JARACAL

Hey guys,

I’m looking for some advice. I own two rifles—a 7mm Rem Mag and a .303 British, but I pretty much only hunt with the 7mm. We mainly hunt the bushveld, but lately, we’ve started hunting more in the Free State and Kalahari due to better game prices.

Now, here’s the issue: Finding factory ammo for my 7mm Rem Mag is becoming a nightmare. Some dealers only have one or two boxes, and they’re often different brands—not to mention the insane prices. I started looking into reloading, but cases like Norma are around R4950 per 100… Ouch! At a recent visit to a dealer they told me that it's not worth bringing an 7mm Rem Mag stuff anymore ??

So, I’m seriously considering selling my 7mm Rem Mag and getting a 6.5 Creedmoor. Ammo is way cheaper, and there are plenty of options available. I know the 6.5 Creed isn’t ideal for bushveld, but I never take shots through thick brush—I always ensure I have a clear shot.

One big factor is cost—we’re a one-income household due to some challenges with my daughter, so every saving counts. I mostly hunt impala and blesbok, with the occasional blue wildebeest if the budget allows.

Would I be making a mistake by swapping my 7mm for a 6.5 Creedmoor? Keen to hear your thoughts!

Is reloading a option?

Thunderhead wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 1:17 pm Is reloading a option?

It's in the pipeline yes. But like I said cases are hell expensive and not so freely available from what I heard

Keep the cases from the factory ammo and reload that.

or buy these https://outdoorguru.co.za/product/norma ... brass-100/

What rifle is the 7mm RM?

Arnold wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 2:12 pm Keep the cases from the factory ammo and reload that.

or buy these https://outdoorguru.co.za/product/norma ... brass-100/

What rifle is the 7mm RM?

Baie dankie vir die link! Dis 'n Sako Deluxe Edition.

VX70 wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 1:08 pm
Would I be making a mistake by swapping my 7mm for a 6.5 Creedmoor?

YES

Yes reload for the 7mm. I am sure you will be able to source affordable components and equipment here if you patient.

If you're looking to change calibres for budgetary reasons, then you should be looking at a 308 or 30-06.
Unless you're buying premium bullets in the Creed (which will be expensive and hard to find), it's a bit light for blue WB. The cheap ammo is comparable to what is available in 308/30-06 price-wise, so there's no win in terms of cost.

Reloading does help but if you're one-gun, occasional shooter, then the pay-back is quite long.

Just be smart with your choice of friends

Please consider this?

Since

1. Your profile states that you live in Johannesburg,

2. Reloading is much cheaper,

3. Shooters tend to be friendly and helpful folks

ask around for someone who are set up for 7mmRM reloading, or at least experienced with rifle reloading?

I am pretty sure that someone here on the forum will be close enough to you, and willing to let you use their equipment and expertise to reload your own.

Thanks for all the replies, looks like the 7mm will be staying after all. I met up some some awesome people who will be assisting me going forward!

VX70 wrote: Sun Mar 30, 2025 7:15 am Thanks for all the replies, looks like the 7mm will be staying after all. I met up some some awesome people who will be assisting me going forward!

Die klein vreugdetjies