The crisp mountain air bites at your cheeks, the sun reflecting off the fresh snow. You’ve been glassing for hours, patiently scanning the timberline. Finally, a flash of brown – a magnificent bull elk, grazing peacefully at an impossible distance. You shoulder your rifle, settle the crosshairs, and squeeze the trigger. The elk drops instantly. This, the epitome of a successful hunt, is where the 7mm Shooting Times Westerner truly shines.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the 7mm Shooting Times Westerner (7mm STW), a powerhouse cartridge that has earned a dedicated following among hunters and long-range shooters alike. We’ll delve into its history, explore its impressive ballistics, examine its practical applications, and compare it to other popular cartridges.
A Blast From the Past: The Birth of a Magnum
The 7mm STW didn’t simply appear; it was born from a desire for more. The brain child of Layne Simpson, in collaboration with *Shooting Times Magazine*, this cartridge emerged to offer hunters and shooters a level of performance that exceeded existing options. Recognizing the potential, Simpson took the foundation of the .300 Winchester Magnum case, a proven and well-regarded design, and gave it a modern makeover. This starting point granted the 7mm STW its inherent strength and a significant capacity to hold a substantial amount of propellant.
The timing was right, as the need for a superior 7mm magnum cartridge was apparent. The landscape of 7mm magnum cartridges was becoming more populated, each vying for a top spot in the hearts of hunters. The 7mm Remington Magnum already existed and was widely used. The STW was a clear contender in this space. It didn’t just seek to fill a gap; it aimed to redefine the category, bringing more velocity and flatter trajectories to those seeking the ultimate performance. This new cartridge offered enhanced range and power, solidifying its place as a premier choice for those seeking exceptional long-range effectiveness.
Decoding the Numbers: Ballistics and Performance
The 7mm STW is more than just a name; its design provides the power for the extraordinary ballistics. Its case dimensions contribute significantly to its performance.
Bullet selection, a pivotal aspect of the cartridge’s capabilities, is a game changer. The 7mm STW shines when paired with bullets spanning from around one hundred forty to one hundred seventy-five grains. This range allows for a diverse array of uses, enabling hunters to tailor their choice to specific game. Lighter bullets can deliver blistering speeds, excellent for extending range or reducing wind drift, while heavier bullets offer enhanced penetration, making them perfect for the pursuit of larger, tougher game. The choice of bullet will be a key element in the experience with this cartridge.
The true measure of a cartridge lies in its ballistic performance. When loaded to its full potential, the 7mm STW delivers exceptional muzzle velocities. These speeds are directly related to the powder charge used and the bullet’s weight, but it’s reasonable to anticipate numbers pushing past the three thousand feet per second mark. Such velocities result in remarkably flat trajectories. This is vital for long-range accuracy, where even minor variances in bullet drop can lead to misses.
The terminal performance of the 7mm STW is another crucial element. This cartridge is renowned for its impressive knockdown power. Its combination of velocity and bullet weight delivers devastating energy on impact. This results in clean, quick kills, a critical factor in ethical hunting practices. On the target range, the 7mm STW offers the kind of performance that turns heads, and it’s always a thrill for the shooter who’s looking for exceptional distance.
Across the Landscape: Hunting and Long-Range Shooting
The versatility of the 7mm STW is one of its greatest attributes. It excels in a wide range of hunting scenarios, making it a favorite among dedicated hunters.
For the pursuit of large game, the 7mm STW truly comes alive. Hunters have successfully employed it to take down various game species, including deer, elk, and even bear. Its energy and accuracy make it effective across a range of distances. The 7mm STW is a suitable companion for the challenges that the terrain and game provide.
The cartridge’s appeal expands far beyond the hunting field. The 7mm STW has also garnered considerable recognition among long-range shooting enthusiasts. The cartridge is capable of remarkable accuracy at extended distances. Shooters consistently achieve impressive results at ranges that are considered difficult for many other cartridges. This capability is attributable to the flat trajectory and the cartridge’s exceptional energy delivery.
In the Workshop: Reloading the 7mm STW
For the handloader, the 7mm STW offers a world of possibilities. This is where a shooter can fine-tune their ammunition. The key to unlocking the full potential lies in careful component selection and precise reloading techniques.
Choosing the correct components is the start of the reloading process. Several reputable manufacturers provide brass casings for the 7mm STW. When selecting primers, make sure you choose ones suited to the propellant you are using. Powders, such as those that burn steadily with a wide range of bullet weights and velocities, are also available.
The reloading data is available from various sources. Remember that safety is paramount. Always start with the minimum recommended loads and work up carefully, monitoring for pressure signs.
There are also considerations regarding barrel life and recoil that are to be taken into consideration. The high velocities that the 7mm STW produces can lead to increased throat erosion, which may shorten barrel life.
A Matter of Comparison: Seeing How They Stack Up
To fully understand the position of the 7mm STW, it’s essential to make comparisons with similar cartridges.
The 7mm Remington Magnum, its primary competitor, has been a staple of the hunting world for decades. While the 7mm Rem Mag is a capable cartridge, the 7mm STW offers higher velocities and flatter trajectories, particularly when using heavier bullets. The STW’s superior ballistic performance at longer ranges often gives it an edge.
Another cartridge often considered in the context of the 7mm STW is the .300 Winchester Magnum. The .300 Win Mag is another popular choice, especially for larger game. While the .300 Win Mag can deliver more raw energy, the 7mm STW often provides a flatter trajectory and better long-range performance, especially with well-designed 7mm bullets. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference, the intended game, and the desired shooting range.
The Pros and Cons
Like any cartridge, the 7mm STW has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding both is essential for making an informed decision.
The advantages are substantial. The 7mm STW’s high velocity is a primary selling point. The flat trajectory simplifies aiming at long distances. Its effectiveness on a diverse range of game species makes it a versatile choice for the hunter.
There are drawbacks. Recoil is more significant than that of many other cartridges. The 7mm STW can be hard on the shoulder. Barrel life, as mentioned previously, might be shorter than other, less powerful cartridges. While factory ammunition is available, it might not be as widely available as for more popular calibers.
In Conclusion
The 7mm Shooting Times Westerner is a powerful and versatile cartridge. Its flat trajectory, high velocity, and exceptional performance make it a formidable choice for both hunting and long-range shooting.
The 7mm STW remains a relevant cartridge, capable of delivering impressive results in the hands of a skilled shooter. If you are considering a cartridge that combines long-range capability, power, and a wide range of applications, the 7mm STW is worthy of consideration.
Who might benefit from using the 7mm STW? Hunters seeking a high-performance cartridge for medium to large game, or those who enjoy long-range shooting will certainly appreciate the performance of this cartridge. With its reputation for accuracy and lethality, the 7mm STW offers a superb combination of power and flat trajectories. This makes it a solid option for both the experienced shooter and the avid hunter.
