So I had an expensive week by ordering a Manners LRH, a Terminus Zeus Quick Change Action, and currently tracking down parts to complete the build. I’m definitely will be adding a Proof 6 CM (22”) and 223 (20”) barrel but now I’m thinking about adding a magnum bolt as well and will consider the 7 Sherman Short and/or the 338 Sherman Short. I originally was going to get a long action Terminus (and likely still will in time) but the short action has a much shorter wait time (4-6 weeks vs. 12+ weeks) so I went ahead and ordered that one since I was able to find the Manners LRH completed that was available (for a day anyway).
So question, does anyone have experience with any wildcats… in particular the Sherman Shorts? Essentially it seems like a “7 SAUM AI” but the performance is a bit closer to the 7 PRC I was planning on building on the Terminus Zeus LA but since this build fell into my lap I’m looking at alternative magnums. I was thinking about the 6.8 Western too but since the loaded ammo seems to be of mixed quality (to be nice about it) I’m considering other alternatives. I could hit the “easy button” and do a 300 WSM but that seems a little boring to me.
I’m a complete reloading novice but I have plenty of manuals (Hornady, Nosler, Lyman, etc) and of course the videos here but I’d need a reloading setup that I was planning on anyway (Area 419 Zero/AutoTrickler/etc). I’ve seen many threads on Sherman Cartridges on various forums by but wanted to ask a few questions here where they may not be as easily lost.
I have a buddy with a 7 Sherman short and he loves it. Really cool cartridge that would be very popular if it were backed by a major manufacturer.
Keep in mind that, with all wildcat cartridges, the advertised speeds are almost always way over pressure because reloaders are anecdotally saying there is no pressure unless they see signs on the brass—but often that only happens when you’re 10k psi above actual max pressure already. My point is that if it’s loaded to what people call max, it’s not super safe unless you back it off a bit.
Anyway, I think you’re on the right track 7SS would be awesome, and if Lapua ever makes brass for 6.8 western I’d definitely build one.
Sure and that’s true regarding the Sherman Wildcats… a few things that I’ve noticed is that the vast majority of people are getting advertised speeds with 24”+ barrels and what seems to be really hot loads without regard for what the speeds are for max accuracy.
I’m leaning towards the 7 SAUM or 300 WSM more since this post. I can get either in factory/custom loadings in a pinch until I’m set up for reloading.
At a minimum the 7 SAUM is going to just about match my 280AI with lighter weight bullets and outrun it by a little with the heavier stuff. I’m considering the Barnes LRX 168, the Berger 180 VLDH ,or the Berger 175 Elite Hunter as preliminary options.
With the 300 WSM I’m considering the Barnes 180/200 LRX or TTSX options or the 180/190 Bergers.
In any case, thanks for your response. It was the 338 SS that really got me interested then I started looking more into the 7’s while I was on their site. Certainly interesting but I’m not interested in 26” barrels personally for my usage.