Hunters and long-range shooters often look for cartridges that deliver exceptional performance and accuracy. Two cartridges that have been popular among this community are the 7 SAUM and 7mm Rem Mag. In this article, we will compare the two cartridges and help you understand which one is better suited for your shooting needs.
Here is the short answer:
The 7mm Rem Mag is a well-established cartridge that has been around for a long time and offers great performance for hunting and long-range shooting. The 7 SAUM is a more recent cartridge that offers similar performance in a smaller package.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look in-depth at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 7 SAUM
The 7 SAUM (Short Action Ultra Magnum) was introduced in 2002 by Remington as part of its Ultra Magnum line. It is designed to fit into a short action rifle and has a shorter case length than the 7mm Rem Mag. The cartridge uses a 0.284-inch diameter bullet and has a case length of 2.035 inches. The 7 SAUM can drive a 140-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 3,150 fps and a 160-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 3,000 fps.
The 7 SAUM offers great accuracy and is a popular choice for long-range shooting competitions. It is also a popular choice for hunters who want a hard-hitting cartridge that can take down big game at long distances. The cartridge has a flatter trajectory than the 7mm Rem Mag, which makes it easier to shoot accurately at long distances.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7 SAUM with a 180-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2900 | 3361 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2764 | 3054 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2633 | 2770 |
| 150 | -1.1 | 2.1 | 2505 | 2508 |
| 200 | -3.5 | 3.8 | 2381 | 2265 |
| 250 | -7.5 | 6.1 | 2260 | 2041 |
| 300 | -13.2 | 9 | 2143 | 1835 |
| 350 | -20.8 | 12.5 | 2029 | 1646 |
| 400 | -30.4 | 16.7 | 1918 | 1471 |
| 450 | -42.4 | 21.8 | 1812 | 1313 |
| 500 | -57.4 | 27.8 | 1711 | 1170 |
In-Depth Look at the 7mm Rem Mag
The 7mm Rem Mag (Remington Magnum) was introduced in 1962 and quickly gained popularity among hunters and long-range shooters. It uses a 0.284-inch diameter bullet and has a case length of 2.5 inches. The cartridge can drive a 140-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 3,000 fps and a 160-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2,900 fps.
The 7mm Rem Mag is a popular choice for long-range shooting and big game hunting. It has a flat trajectory and can deliver a high amount of energy at long distances, making it a great choice for hunting game like elk, moose, and deer. The cartridge also offers great accuracy and has a long history of success in long-range shooting competitions.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7mm Remington Magnum with a 175-grain soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2860 | 3178 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2752 | 2942 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2646 | 2720 |
| 150 | -1.1 | 1.7 | 2542 | 2512 |
| 200 | -3.5 | 3 | 2441 | 2316 |
| 250 | -7.3 | 4.8 | 2343 | 2132 |
| 300 | -12.8 | 7.2 | 2246 | 1961 |
| 350 | -20 | 10 | 2152 | 1800 |
| 400 | -29 | 13.3 | 2060 | 1649 |
| 450 | -40.1 | 17.1 | 1970 | 1508 |
| 500 | -53.2 | 21.4 | 1882 | 1377 |
In-Depth Comparison
The 7 SAUM and 7mm Rem Mag are both great cartridges that offer exceptional performance for hunting and long-range shooting. The 7 SAUM has a shorter case length and can fit into a short action rifle, which makes it more compact and easier to handle. It also offers a flatter trajectory, which makes it easier to shoot accurately at long distances.
The 7mm Rem Mag has a longer case length and can deliver more energy at longer distances. It is a popular choice for hunting big game like elk, moose, and deer and has a long history of success in long-range shooting competitions.
In terms of recoil, the 7 SAUM has less recoil than the 7mm Rem Mag due to its smaller size and lower powder charge. This makes it a great choice for shooters who are sensitive to recoil or who want to shoot for extended periods without experiencing fatigue.
Conclusion
Overall, choosing between the 7 SAUM and the 7mm Rem Mag depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a versatile cartridge with excellent accuracy and manageable recoil, the 7 SAUM may be the way to go. However, if you need more knockdown power and longer range capabilities, the 7mm Rem Mag may be the better choice.