I wish my 75 year old good buddy would allow himself to move beyond 1972, he is stuck in the past and won’t believe that this is achieved more and more, with modern technology bullets and rifles have came along ways. The whole industry has came leaps and bounds. A 4” group at a mile is impressive, I love Ron Spomer Outdoors
4" at a mile sounds more like luck to me than practical accuracy. I only say that because the wind can blow at different speeds and different directions within that distance. Plus when I've watched some highly skilled shooters shoot at 1 mile to hit a milk jug, often times that bullet dances around the jug just due to calling the wind. Not saying this guy is lying or anything, but there's just too much environmental affects going on for that to be consistent accuracy. Either way, he's got one heck of a gun there.
@@toddk1377 yup definitely luck involved. But a good shooter knows how to make luck! If one of us fired 200 rds at a target that far away there is little chance 3 out those would be within 4” of the bullseye.
That’s the first time I’ve seen the color red on a gun that I like the look of. That’s a fine rifle and shoots great with this man behind the trigger. Thanks Braxton and Ron for sharing this and all your outdoor post. Good shooting to ya all. 🎥💯👍
You can do the same with 25-06AI or any wildcat chamber IF "and it's a big IF" you get your chamber cut by a competent gunsmith. My 223ai groups the same at .300" with 223 or 223ai. The only difference is 300fps faster in the 223ai
I've been thinking for a while to turn in my 30-06 into AI, but I don't want to buy new reloading dies since AI dies are much more expensive than regular, I only resize the neck would I have to buy new reloading dies? Edit: to be more specific I have the Lee classic loader so I'm using a neck resizer with a rubber mallet, and that's all the resizing I do, I only keep, and reload my 06 brass.
@@linkbond08 the only thing that you really gain from ackley improving the 30-06 is stopping case growth. You might get 3 grains more powder capacity. So if you don't like to trim brass then it's a good option and you might gain 50fps with handloads. Generally speaking and this is just a rule of thumb statement..... but the smaller the projectile and smaller the original case volume.... the more you gain from the A.I. conversion. 223ai gets you 22-250, 22-250ai gets you 22 creed, 280ai gets you 7mag...kinda.
@@joshuamagill4342 that’s impressive ! Can you share a little bit more information on you rifle / set up ? I have a.280 Remington( Winchester model 70 featherweight) I will always keep it as it’s my favorite rifle , but I’m looking to get a .280 AI just to tickle my fancy and entertain myself ( just another gun guy and his toys ya know )
I have since had a 22” proof carbon fiber barrel chambered for it, and it’s very similar to my wife’s 6.5 creedmoor with the same brake in the video. Phenomenal performance in a light setup. It’s running 190 a tips in a 22” pipe just shy of what a friends 7mm rem mag is pushing 190 LRHT’s with a 260 pipe. It’s really impressive!
Pretty cool video. I consider myself more of an avid hunter that like to shoot than anything. However yesterday I was at Straight Jacket Armory in Evanston WY yesterday and seen some of the coolest stuff I have ever seen. The gentleman there was excited to show me around and you could really see he loves what he does. While I was there we took a barrel blank and turned it into a 300 PRC. He showed me the whole process. I learned more in that 30 min about guns and barrels than I have in 40 years of shooting. It’s very cool to see this video after that visit and see a similar rifle in action. Mad respect for the ability these shooters and rifle builders have. Congrats on beauty you have there Braxton!!
4 inch group at a mile.... That's freakin insane!!! Someone sitting on the edge of a bean field in a box blind with this rifle would be a white tails worst nightmare... LOL Great video as always and really cool rifle!!!
@@dahut3614 I'm not talking about shooting a deer at a mile I'm referring to what use to be called a "bean field gun" meaning a heavy long barreled rifle chambered in a flat shooting cartridge made back in the day to be shot across a bean field at deer normally out of a box blind or even a bench... LOL
@@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast right Ron. I've tried it multiple ways and the thing is, there's no way to tell. Every barrel is a bit different and how can we know "what could have been". Probably, like so many things in shooting, it's a debate that will continue. Thanks for the reply. Cheers, Jeff
I’ve gone away from barrel break in. I go out and shoot it. I used to be cautious and have noticed it doesn’t make a difference. I’ll clean my rifles once per year and call it good enough. I won’t get too rambunctious with my handloads until I hit 150-200 rounds, depending on if I’m seeing it speed up still or if it’s leveled out. Then I’ll crank them up and find my first signs of pressure and figure out where my upper node is for my powder charge and I’ll run it in the middle until it doesn’t group, then I’ll strip the barrel entirely of any fouling. Usually works pretty well.
@@justdewitt4483 it’s a 1:9” twist. At the elevation I shoot at 1:9 is the bare minimum. I have a new barrel being spun up soon in this same chambering, this next barrel is a 22” proof carbon fiber. I’ll be doing some testing with it then Ron and I will get back together and get it stretched way out.
Looking for an elk rifle years ago, I was impressed with and ended up buying a 7mm magnum Remington. Got my elk at 350 yards. This doesn’t surprise me. Good shooting!
Looks like an Ackley improved, 284 I always liked, the best group I ever shot was sub one tenth of an inch for a 20-round group, the first group I fired with my 7 mm Magnum Ruger Model 77. It was definitely accurate. I believe that that group measured out .049 in Center to Center spread.
I'm pretty sure the world record bench rest group is something like .251" with a .243" bullet for 10 shots. So having a .284" bullet making about a .338" hole for 20 rounds.....out of a ruger 77....is very hard to believe. Very very hard to believe. You are saying that your ruger 77 is shooting better groups at 100yds than the guys and rifles that shoot 1,000yd Fclass? I think you missed at least 1 decimal place to the left maybe 2.
🤠 Last week I drove all around my state looking for primers (to more than 100 gun stores, but did not find any) - I did load up on other supplies though! In my travels, I stopped in to Cooper Firearms in Stevensville, Montana to look at their rifles! They are a Custom Shop that Guarentees 1/2 MOA for all their rifles and they were nice! So, if anyone is looking for an accurate rifle at an affordable price (especially for a custom gun, their base model - the Laminent Sporter- starts at $2,375), you may want to check them out! 😁 And, no, I am not connected to them in any way! 😂
I have 3 Savage Axis ( 223 , 243 , 2506 ) they all shoot right around 1/2 in at 100 yds. I do hand load . Maybe I should buy a more expensive rifle !!!….. OR NOT ! Oh I forgot to add that they all wear $ 150.00 scopes. Maybe I should buy a Nightforce scope . OR NOT !……
🤭 Ha Ha! 🤷♂️ Your decision! 🤔 For all the other expenses involved, I say why not? 😏 The rifle will retain it's value and may pay off if Mr. Big steps out of the woods! 🦌 So, no use taking any chances! 😯 I like "Guarentees"! 🙂
🤔 Here is an example of why to do so! Let's say you want a 6.5 Western, but the only two rifles are Winchester and Browning that are chambering them - but you don't like their brand! Then let's say that you are also left handed, but they also don't make a left handed model in the caliber you desire! With a custom rifle you will get exactly what you want and need! You may prefer yours in a fluted barrel or mabey an octagon barrel! You may want a certain type of wood (I would like a Tigerwood Maple stock in mabey a thumb hole stock) - so, you can get exactly what you want and also know that your going to get a good product "Guarenteed"! I payed the same price for a Sako rifle as they are charging for their base custom model - which is a very pretty and durable laminent stock! Plus, you can get a stainless steel barrel that has a cerakote coating to protect from rust! All these "little" extras make a big difference in the field! I am willing to pay for quality, especially when you consider all the use you will get out of it and the cost of taking vacation time off and all the other expenses that go with hunting! It is a small price to pay, if you actually cost it out over a lifetime (and you can pass it on to your family when you die)! And, if you competition shoot, it is the only way to go! 🤷♂️
@@ronlowney4700 If that makes you feel better that’s ok with me but how many working rifles could have purchased for the the price of the custom one ? Are you going to take a 3 to 5 thousand dollar rifle to Wyoming or Montana and shoot the barrel out in a week on prairie dogs? No you take a $ 500 dollar rifle, shoot the barrel out then put a new $ 250 barrel on it . Would you rather fall down a mountain with a $ 5000 dollar or a $ 500 dollar rifle ?
🤠 Montana Mountain Man - Thomas, my big game rifles aren't for prairie dogs - I have other rifles for that task! And, since I live in Southwest Montana, I can easily hunt both states - as Wyoming is just a few hours from where I live! Plus, I don't "fall down the mountain" 🤪, hence my nickname (My friends also call me Ronbo, and for good reason)! Accuracy is very important to me and that is also why I reload! But, sometimes you do get what you pay for and the cost of doing a 3 week (or more) back country hunt ain't cheap! This year, since I live in Montana, I plan to do a 6 Week Back Country Hunt (because our hunting seasons are longer than other states)! But, if you cost out a $3,000 rifle for 30 years of use, that comes out to be only a $100/year - which is about the Cost of 1 Box of Ammunition for Most Calibers These Days - which is actually Quite Affordable for a Top Quality Rifle that is Customized to Your Tastes and is "Guaranteed" to Shoot 1/2 MOA Right Out of the Box! Cooper will send you their test targets, tested with the bullet that you plan to shoot! So, you know you are getting exactly what you paid for! That is my style, rather than buying a cheaper rifle and just "hoping" that it will shoot and not be a "lemon"! I "plan for the rest" not just "hope for the best" - I don't do anything "half assed"! 🤤 If that is your "preferred style", then go for it! 🥳 I plan to shoot myself a 400" class bull elk THIS YEAR (my last one was a nice 7×7 that scores in the 330"+ range - I rely on "skill" and "hard work", rather than just "luck" to "get the job done right")! "Weekend Warriors" seldom get a bull elk that big, but that is why I plan to always do it right (I always go the "extra mile" to "ensure success")! 🦌🏆 And these are all "self guided" hunts, because I know what I am doing - the "proof" is on my wall! 😜
As I understand it, Jack, the Sherman Max with 190-gr. Berger should seat properly at 3.090" COAL. That will fit many short action magazines, but more easily medium length magazines. The chamber is throated to work optimally with this long bullet.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcastwe need to get back together now that I’ve got the short Proof Carbon fiber barrel running. It’s running almost the same velocity as the 28” in this video in a 22”. I can get more out of it too.
@@RedBeardLongRange It would be great to hear an update on this combo. I'm a big WSM fan and was bummed to hear you moved over to the Sherman. But the Sherman sounds like one he'll of a cartridge and deserves a closer look. How about you give Ron a nudge and remind him to not leave us hanging!
@@eddieb4227 I just got my rifle finished up with a 22” Proof Resesrch CF barrel chambered in 7mm Sherman max. Should rival the 7 wsm as far as velocity goes. I’m waiting on new brass and die to match the new revision chamber. I loved my 7mm WSM, but I think the 7mm Sherman max is going to do the same thing now that I have a little faster powder and can spend some time running it. I won’t get too involved for a little while due to barrel break in, then I’ll get it running and see what exactly it can do in a nice light hunting setup.
@@eddieb4227 did a ladder today with H1000 and it’s sitting just shy of 2800 fps with no signs of pressure yet. Sub 100 rounds down the barrel in this 22” proof. It should gain about 100 fps between 150-200 down the barrel, and then I’ll really work on load development.
I’ve used COW before, I wasn’t a fan… I’d rather burn some bullets LOL seems to keep the headspace a little more consistent when there really isnt any way to do a false shoulder on this.
You can't use that method when bumping the shoulder. You'll stretch your brass at the web. Very bad for brass. Only 2 ways to do this properly...1 jam the lands as he's doing or..2 put a false shoulder which requires more preparation on the bench. My preference is jamming the lands and prevent the extra step
Look at 4:25 See the way he avoids putting his thumb over the top of the stock? I learned early on that it's the only way I could shoot well offhand and continued this method on the bench. Made me much more consistent. I've helped frustrated newbie offhand shooters who get stuck no matter how much they practice and seen instant improvement. If you show a bench shooter thumb over versus thumb forward versus free recoil or almost free recoil they can often see point of impact change radically, this shows that "grip" technique matters. Notice that Ron shoots with the classic hunters grip, he's got enough sense to keep the scope on a lightweight magnum hunting rifle from skull punching him 😃. Also notice the wind howling away, those groups would be even better with flags.
Anyone have experience with 7mm Sherman Short or 7mm Sherman Max in lighter rifle with a 22” barrel? The claim on their site seems to be that there is significantly improved velocity to powder volume ratio due to the short-fat cases and sharp shoulder. Are you able to reproduce 7mm rem mag velocities in a shorter barrel with these cartridges?
Stay tuned. I just had this rifle in the video rebarreled to a 22” proof research carbon fiber barrel in 7mm Sherman max. Im waiting on the /B die body, then I’ll be working up a mellow load for elk season. Then I’ll get the barrel broke in, and I’ll step on the throttle a bit. I’ll see exactly what a 22” pipe can do.
Lol 2-3 loadings out of the brass after fire forming and 800 rounds out of the barrel. Been down the sherman road, they'll run hard but you have to remember there are no free lunches.
Must have been doing something wrong then. I have a 28 Nosler which is hotter than this and get more than 2-3 loadings. Havent shot 800 rounds yet but I will probably get around 1k out of it at least.
@@Nick-sx6jm nope I had the 30sm built off the 300 prc didn't matter the brand of brass annealing didn't help any. Run them to full potential and you will wash a barrel out quick. I will concede that the christensen barrel wasn't as high quality as a bartlein or a brux.
@@tbrown91241 Weird. I haven't had any problems with brass life with just hornady brass other than me being dumb and wrecking a few pieces setting the shoulder back. Were you getting split necks or toasted primer pockets? Could have been a problem with how the chamber was cut considering it is a wildcat.
Not much gain. AI-inch a cartridge really pays off when the original case design has a lot of body taper and a really long and gentle shoulder angle. For instance you’d greater performance gains going from 7x57 to an AI chamber than from 7-08 to an AI chamber
@@K-bob_45 I think the thing that interests me in the 7-08ai is the improvement in one of my already favorite cases. I haven’t seen much about the 7-08ai so the unknown also peaks my interest. I guess the question is, is it worth it? If you’re building a custom rifle and only plan to run hand loads, I don’t see a reason not to build a 7mm-08ai. If you were already planning on building a 7mm-08 that is. Again the 7mm-08 is easily one of my all time favorite cartridges.
@@mrstangthang98 the question would become how much performance do you gain and is it worth the trouble. It’s my understanding that when shooting standard ammo in an AI chamber you can maintain accuracy but you may lose some velocity. What I’m getting at is you may only pick up 50-75 ft/sec but lose that much off saami ammo too. You could probably gain more by being choosy about your propellants than an AI chamber. Also if you like 7mm’s don’t overlook 284 win.
@@K-bob_45 in all honesty I have totally over looked the .284, I don’t know why. It seems like it was ahead of it’s time, and like it has loads of potential. According to Nosler load data the .284 is only about 30fps faster than the 7mm-08 with 150gr bullet. I’m not finding much about the 7-08ai online. But one gun builder did write an article on a few that he built. With 162gr bullets he was able to pickup 120-150fps over standard 7mm-08 hand loads. And achieved 1/4 MOA accuracy while fire forming brass with standard 7mm-08 cases. If it’s all true, that’s pretty compelling to me. Go to the store buy off the shelf 7mm-08, use it like you would any other 7mm-08. Then you have some brass to load that you can get an extra 130ish fps out of. I think it’s something I’ll continue to investigate and probably never do anything with. Haha
It will shoot much better than 1 MOA when it’s all said and done. Shooting for 1/4 MOA, no reason why it can’t do it. I don’t do load development until after 200 rounds. The 1 MOA group we were getting was strictly because we were cleaning the barrel every 3 shots. The first round was fouling the barrel. I took it out today actually and it’s sitting right around 1/2 MOA now that I’m letting the barrel build up copper.
No disrespect but I got to ask. 7k yet it still shoots a 1inch group. I assume the magic happens in the next stage of development. My question is what sets it apart from other rifles. Provided all things equal in the knowledge and supplies in the development is a good rifle capable of shooting the same accuracy as this one in the end stage. Rifle examples... sako av .. Browning a bolt. Remington 700.. or even my old 1903. All great rifles all capable of the starting development accuracy. Is the magic the rifles or the dedication to the development?
What sets this apart from a good factory rifle is the quality and precision of the components. I’d like to see you shoot a tiny group at a mile with just a load work up. Not going to happen. Is this rifle worth 7k? Worth is relative. To him it is. To someone only wanting a sub moa gun? Probably not.
@@3421958 personally I probably couldn't shoot a 4 foot target at a mile mutch less a 4 inch one. However we are not talking about me we are talking about the rifles ability. He said it was a 7k rifle However it shot the same as other less expensive rifles on top of they were already hand loads not factory. Im simply curious whats the hype. For instance who tee who shoots good groups out of basic rifles most my rifles are 1600 give or take shooting same groups as him and this guy. What leads me to believe the magic is in the loads and shooter the gun is just the tool. You say components. Other then the barrel what do the rest contribute. At normal range that is. Because a 3x9 won't cut it to a mile but in basic shooting or all shooting i guess provided you can see that far. If they shoot the same at 100 regardless the rifles. Is the test just hype. Personally I'd like to think spending a little more on my rifles was worth it. Bolt glide trigger pull wood grain. But in the end dose that matter or is it more the dedication to find that perfect load
I think you missed the part where he said he is fire forming brass. Do you understand what that is? It's shocking that he was even able to get 1 inch groups doing that. Had he been shooting factory loads, it would have been more like sub 1/2 MOA. The barrel and ammo are only part of the accuracy equation. If the stock isn't ridged and bedded to the action it won't be as accurate. (Most aren't) If your stock is a standard sporter style it's going to be hard to shoot prone. If your trigger isn't top knotch, that can effect accuracy. If your action face isn't machined perfectly square it's going to effect accuracy. (Most aren't) If your locking lugs aren't 100% square that can effect accuracy. (Most aren't). If the performance gains are not enough you are also paying for the fit and finish and cool factor. A rifle like this is a work of art. The knowlege, skill and time it takes to build a rifle like this is really amazing.
So, now I have a minute to see comments. I took this rifle to 1955 yards and went 6/10 on a steel plate in 30mph winds. Can it be done with a factory rifle? It sure can. But I can get exactly what I want with a custom rig. The final load I settled on was 11 fps spread over 15 rounds. And much much tighter grouping than 1MOA.
Look up pictures of .280 Remington cartridges vs .280 Ackley Improved. A shooter can “fire form” brass for a .280 Ackley Improved rifle by firing .280 Remington cartridges in it.
Wait. He said bbl life is 1500 rounds and should last him 5 years. 100 rounds of fireform. That leaves 1400 rounds divided by 5 years equals 280 rounds/year with NO load development. Call it 100 rounds for load development and practice that's 260 rounds per year for a competition rifle. That doesn't seem like very many for a match rifle, I guess for a hunter it would be multi generational though. When I shot metallic silhouette I'd shoot just short of double that in practice and accuracy checks with at least another 225 in matches, assuming no shoot offs, no state matches and no nationals. You sure need a fat wallet to compete nowadays 😁
Can't make first round hits out past 1,000m without regular practice especially in the field. 260 rounds a year is about 1 / 10th what I'd shoot a year to stay sharp. My long range hunting rifle is about a barrel every 2 to 3 years to stay in practice. I can bomb a target up on my regular range no issue, but field wind reading takes field practice
I’ve got a couple barrels. I really only have time for the NF ELR steel challenge, which is 160 rounds. I’m going to get more serious about it in the future, but right now I don’t have the time for more. I have other rifles that will be shot much much more than this one.
@@Archfile375 Yeah, that didn't compute, 5 or 6 years? Ditto, that's one season if you don't practice too much. Our pistol barrels would last that long, but we're talking (mostly) greatly reduced loads compared to F-Class & some PR stuff, like 22 - 25 grains of powder behind a 140 - 160 ish grain, non VLD, low bearing surface bullet.
Fire forming is necessary when altering case configuration significantly, like 280 Rem. to 280 AI, perhaps 7 SAUM to this Sherman. I haven't studied the dimensions. But I believe what Braxton is doing here is custom fitting his 7mm Sherman Max brass to specifically and perfectly fit his chamber before moving forward with neck sizing for max accuracy. We'll see how he's coming along in a week or two.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcastcorrect. I actually full length resize bumping the shoulder back .002-.003” every single time. It makes brass last longer. The gunsmith is very competent, but if the brass doesn’t fit just right (too short) I’d rather blow it out to the shoulder however much it has to move and get it to be that much more optimal.
That’s my son, he definitely loves his long range shooting and he’s darn good at it too!!! Way to go Bracko!!!
I wish my 75 year old good buddy would allow himself to move beyond 1972, he is stuck in the past and won’t believe that this is achieved more and more, with modern technology bullets and rifles have came along ways. The whole industry has came leaps and bounds. A 4” group at a mile is impressive, I love Ron Spomer Outdoors
A 4" group at 600 yards is impressive to me.
4" at a mile sounds more like luck to me than practical accuracy. I only say that because the wind can blow at different speeds and different directions within that distance. Plus when I've watched some highly skilled shooters shoot at 1 mile to hit a milk jug, often times that bullet dances around the jug just due to calling the wind. Not saying this guy is lying or anything, but there's just too much environmental affects going on for that to be consistent accuracy. Either way, he's got one heck of a gun there.
@@toddk1377 I’m not disputing that it was luck, but the group was there.
@@RedBeardLongRange
Either way, it's impressive. After re-reading my comment, it did sound a little rude, but no disrespect intended.
@@toddk1377 yup definitely luck involved. But a good shooter knows how to make luck! If one of us fired 200 rds at a target that far away there is little chance 3 out those would be within 4” of the bullseye.
That’s the first time I’ve seen the color red on a gun that I like the look of. That’s a fine rifle and shoots great with this man behind the trigger. Thanks Braxton and Ron for sharing this and all your outdoor post. Good shooting to ya all. 🎥💯👍
i live 50 miles from Pocatello, i also just ordered a 7mm sherman short mag.
Nice!!!! Maybe we can get together and do some long range work! I’m about 60 miles from Pocatello.
I love the Sherman magnums. Especially the long action stuff
That is some rifle. The cartridge looks interesting too. Thanks for sharing this Ron.
I've heard that while fire forming 30-06 Springfield to AI you also get sub moa accuracy.
You can do the same with 25-06AI or any wildcat chamber IF "and it's a big IF" you get your chamber cut by a competent gunsmith. My 223ai groups the same at .300" with 223 or 223ai. The only difference is 300fps faster in the 223ai
My 280 Ackley prints just under 3/4" with factory Remington 280s
I've been thinking for a while to turn in my 30-06 into AI, but I don't want to buy new reloading dies since AI dies are much more expensive than regular, I only resize the neck would I have to buy new reloading dies?
Edit: to be more specific I have the Lee classic loader so I'm using a neck resizer with a rubber mallet, and that's all the resizing I do, I only keep, and reload my 06 brass.
@@linkbond08 the only thing that you really gain from ackley improving the 30-06 is stopping case growth. You might get 3 grains more powder capacity. So if you don't like to trim brass then it's a good option and you might gain 50fps with handloads. Generally speaking and this is just a rule of thumb statement..... but the smaller the projectile and smaller the original case volume.... the more you gain from the A.I. conversion. 223ai gets you 22-250, 22-250ai gets you 22 creed, 280ai gets you 7mag...kinda.
@@joshuamagill4342 that’s impressive ! Can you share a little bit more information on you rifle / set up ? I have a.280 Remington( Winchester model 70 featherweight) I will always keep it as it’s my favorite rifle , but I’m looking to get a .280 AI just to tickle my fancy and entertain myself ( just another gun guy and his toys ya know )
“It’s got potential” loved the delivery on that one, Ron.
That brake really tames it down. It did not even seem to recoil as much as a 243, yet using a bullet twice as heavy.😀
I have since had a 22” proof carbon fiber barrel chambered for it, and it’s very similar to my wife’s 6.5 creedmoor with the same brake in the video. Phenomenal performance in a light setup. It’s running 190 a tips in a 22” pipe just shy of what a friends 7mm rem mag is pushing 190 LRHT’s with a 260 pipe. It’s really impressive!
Pretty cool video. I consider myself more of an avid hunter that like to shoot than anything. However yesterday I was at Straight Jacket Armory in Evanston WY yesterday and seen some of the coolest stuff I have ever seen. The gentleman there was excited to show me around and you could really see he loves what he does. While I was there we took a barrel blank and turned it into a 300 PRC. He showed me the whole process. I learned more in that 30 min about guns and barrels than I have in 40 years of shooting.
It’s very cool to see this video after that visit and see a similar rifle in action. Mad respect for the ability these shooters and rifle builders have. Congrats on beauty you have there Braxton!!
4 inch group at a mile.... That's freakin insane!!! Someone sitting on the edge of a bean field in a box blind with this rifle would be a white tails worst nightmare... LOL Great video as always and really cool rifle!!!
That's oddly specific. Hopefully the deer would see the muzzle flash and stand still for two seconds!
It won’t do that every time. But when the conditions are right, it works well!
It's also BS LMFAO.
@@RedBeardLongRange You should attempt the world championship fly shoot. You'd EASY win with those accuracy claims.
@@dahut3614 I'm not talking about shooting a deer at a mile I'm referring to what use to be called a "bean field gun" meaning a heavy long barreled rifle chambered in a flat shooting cartridge made back in the day to be shot across a bean field at deer normally out of a box blind or even a bench... LOL
$7000 rifle = expensive - 4 inch group at a mile = PRICELESS!!!!
Whoooooo that's some cha-ching in that setup. I was a couple of grand short in my original estimate before he mentioned it. hahaha
Your videos got me into reloading and I thank you for that
Great t- shirt Seaside oregon beautiful place this time of year. Nice rifle
Go 'gulls!
Very nice group, very very windy 🌬
Thanks a lot Ron. Now I'm even more confused on barrel break in.
Cheers, Jeff
JK, no one has the absolute answer on barrel break in. Folks who are ultra-cautious do it, others do not.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast right Ron. I've tried it multiple ways and the thing is, there's no way to tell. Every barrel is a bit different and how can we know "what could have been". Probably, like so many things in shooting, it's a debate that will continue.
Thanks for the reply.
Cheers, Jeff
I’ve gone away from barrel break in. I go out and shoot it. I used to be cautious and have noticed it doesn’t make a difference. I’ll clean my rifles once per year and call it good enough. I won’t get too rambunctious with my handloads until I hit 150-200 rounds, depending on if I’m seeing it speed up still or if it’s leveled out. Then I’ll crank them up and find my first signs of pressure and figure out where my upper node is for my powder charge and I’ll run it in the middle until it doesn’t group, then I’ll strip the barrel entirely of any fouling. Usually works pretty well.
and everyone told me the long thin bullets of my 6.5 x 55se looked "strange" 15 years ago...........
Love the 7mm . the man knows a good 280.
I’m surprised that 1-9 twist is stabilizing those 190 grain Bergers. Nice setup!
I was thinking the same thing
@@justdewitt4483 maybe he meant 1-8 ??
@@justdewitt4483 it’s a 1:9” twist. At the elevation I shoot at 1:9 is the bare minimum. I have a new barrel being spun up soon in this same chambering, this next barrel is a 22” proof carbon fiber. I’ll be doing some testing with it then Ron and I will get back together and get it stretched way out.
4 inches at a mile!? Amazing!
This all sounds expensive.
Very expensive
Looking for an elk rifle years ago, I was impressed with and ended up buying a 7mm magnum Remington. Got my elk at 350 yards. This doesn’t surprise me. Good shooting!
I’d love to know how he goes about developing his load, beautiful rifle
Had Kinport peak do a muzzle brake for me. Justin does good stuff
Good stuff Ron.
what an amazing rifle and what a bullet wow
This Rifle should be call 777 (Triple7)
Nice Shooting by d way👍
I like it!
Looks like fun !
Damn! that is nice. The long range shooting is so nice
My stars 7 grand on a rifle. Nice set up for sure. Enjoy.
Kinport Peak Rifles makes some killer rifles!
Looks like an Ackley improved, 284 I always liked, the best group I ever shot was sub one tenth of an inch for a 20-round group, the first group I fired with my 7 mm Magnum Ruger Model 77. It was definitely accurate. I believe that that group measured out .049 in Center to Center spread.
Gotta call bs on a .10 group...especially 20 rounds lol
@@xxxarmycop The group shrinks to .05 after 3 beers !……
I'm pretty sure the world record bench rest group is something like .251" with a .243" bullet for 10 shots. So having a .284" bullet making about a .338" hole for 20 rounds.....out of a ruger 77....is very hard to believe. Very very hard to believe. You are saying that your ruger 77 is shooting better groups at 100yds than the guys and rifles that shoot 1,000yd Fclass? I think you missed at least 1 decimal place to the left maybe 2.
@@xxxarmycop
No, no... It was a .049 20 shot group! Much more believable.
Hey it's his lie. He can tell it anyway he wants.
I am getting a rifle done in the The Sherman mega, hopefully be done soon. That’s a sweet rig, good shooting.
Have you got to shoot it much.
The 7mm mega is definitely a cool cartridge! I don’t have the magazine length to run the heavies so it wasn’t in the running for my rifle.
Where's he getting his primers?
🤠 Last week I drove all around my state looking for primers (to more than 100 gun stores, but did not find any) - I did load up on other supplies though! In my travels, I stopped in to Cooper Firearms in Stevensville, Montana to look at their rifles! They are a Custom Shop that Guarentees 1/2 MOA for all their rifles and they were nice! So, if anyone is looking for an accurate rifle at an affordable price (especially for a custom gun, their base model - the Laminent Sporter- starts at $2,375), you may want to check them out! 😁 And, no, I am not connected to them in any way! 😂
I have 3 Savage Axis ( 223 , 243 , 2506 ) they all shoot right around 1/2 in at 100 yds. I do hand load . Maybe I should buy a more expensive rifle !!!….. OR NOT ! Oh I forgot to add that they all wear $ 150.00 scopes. Maybe I should buy a Nightforce scope . OR NOT !……
🤭 Ha Ha! 🤷♂️ Your decision! 🤔 For all the other expenses involved, I say why not? 😏 The rifle will retain it's value and may pay off if Mr. Big steps out of the woods! 🦌 So, no use taking any chances! 😯 I like "Guarentees"! 🙂
🤔 Here is an example of why to do so! Let's say you want a 6.5 Western, but the only two rifles are Winchester and Browning that are chambering them - but you don't like their brand! Then let's say that you are also left handed, but they also don't make a left handed model in the caliber you desire! With a custom rifle you will get exactly what you want and need! You may prefer yours in a fluted barrel or mabey an octagon barrel! You may want a certain type of wood (I would like a Tigerwood Maple stock in mabey a thumb hole stock) - so, you can get exactly what you want and also know that your going to get a good product "Guarenteed"! I payed the same price for a Sako rifle as they are charging for their base custom model - which is a very pretty and durable laminent stock! Plus, you can get a stainless steel barrel that has a cerakote coating to protect from rust! All these "little" extras make a big difference in the field! I am willing to pay for quality, especially when you consider all the use you will get out of it and the cost of taking vacation time off and all the other expenses that go with hunting! It is a small price to pay, if you actually cost it out over a lifetime (and you can pass it on to your family when you die)! And, if you competition shoot, it is the only way to go! 🤷♂️
@@ronlowney4700 If that makes you feel better that’s ok with me but how many working rifles could have purchased for the the price of the custom one ? Are you going to take a 3 to 5 thousand dollar rifle to Wyoming or Montana and shoot the barrel out in a week on prairie dogs? No you take a $ 500 dollar rifle, shoot the barrel out then put a new $ 250 barrel on it . Would you rather fall down a mountain with a $ 5000 dollar or a $ 500 dollar rifle ?
🤠 Montana Mountain Man - Thomas, my big game rifles aren't for prairie dogs - I have other rifles for that task! And, since I live in Southwest Montana, I can easily hunt both states - as Wyoming is just a few hours from where I live! Plus, I don't "fall down the mountain" 🤪, hence my nickname (My friends also call me Ronbo, and for good reason)! Accuracy is very important to me and that is also why I reload! But, sometimes you do get what you pay for and the cost of doing a 3 week (or more) back country hunt ain't cheap! This year, since I live in Montana, I plan to do a 6 Week Back Country Hunt (because our hunting seasons are longer than other states)! But, if you cost out a $3,000 rifle for 30 years of use, that comes out to be only a $100/year - which is about the Cost of 1 Box of Ammunition for Most Calibers These Days - which is actually Quite Affordable for a Top Quality Rifle that is Customized to Your Tastes and is "Guaranteed" to Shoot 1/2 MOA Right Out of the Box! Cooper will send you their test targets, tested with the bullet that you plan to shoot! So, you know you are getting exactly what you paid for! That is my style, rather than buying a cheaper rifle and just "hoping" that it will shoot and not be a "lemon"! I "plan for the rest" not just "hope for the best" - I don't do anything "half assed"! 🤤 If that is your "preferred style", then go for it! 🥳 I plan to shoot myself a 400" class bull elk THIS YEAR (my last one was a nice 7×7 that scores in the 330"+ range - I rely on "skill" and "hard work", rather than just "luck" to "get the job done right")! "Weekend Warriors" seldom get a bull elk that big, but that is why I plan to always do it right (I always go the "extra mile" to "ensure success")! 🦌🏆 And these are all "self guided" hunts, because I know what I am doing - the "proof" is on my wall! 😜
7K for five years of fun? sounds like a bargain and not spent drinking at a bar
I don't know what it is but I want one before I even get into this video I love wildcats and a wildcat 7 mm ....
Out of pocatello? That's where I work.
How heavy is that setup
Honestly $7k for a custom, 11#, ELR rifle isn't that bad. Not when so many high grade hunting rifles are in the $5k+ range.
And it’s still light enough to hunt with legally in Idaho. I’ll be hunting with it, mainly as a backup for my wife and step son.
He likely was meaning the whole setup was $7k. The scope alone runs $2k-2.8k.
How did you get those rounds to fit in a magazine? Is it a custom chamber or is that the seating depth for that chambering?
As I understand it, Jack, the Sherman Max with 190-gr. Berger should seat properly at 3.090" COAL. That will fit many short action magazines, but more easily medium length magazines. The chamber is throated to work optimally with this long bullet.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcastwe need to get back together now that I’ve got the short Proof Carbon fiber barrel running. It’s running almost the same velocity as the 28” in this video in a 22”. I can get more out of it too.
So is there a issue finding 7mm wsm brass? Or is it high quality brass he can't find?
There seems to be a bunch of 300 wsm loaded brass out there.
Good 7WSM brass is non existent.
@@RedBeardLongRange
It would be great to hear an update on this combo. I'm a big WSM fan and was bummed to hear you moved over to the Sherman.
But the Sherman sounds like one he'll of a cartridge and deserves a closer look.
How about you give Ron a nudge and remind him to not leave us hanging!
@@eddieb4227 I just got my rifle finished up with a 22” Proof Resesrch CF barrel chambered in 7mm Sherman max. Should rival the 7 wsm as far as velocity goes. I’m waiting on new brass and die to match the new revision chamber. I loved my 7mm WSM, but I think the 7mm Sherman max is going to do the same thing now that I have a little faster powder and can spend some time running it. I won’t get too involved for a little while due to barrel break in, then I’ll get it running and see what exactly it can do in a nice light hunting setup.
@@eddieb4227 did a ladder today with H1000 and it’s sitting just shy of 2800 fps with no signs of pressure yet. Sub 100 rounds down the barrel in this 22” proof. It should gain about 100 fps between 150-200 down the barrel, and then I’ll really work on load development.
@@RedBeardLongRange this barrel is a shorter hunting barrel correct?
Not the long range one?
Were is this shooting range located? It is a very ideal setup?
Sweeeet!!!
Wouldn't like using a filler (cream of wheat) and a pistol powder be easier/cheaper to fireform?
I’ve used COW before, I wasn’t a fan… I’d rather burn some bullets LOL seems to keep the headspace a little more consistent when there really isnt any way to do a false shoulder on this.
You can't use that method when bumping the shoulder. You'll stretch your brass at the web. Very bad for brass. Only 2 ways to do this properly...1 jam the lands as he's doing or..2 put a false shoulder which requires more preparation on the bench. My preference is jamming the lands and prevent the extra step
Fireforming with bergers. Cha, ching!
Look at 4:25 See the way he avoids putting his thumb over the top of the stock? I learned early on that it's the only way I could shoot well offhand and continued this method on the bench. Made me much more consistent. I've helped frustrated newbie offhand shooters who get stuck no matter how much they practice and seen instant improvement. If you show a bench shooter thumb over versus thumb forward versus free recoil or almost free recoil they can often see point of impact change radically, this shows that "grip" technique matters. Notice that Ron shoots with the classic hunters grip, he's got enough sense to keep the scope on a lightweight magnum hunting rifle from skull punching him 😃. Also notice the wind howling away, those groups would be even better with flags.
What is the contour of the barrel?
It’s a Palma Light contour
Anyone have experience with 7mm Sherman Short or 7mm Sherman Max in lighter rifle with a 22” barrel? The claim on their site seems to be that there is significantly improved velocity to powder volume ratio due to the short-fat cases and sharp shoulder. Are you able to reproduce 7mm rem mag velocities in a shorter barrel with these cartridges?
Stay tuned. I just had this rifle in the video rebarreled to a 22” proof research carbon fiber barrel in 7mm Sherman max. Im waiting on the /B die body, then I’ll be working up a mellow load for elk season. Then I’ll get the barrel broke in, and I’ll step on the throttle a bit. I’ll see exactly what a 22” pipe can do.
22” is producing just shy of 2800fps as of right now. I have not found any high pressure signs yet.
@@RedBeardLongRangeWhat projectile are you using?
Lol 2-3 loadings out of the brass after fire forming and 800 rounds out of the barrel. Been down the sherman road, they'll run hard but you have to remember there are no free lunches.
Must have been doing something wrong then. I have a 28 Nosler which is hotter than this and get more than 2-3 loadings. Havent shot 800 rounds yet but I will probably get around 1k out of it at least.
@@Nick-sx6jm nope I had the 30sm built off the 300 prc didn't matter the brand of brass annealing didn't help any. Run them to full potential and you will wash a barrel out quick. I will concede that the christensen barrel wasn't as high quality as a bartlein or a brux.
@@tbrown91241 Weird. I haven't had any problems with brass life with just hornady brass other than me being dumb and wrecking a few pieces setting the shoulder back. Were you getting split necks or toasted primer pockets? Could have been a problem with how the chamber was cut considering it is a wildcat.
No bolt lift was heavy and extraction sticky so 3-5 loadings but any time you have sticky extraction the brass is crap.
4" at one mile. Hard time believing that one.
Damn wind. Always has to rear its ugly head. Nice gun! Thanks guys!
4 inches at ONE MILE!?
I just invited you into our fb group, Ron.
I've never shot a $7,000 Riffel
I’m 16 seconds in, and going to guess 7mm-08ai. I might be way off on what the video is about but that’s a cartridge that’s has spiked my interest.
Not much gain. AI-inch a cartridge really pays off when the original case design has a lot of body taper and a really long and gentle shoulder angle. For instance you’d greater performance gains going from 7x57 to an AI chamber than from 7-08 to an AI chamber
Obviously I was wrong. The Sherman cartridges are super neat!! 190 Gn 7mm at 300 fps. That’s just nuts!
@@K-bob_45 I think the thing that interests me in the 7-08ai is the improvement in one of my already favorite cases. I haven’t seen much about the 7-08ai so the unknown also peaks my interest. I guess the question is, is it worth it? If you’re building a custom rifle and only plan to run hand loads, I don’t see a reason not to build a 7mm-08ai. If you were already planning on building a 7mm-08 that is. Again the 7mm-08 is easily one of my all time favorite cartridges.
@@mrstangthang98 the question would become how much performance do you gain and is it worth the trouble. It’s my understanding that when shooting standard ammo in an AI chamber you can maintain accuracy but you may lose some velocity. What I’m getting at is you may only pick up 50-75 ft/sec but lose that much off saami ammo too. You could probably gain more by being choosy about your propellants than an AI chamber. Also if you like 7mm’s don’t overlook 284 win.
@@K-bob_45 in all honesty I have totally over looked the .284, I don’t know why. It seems like it was ahead of it’s time, and like it has loads of potential. According to Nosler load data the .284 is only about 30fps faster than the 7mm-08 with 150gr bullet. I’m not finding much about the 7-08ai online. But one gun builder did write an article on a few that he built. With 162gr bullets he was able to pickup 120-150fps over standard 7mm-08 hand loads. And achieved 1/4 MOA accuracy while fire forming brass with standard 7mm-08 cases. If it’s all true, that’s pretty compelling to me. Go to the store buy off the shelf 7mm-08, use it like you would any other 7mm-08. Then you have some brass to load that you can get an extra 130ish fps out of. I think it’s something I’ll continue to investigate and probably never do anything with. Haha
braxton .......braxton hicks lol
Honestly, why wouldn’t it shoot MOA?
Yeah, seriously, even if you were blowing a shoulder forward.
It will shoot much better than 1 MOA when it’s all said and done. Shooting for 1/4 MOA, no reason why it can’t do it. I don’t do load development until after 200 rounds. The 1 MOA group we were getting was strictly because we were cleaning the barrel every 3 shots. The first round was fouling the barrel. I took it out today actually and it’s sitting right around 1/2 MOA now that I’m letting the barrel build up copper.
I dont understand the 21 shots and cleaning after every 3. Seems overkill
No disrespect but I got to ask. 7k yet it still shoots a 1inch group. I assume the magic happens in the next stage of development. My question is what sets it apart from other rifles. Provided all things equal in the knowledge and supplies in the development is a good rifle capable of shooting the same accuracy as this one in the end stage. Rifle examples... sako av .. Browning a bolt. Remington 700.. or even my old 1903. All great rifles all capable of the starting development accuracy. Is the magic the rifles or the dedication to the development?
What sets this apart from a good factory rifle is the quality and precision of the components. I’d like to see you shoot a tiny group at a mile with just a load work up. Not going to happen. Is this rifle worth 7k? Worth is relative. To him it is. To someone only wanting a sub moa gun? Probably not.
@@3421958 personally I probably couldn't shoot a 4 foot target at a mile mutch less a 4 inch one. However we are not talking about me we are talking about the rifles ability. He said it was a 7k rifle However it shot the same as other less expensive rifles on top of they were already hand loads not factory. Im simply curious whats the hype. For instance who tee who shoots good groups out of basic rifles most my rifles are 1600 give or take shooting same groups as him and this guy. What leads me to believe the magic is in the loads and shooter the gun is just the tool. You say components. Other then the barrel what do the rest contribute. At normal range that is. Because a 3x9 won't cut it to a mile but in basic shooting or all shooting i guess provided you can see that far. If they shoot the same at 100 regardless the rifles. Is the test just hype. Personally I'd like to think spending a little more on my rifles was worth it. Bolt glide trigger pull wood grain. But in the end dose that matter or is it more the dedication to find that perfect load
I think you missed the part where he said he is fire forming brass. Do you understand what that is? It's shocking that he was even able to get 1 inch groups doing that. Had he been shooting factory loads, it would have been more like sub 1/2 MOA. The barrel and ammo are only part of the accuracy equation. If the stock isn't ridged and bedded to the action it won't be as accurate. (Most aren't) If your stock is a standard sporter style it's going to be hard to shoot prone. If your trigger isn't top knotch, that can effect accuracy. If your action face isn't machined perfectly square it's going to effect accuracy. (Most aren't) If your locking lugs aren't 100% square that can effect accuracy. (Most aren't). If the performance gains are not enough you are also paying for the fit and finish and cool factor. A rifle like this is a work of art. The knowlege, skill and time it takes to build a rifle like this is really amazing.
So, now I have a minute to see comments.
I took this rifle to 1955 yards and went 6/10 on a steel plate in 30mph winds. Can it be done with a factory rifle? It sure can. But I can get exactly what I want with a custom rig.
The final load I settled on was 11 fps spread over 15 rounds. And much much tighter grouping than 1MOA.
Ignorant Dutchman here : what is "fire forming"?
Look up pictures of .280 Remington cartridges vs .280 Ackley Improved. A shooter can “fire form” brass for a .280 Ackley Improved rifle by firing .280 Remington cartridges in it.
@@jasonf.4107 : Thanks! Had never heard of this.
Wait. He said bbl life is 1500 rounds and should last him 5 years. 100 rounds of fireform. That leaves 1400 rounds divided by 5 years equals 280 rounds/year with NO load development. Call it 100 rounds for load development and practice that's 260 rounds per year for a competition rifle. That doesn't seem like very many for a match rifle, I guess for a hunter it would be multi generational though. When I shot metallic silhouette I'd shoot just short of double that in practice and accuracy checks with at least another 225 in matches, assuming no shoot offs, no state matches and no nationals. You sure need a fat wallet to compete nowadays 😁
Can't make first round hits out past 1,000m without regular practice especially in the field. 260 rounds a year is about 1 / 10th what I'd shoot a year to stay sharp. My long range hunting rifle is about a barrel every 2 to 3 years to stay in practice.
I can bomb a target up on my regular range no issue, but field wind reading takes field practice
I’ve got a couple barrels. I really only have time for the NF ELR steel challenge, which is 160 rounds. I’m going to get more serious about it in the future, but right now I don’t have the time for more. I have other rifles that will be shot much much more than this one.
@@Archfile375 Yeah, that didn't compute, 5 or 6 years? Ditto, that's one season if you don't practice too much. Our pistol barrels would last that long, but we're talking (mostly) greatly reduced loads compared to F-Class & some PR stuff, like 22 - 25 grains of powder behind a 140 - 160 ish grain, non VLD, low bearing surface bullet.
Expensive. Isnt fire forming a huge waste of money? What's the reasoning?
Fire forming is necessary when altering case configuration significantly, like 280 Rem. to 280 AI, perhaps 7 SAUM to this Sherman. I haven't studied the dimensions. But I believe what Braxton is doing here is custom fitting his 7mm Sherman Max brass to specifically and perfectly fit his chamber before moving forward with neck sizing for max accuracy. We'll see how he's coming along in a week or two.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcastcorrect. I actually full length resize bumping the shoulder back .002-.003” every single time. It makes brass last longer. The gunsmith is very competent, but if the brass doesn’t fit just right (too short) I’d rather blow it out to the shoulder however much it has to move and get it to be that much more optimal.
He bought the brass already formed, this is NOT fire forming.
All chambers are just a little different, firing the round in the gun forms the brass to that particular chamber.
Sad.
There's no crying in firearms.