To compare the two in my mind would be time better spent at the range shooting. I see the new cartridge introduced for the sake of something new, but there is really nothing wrong with that. As you can see the velocity race is a draw, unless you can find a game animal who can read ballistic charts. Although it would seem most gunwriters find favor with the new short mag. Remember though that the now, long mag, was the short mag when introduced all those years ago. Heres are some reasons we've been led to believe that new is the way to go:
1. Short/fat powder column is more accurate, lets not forget the less "felt" recoil. (My favorite)
2. With a 1/2" shorter action, its stiffer, making it flex less, there by a little bit more accurate. Example: 7/8" as opposed to M.O.A. Then you can use the prefix "Sub".
3. Because its shorter you can use a shorter barrel, 24 compared to a 26, or 22 as compared to a 24 and still have the equal to the longer barrel.
I've used barrel lentghs up to 26" in my cramped Wi deer blind, and barrels down to 18 1/2", I've never really felt hindered by barrel length, actually never really thought about it.
4. Lets not forget the factory advertised 10fps edge to the new short. Also that gunwriters get to go on hunts sponsered by the people who market these products. (Free hunts) Heck I'd make up advantages too.
5. Saving the best for last. With a 1/2" shorter bolt throw there's less chance for "short stroking" (gun writer term) there by eliminating the offending jam. Or another way of saying that a person doesnt know how a bolt action works. As a shooter/owner of the long mags, I've also have had experience with the new kid. I can say I won't be getting rid of any of my old favorites. Reduntantcy comes to mind in comparing.
24" is a good length to go in the 7mm Rem. Bullet choice is a matter of what you would like to try. Velocity is what you want to control. I've gone to reduced loads for my Wi. deer hunting. Shots taken between 35 and 120 yds. Yes you could say why not a 7mm08 or 308,( I do), but now I could use the term versatility. Any high velocity round is going to reek havoc on tissue giving you an excessive blood shot meat trimming job. If not a handloader you could try Remingtons reduced velocity factory loads. You could also go with a premium controled expansion bullet, somewhat eliminating the capillary explosiveness or try a, heavy for caliber, bullet, And yes they will expand on the thin skin of the lowly Whitetail Deer.
As far as a smooth bolt throw, try it with ammo, you'd be surprised as how the smoothness turns into jerky unpleasantness. ( I do realize that can't be done in the gun/grocery stores.), but if you have any of those shops that are on the endangered list, you know, The Gun shop, they might let you.
I own Rifles in all the popular makes Remington, Ruger, Winchester, and have had in my possesion to shoot extensivly Weatherby's, MarkV and Vangaurd, along with some commercial Mausers. There all excellent quality, but like anything there can be a lemon. Fortunatley in my experience there far and few between. Enjoy shooting.
CRASH87
