and flatter than what they have now, not because their non magnum guns are inadequate. Yes, I have several bolt mags, but when I unlock my safe and remove my weapon of choice for that particular hunt, I always ask myself, " What do I need today ?" My choice is ususlly modest, either a .308 Handi or .280 Handi for the long shots, or if hunting close the Old 45/70.

   Sure, the 7 Mag is  awesome, fast, flat and accurate, but it just does not fit into the persona of a simple push button rifle like the Handi. If you research and study information on the .280 rem. I bet you will agree that it is quite capable of doing everything that you would ask of a 7mm Mag. Good luck and God Bless.

Dave

[SmokyMtnSmoke]

GeorgiaDave, I agree with you about magnums for harvesting game. I like my .308 with Hornady Light Mag for most of my hunting. With that being said I still would like a Handi in 7mm Rem Mag. Why a 7mm RM you ask, well I'd like to have a long range gun with some knock down power when the bullet arrives on it's target. This short, but to the point, article makes some good scense http://www.switchbarrel.com/Enough.htm.

I know I can get a barrel for my Savage 110 LA but thought I'd rather have it in a Single Shot Handi that would make a good platform for some target plinking.

Even though the .280 will mostlikely be added to my gun rack, the 7MM RM is sort of like the .308 and 30-06 as it has been around for a very long time, has many loads avalible but is also avalible most places around the globe (not that I'm a globe trotter just that it is usually ready avalible).

BTW I too am in Georgia. I'm NW of Atl up I-75. Where are you?

[kennyd]

Get the .280.  I have a Ruger 1 in 7 mag. and when I chronographed some of the loads I found that they were around 200fps under the manual's stated velocity.  So much for believing everything the book says.  Have you looked at the premium bullets for .25?  Something like an XLC may do everything you want, without the second barrel, depending on where you hunt.