Model 7 Predator

[kyelkhunter3006]

Any one have it in .243?  Or any of the other calibers?  Good, bad, ugly?

[Graybeard]

Got two in .17 Fireball and .223. I had a .204 but wound up trading it back for the .223 since I had nothing to load for it and was heading out on a PD shoot. I had lots of .223 stuff so got it instead then didn't even take it out of the case on that hunt as I took four rifles with me.

The Fireball I've shot only factory ammo in as I've not yet gone thru the entire supply of it I bought up front. It will put five shots into a half inch using the Remington factory 20 grain load. Any PD inside 300 yards is dead even if the head is all that shows with this one. Beyond that the wind does nasty things to the little 20 grain pills but if it's calm (rare in PD shooting) then longer shots are no sweat.

I've really not worked with the .223 enough to find the best load for it and most of the load development I've done is with the Barnes 53TSX which I was hoping to try on deer but haven't had a chance to do so. I've found a few loads that shoot under an inch easily enough but so far nothing that cuts it to half that.

I don't have a .243 as I personally don't care much for the round. If they'd make the Predator in 7-08 I'd be first in line for it. Heck I'd take a .260 even if they'd offer it.

[kyelkhunter3006]

I was looking at the .243 for a dedicated coyote gun, with maybe a little deer hunting on the side.  Any dog within 500 yds would be in danger.  I love the .223 but I don't have much confidence in it past 300 yds.

I actually thought about buying one and then getting it rebored/rebarreled for the .260, but I could probably pick up a custom barreled gun from a small time maker for what it would cost to buy the rifle and have the work done.

Not many factory choices in .260 with a stouter contoured barrel.  Savage has on with a heavier contour, but the barrel is only 20".  I'd like a bit more barrel length.

[pastorp]

A #7 with a short heavy barrel should balance and shoot real good in 260rem. I rebarreled a older BLR with a heavier than factory pac-nor barrel in 260rem. and it is a great shooting gun balances much better than it did with the factory "pencil barrel". My BLR barrel is 20". 

Regards,

[fastchicken]

Are the Mod 7 magnum contour barrels the same dimensions as a 700 mag contour barrel [except length], or since the regular Mod 7s barrel is thin is the Mod 7 mag barrel just the same as a regular 700 sporter contour?

[Graybeard]

I only own one magnum rifle my M700 LSS .257 Whby Magnum but yes as best as I can tell the contour on it and the M7 Predators seems the same.

[1sourdough]

 I have a Model 7 Predator in 243. It was kinda an impulse buy off Gunbroker, used but very low round count when his wife didn't start hunting.  I do like it very much. I bought it as a coyote/deer rifle, though I do have a few other 243s that fill the bill. I did put a Model 700 Timney trigger in to replace the x-mark pro. That was a nice improvement, though I have to do a manual bolt release from the rear since that linkage is different.

    Overall it is a very pleasant to carry & shoot rifle. I only used it for a low key doe hunt & all I saw was a big buck. I've been using the M-L for most of my deer hunting lately.