I posted my idea over on Savage Shooters but have not had any replys as of yet so I wish to submit my idea here for your input.
I have been thinking of getting a barrel chambered for 7MM TCU for one of my 10FPs. On further considreation I have come to change my mind for several reasons to having it chambered to 7MM Bench Rest.
First I would like to get to a velocity level close to 2600 - 2650 with a Nosler 140gr BT.
I would also like to be able to seat the bullet to obtain maximum case volume for powder.
I also would like to have a very stable & consistant case with a small rifle primer.
The TCU I believe would come close to the target velocity but has its drawbacks shch as a very small shoulder that can make reloading difficult. Also to function in the magazine the bullet will intrude into available powder space.
The BR will equally be able to obtain the target velocity and possibly a slight bit more. With its legnth, long seating bullets will still leave room in the magazine. One of the big pluses to me is that this case can be made from 6MM BR cases made by Norma, Lapua and Remington. The Norma & Lapua cases use a small flash hole and the Remington uses a .080 flash hole. Most BR Shooters say that the small flash hole (.065) provides a more consistant ingition of the powder and the short/fat powder column is more consistant also.
I will also be using lighter bullets for varmints and the 140s will be used for deer in my neck of the country. They run small by my standards as I am used to the Northern Species of Whitetail in Minnesota, Wisconsin & Michigan. These run @ 75 - 100+# larger than here. My first in MN was 286# field dressed and my largest was in MI at 305# dressed for the luggage rack. Here my largest was 168# dressed and most that I've seen are about the same or smaller.
The barrel will start out at 24" and may be trimmed back to 20 - 22" as velocity is checked and will be of a medium heavy contour with a .750 muzzle diameter.
My questions to all of you are if you have had any dealings with a 7MM BR and what are your feelings on this project, Post em up, I'll be reading. Thanks for your time, Flint54