Author Topic: suggestions: 7-30 Waters vs 7-30 Improved (Bullberry) (Read 1568 times)

highplains52 · « **on:** May 01, 2005, 01:14:35 PM »

I am giving thought to adding a 7-30 barrel to my collection of one (7 TCU). I am leaning more towards the improved version-reason have read too much Ackley. Over the years, much has been cussed and discussed regarding the quality of the barrels from TC. So any thoughts on SSK, Bullberry, Bellm and any other custom shops would be appreciated. Thanks, Highplains

crawfish · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2005, 02:09:39 PM »

I have three BullBerry barrels, one Reeder barrel, and one SSK barrel all are quality pieces of work. Reeder has a cartridge called the 7GNR. This is what he says about it on his web site; Next up is our 7 GNR, one of our most popular and easiest to make. This one is formed by shooting 7X30 in its chamber. The 7 GNR was not intended as an improvement on the 7X30 as it was developed 2 years before the 7X30 came out. In fact we used 375 Winchester brass when we first developed it. The 7 GNR will almost match the 7mm Mauser when shot in 15 inch or longer. In a 14 inch Contender it will do an honest 2600 fps with a 130 gr. bullet. Great for deer-sized critters and great at long range. Any 7X30 Contender can be rechambered to 7 GNR. I like Reeder wildcats. I have two of them. They shoot well and seem to be well though out. Just my $0.02.

highplains52 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2005, 02:42:37 PM »

Thank you Crawfish for your insight. From your response, I assume you may have the 7 GNR? Reviewing the Reeder website, the neck length of the7 GNR appears abnormally short vs the 7-30 Waters and the 6.5 JDJ. What problems i.e pressure, 'proper tension' of the bullet, etc may be created with this short neck?

Thoughts regarding the recoil, as I would configure the cartridge in a 14 inch barrel for use in my pistol?

Thanks, Highplains

crawfish · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2005, 04:48:14 PM »

Sorry this has taken so long. I was out a few days having my shoulder evaluated for a second re-build. The neck although on the short side is more than enough for a single shot pistol. Gary says that you dont need to crimp but as a matter of course I do lightly apply a taper crimp. That short neck does turn the 7X30 Waters into a real thumper. I have it in a 14 inch Contender that is braked and put it in my moderate recoilers. I do like it much better than a .44RemMag. Gary does good quality work. Back five years ago his turn around was faster but he became known so now you have to wait. The quality and value is still there though.

hutch · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2005, 04:47:44 AM »

Hello,

I have the SSK 14" 7-30 JDJ and it does with the 140's what the 7-30 Waters does with the 120's.
The barrel shoots MOA with the load data supplied with the barrel. The recoil is not bad at all and does the trick on deer out to 200 yards with one shot.

Hutch

flintlock54 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 08, 2005, 05:37:12 PM »

I own a Gary Reeder custom 20" contender bull carbine barrel in 7 GNR. Costly yes, but a very high quality barrel fit and finish. No regrets. Fireform factory 7x30 waters or use virgin 30-30 type brass with a false shoulder. Barrel shot one hole cluster @ 100 yards fireforming with factory ammo. First handload just as accurate. Easiest barrel I ever worked up a load for. The short neck has never been a problem. Also have a 11" 356 GNR barrel. The 356 GNR is 41 Magnum brass bottle necked to 38 cal.

highplains52 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 08, 2005, 06:19:01 PM »

Thank you all for your comments and directing to me towards Gary Reeder's website. The e-mail/quote I received from Gary is in-line with SSK and Bullbery. One never goes wrong when paying for quality. I do feel that after further communication, the barrel does need to be ported. Again thanks for your contributions.

from the highplains of Wyo

Darrell H · « **Reply #7 on:** May 09, 2005, 03:01:45 PM »

My favorite Contender barrel is my 15" 7-30 Improved Bullberry barrel. It is very accurate. I'm not sure what you mean by "needing porting." I wouldn't consider porting anything in the 7-30 improved category but that's just me.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

X

xphunter · « **Reply #8 on:** May 10, 2005, 02:12:26 AM »

Mike Sirios On Target Technologies can rechamber or start from scratch, David White can rechamber or make you a barrel stub. MikeB. will be doing barrel work in the near future I think. All of the men/companies mentioned have turned out good work. There are a couple of 7mm wildcats that are in the same performance level or a pinch higher that works in the Contender if you are interested.
David White just got through building me a 6-284 XP-100 (still breaking in the barrel) and I have Contender barrel that MikeB. built that I intend to use @ 1000 yards.