I was building a 7SAUM as this video was released. Now we have that “7PRC” and I still feel this 7SAUM is more efficient. I’m driving a 180 Berger Hybrid at 2830fps out of a 22in poof research carbon barrel. Most stuff I’ve read and seen the 7PRC isn’t doing the claimed 3000fps out of a 24in tube. To be fair my 7SAUM has a long throat so I can seat the bullets out further. In the end I’m glad I just went 7SAUM.

You forgot one very important advantage of the AI: you can shoot factory .280Rem in it and thus fire form the brass for .280 AI. Great video! I went through this exact mental exercise myself. Brass for SAUM is impossible to get where I live, and I already had and reload for the .280 Rem. so a re-barrel was the direction I am taking, and I am simply fire forming my brass. My vote is therefore the .280 AI. Thanks for all the good content!

280 AI here. It's a 7mm Rem Mag with less recoil and almost twice the barrel life. Compared to it and the SAUM and WSM you get 4 cartridges in the magazine vs. 3 for the rest. There is a reason the AI has been around so long and why it made the leap from wildcat to factory. You can also shoot 280 Remington in a pinch and the brass gets fire formed to AI to boot. Just bought one in a Savage Timberline and was even able to find ammo. Try finding any factory rifles in the SAUM or ammunition.

I think I have to go with the 280ai. Having factory support as well as being able to hand load is a big advantage in my opinion.

Don't see myself having a custom rifle built, so I'm voting for the cartridge with factory support the 280 AI

The 280AI is really a sweet spot cartridge in my opinion. I have a 7mag, 7-08 and wsm, and the 280AI does everything they do in a very efficient package that isn't the typical round.

Comes down to factory support in a primer shortage. My vote went to AI. Love the thought of a 7 PRC though.

The 280 AI is just so dang efficient. With less powder it essentially has the same ballistics as the 7 SAUM. I vote 280 AI.

Buddy just had a high-end 7 SAUM built and as spectacular as it is, I’m probably gonna have/buy a 280AI. Feels like a long life solution to me

One advantage to a 280 AI is you can put standard 280 Remington in the gun and shoot it. And it comes out fire formed to 280 AI. And you can form 280 AI brass out of 30-06 , 270 win , 280 rem, and 25-06.

Merry Christmas everybody! Here's a link to the poll: kzfaq.infoUgkxlLjC-MuDgSOk4nKUayMMVFmOMMHbMqbP You can watch the past episodes of cartridge wars here: Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 1: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ip-EbK6lrNCYaYk.html Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 2: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pJddoaWGvtialqc.html Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 3: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p5ailramsajLdIE.html Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 4: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qricYK2Yydiolqc.html Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 5: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z8d7pbaXr5jDeps.html

Sounds like the questions come down to “how much do you want to spend on the rifle?” and “do you plan on factory ammo or reloading?” 7 Saum is $$$ to $$$$ (because custom) and no factory ammo support. 280 AI is $$ to $$$ and has factory ammo support. 280AI wins in my book.

I've always preferred .30 cals. That being said, I've been researching the 7's and I'm in danger of changing my mind on my preference. So much so that I picked up a Model 70 Featherweight, Stainless, Dark Maple in 7mm-08. I'm so happy with that rifle and caliber. When I saw this bracket, it really got my attention. I appreciate efficiency in rifles and their calibers. For that reason, I usually gravitate to short action calibers. BUT.... not this time. I'm voting .280 A.I. My reason is practicality. It's just a matter of availability. There's not enough difference between the SAUM and A.I. ballistics to matter to someone like me who is interested mainly in hunting over competition shooting. Perhaps my opinion is a result of the past couple of years of going to get either factory ammo or ammo components and not being able to find what I'm looking for without mounting a huge, widescoping expedition to find it. That s**t is getting OLD! So the last thing I want, is to add yet another layer of difficulty in tracking down ammo or components. In the case of 7mm SAUM, it would be the components as the factory loaded ammo is almost impossible to find. I know I can find 7mm A.I. cartridges today if I need them. I see them when I buy 7mm-08. But SAUM? None so far. Also no 7mm WSM. Lots of 7mm Rem Mag. I guess I've got a case of "ammo shortage fatigue". So sick of that. So, with such little difference in ballistics to matter, my vote is for .280 A.I.

Love my X-bolt in .280AI and the ammo availability! 8-twist barrel and good mag space for high BC bullets.

I love the idea of a "7mm Western" or "7mm PRC"!

280 AI, achieves basically the same velocity as the SAUM with less powder, standard bolt face and higher capacity. The fact it's a long action is void mainly due to modern scopes with longer eye relief

My dad just bought a Nosler 21, in .280 AI. It’s amazing, shooting half inch “all touching” 3 shot groups at 100yrds. The 100% carbon fiber stock is nice as well and the recoil is less than I expected.

I can’t believe they developed the 6.5 prc and not a 7mm prc. I agree, the seven’s are the perfect balance of high energy and low recoil. I used a 700 rem bdl 7mm rem mag for many years and my son has a Tikka t3x in 280ai, both excellent calibers.

My vote is 280 I’ve had one in a Remington mountain rifle for years. In my area you can find 280 but rarely do I see 280 AI. I do reload my 280 and it’s extremely accurate, at least for a few rounds the thin barrel in a mountain rifle heats up fast. I can’t see 85fps making a difference in the hunting world so the 280 has my vote.

To tell you the truth I've always wanted a 280AI but I already have a 284 Winchester, 7mm Rem Mag, and 28 Nosler. I've never wanted a 7 SAUM or 7WSM even though they're really a cool cartridges on paper I already have rifles bracketing them on both sides... If I ever add something to my 7mm collection it'll be a 280AI in a custom rifle!!!

7wsm. Dropped everything ever taken with it. Flat. Hot. But the market didn’t take on it as the masses went for 300 wsm and 270 wsm. And manufacturers haven’t made a production line with it since 2016. But it’s my hands down favorite

My Browning 280 AI has 1-8" twist. Using book data I am gettting 3000 fps with 162 ELD-X with the 26" barrel.

Love the video series you been putting out last couple years; good to see the subscriber base grow to reflect the work you put in.. You missed one of the most efficient 7mm's that has really picked up and is quite popular in the F-class/competition circles; the 284 Winchester. Basically matches the 280AI in short action non magnum form factor; it really shines if built on a long action for optimal bullet seating magazine capacities. Of your options, id go 280AI with the current component/production choices avail. A 7mm PRC or 7mm Western would be a awesome edition to the 7mm's.. Id buy one of those two for sure. Cheers.

280AI has stood the test of time. Most of these “wildcats” have their moments in the sun and fade away… 280AI is still popular today, and gaining more attention. It’s probably the best all around long range cartridge out there!

I shoot and love the 7 saum, amazing cartridge(190LRHT @2880fps) but in the end for most 280AI because of factory ammunition is a better choice.

Something mentioned by P.O. was the diminished lengthening of the cases. A primary goal of the "Ackleyizing". Also, the powder column was "stalled" and created a more efficient burn.

Dang I love the education I get from your videos. I wish I could have one on one schooling for a few years till I got it all straight and could had it all down to my son. Keep up the detailed info.

Hi Jim. Here in New Zealand reloading supplies have just about dried up. I do only hunting with my 7mm Rem mag, firing just a dozen or shots each year. Accuracy is still superb, the recoil is not an issue and it hits hard. Loved your take on this, keep it coming.

Love the 7SAUM! I had a custom built on a Rem Mod7 action, setup with the Wyatt's extended magazine box, 26" #3 contour barrel. It handled everything up to the 154gr Hornady bullets just fine to where the seating depth wasn't critically encroaching on powder space. With Reloader 17 powder you can get some amazing velocity out of that little platform. I kick myself for letting it go, but the price was right and it's slaying Texas Whitetails down those long Senderos to this day.

We own three 280 AI's. I recognize that they are improved older cartridges.On paper the SAUM is better, and if I hand loaded that's probably what I"d get. But, there is getting to be lots of 280 AI offered by rifle and ammunition companies. The Federal Terminal Ascent performed perfectly on a mule deer and a bull moose this fall. My vote is 280 AI. A great cartridge, good availability in some of the best rifles out there.

By using the competition ladder you have given it clarity ! Well done

Always loved the 7 mm mag , now I have the 7mm wsm , I get better velocities with no pressure signs with the 120 grain barnes triple shock. Super flat extreme long range accuracy and lethal expansion. Not more can be said. Thx for sharing this video.

Have you ever heard of the 7x64 mm? It shoots a 175 grains bullet at 2865 ft/sec from a barrel with 1:8.5" twist. One of the most popular hunting cartridges in Europe for more than a hundred years. Known for handling heavy bullets.

There are some factory 7 saums out there. I love hunting with my Remington model seven in 7-08. Happened to find a brand new Remington seven in 7 SAUM and had to have it. Working on getting some loads worked up now. I think it’s gonna be my go to for all my deer and elk hunting.

I run a 7 Saum in a 20” barrel and it pushes a 168g Berger VLD at 2880 in my Gunwerks Clymr. Amazing round and amazing ballistics! Thanks for the video keep up the good content. 👍🏻

I vote 7 saum, I picked one up 15 years ago and could care less about factory support or ammo. My rem model 7, is stainless/synthetic and I paid under 600 bucks for it. I have a couple hundred pieces of brass and I believe Norma still makes brass or I could neck down 300 saum .the 280 ai is a great cartridge but I like short actions. They are both ballistically identical so what ever floats your boat. I also really like the 7-08 it's a great woods range white tail cartridge. Thanks for a really comprehensive video!

I'd choose the 280AI. I'm waiting on the 7PRC. I love the 6.5prc, but I'd like a little more power. 7Wby is my all time go to rifle.

280 ai for me but it's one of my favorite cartridges, you can really get it screaming if you want. Comes in many offerings from manufacturers. I reload so ammo issues don't matter to me usually, but if something ever did happen the possibility to find ammo is nice.

I have had the pleasure of shooting both of these and I have developed an obsession for the SAUM. The SAUM will be my next long gun purchase.

A great round up on two incredible cartridges!! thanks again for your wise summing up 7mm SAUM gets my vote

280AI. My Cooper 92 in 280AI is a tack driver. Zero factory ammo availability is a deal breaker for a lot of people who don't reload. All ammo is hard to find now, but in a pinch you can still shoot 280 Rem in a 280 AI

280 AI I have a Bergara Premier in 280 AI and it shoots sub 3/4" groups every time with factory Hornady 162gr ELD-X. I hut with a can as well and I was a bit annoyed with the 24" barrel, so I cut it back to 21.5" and believe it or not, I only lost roughly 50fps!

Even though the 7 SAUM has been a commercial cartridge longer than the 280 AI, there are no commercial offerings for the 7 SAUM. When Nosler stepped up and actually standardized the 280 AI for their line of new rifles, the public responded to that decades old custom wildcat and other manufacturers stepped up. By that time, the 7 SAUM had already become obsolete in Remingtons commercial offerings even though it was not even a decade old. But then the target shooters discovered the 7 SAUM nearly replicated the 7 WSM with less powder and it took off in that custom target rifle realm area. By that time Remington dropped it from their 700 line-up. About that time I picked up a used 7 SAUM in a stainless Rem 700. Collecting dust on the used shelf, discounted to $400 to get it the hell out of the shop. Even in the crappy tupperware stock, the damn thing shot 1/2" groups with 140 accubonds at 3150 fps. I put it in a better stock and it loves anything I feed it. There are about 4 companies making brass for each the 280 AI and & 7 SAUM and it has always been easier to find brass for the AI over the SAUM, as its bought up as fast as it hits the shelves. Fire forming 280 Rem brass was the standard way of making AI brass before it was standardizd so there's that option also. The 7 SAUM will never take off in commercial offering again because of its SAMMI overall length and length of Remington's short action, the magazine and action has to be customized to shoot those big heavy bullets above 162 grains. For either the 280 AI or SAUM, they both need custom leades cut to shoot the bigger .284 bullets. So really, if you're only wanting to shoot 140-160 bullets, pick up a 280 AI that is offered by some of the commercial manufactures. But, if you want to shoot the heavier bullets for long range work, build a custom SAUM and go have fun.

This is good stuff Jim thanks! I feel like there really should be 2 winners of cartridge wars. One winner for hand-loaders and one winner for factory ammo people. I think that is a major distinction that should be made there when helping people decide what cartridges they should be looking at. While I'd love to shoot the 7SAUM I just bought a 7mm Rem Mag because I know that I won't realistically be set up for reloading in the next few years. I feel the same way about 6.5 PRC so instead I shoot a 270 win. We all probably should hand-load but for many, it's not realistic in the near term for a variety of reasons.

Even though the piece is a little more, the 280 AI really shows it’s hot performance out to 600 yards on big game. It actually pushes ahead of the 30-06.

I wish you included the 7 rem mag.

Love these thanks again!

The 7 Saum is perfection ! I'm shooting a 190 A-Tip out of a Kreiger 26" barrel with 8 1/2 twist at 2900 fps. and it hammers at extreme long range distances.

Glad to see the 270 win come out of the other comparison. The 280AI get my vote for this one! 280AI

280AI I love mine. Both the AI and 7SAUM are excellent and ballistic twins so great 7mm choices. The AI advantages over SAUM as I see them: More efficient, so less recoil (minor) Available on much much cheaper factory rifles Factory ammo for both 280AI and 280 Rem are compatible Those last 2 points were glossed over to make this a fair 7mm fight but those are huge and very relevant to hunters and your wallet! Love this video series!

This cartridge war is by far my favorite thing on the internet!

after seing one of youre other videos, i purchased a savage 110 ultralight in 280 AI. shot two deers and four coyotes. shoots nosler 150 ablrs into tiny little groups. really loving this caliber. i have not yet reloaded for it, i got hornady matchgrade dies. cant wait to see what it can do with the heavies. 👍🏻

There are some folks already building 7 creedmoor, 7prc over here in Australia

I am voting for the .280ai. Not being int he position to build a perfect custom rifle, the production rifles in 280ai definitely have my attention. I am interested in seeing if they make a 7 (.280) prc.

280 AI Pre -64 featherweight action, 24” Hart fluted barrel (NY), McMillan stock, Leupold 3.5-10x40. H4350 & 120 gr ballistic tips . Taken a bunch of critters. Tested many bullets and they all shoot very well, user friendly round IMO

Jim Zumbo made the case for the .280Rem way back in the 70's. I've been shooting one (700 rem with Douglas 1:9 barrel )for over 40 years. Everything I hit with it dropped in it's tracks. I've loaded it with bullets from 110gr. HP's (rabbits) all the way up to 162 gr. Hornady BTSP. (elk) 1/2' MOA with everything. My pet load is 140gr. Nosler Partition. 58 gr IMR4831. 3000 FPS. My vote is for the 280 AI. New kid on the block with proven genetics. Very close to 7MM mag ballistics with much less recoil, report and powder. LOVE the channel. Cartridge geeks of the world unite!!

280 AI is my most recent acquisition. I just need to find appropriate glass for it. I have A Frame 160 gr and Oryx 156 gr ready for load development.

Have to go with the 280ai. Having factory support is a big advantage

"Because of the sharp shoulder a very positive headspace..." I'll admit as a reloader I never considered this benefit! Very cool.

Great choice for the episode. I have a 280ai and am currently building a 7ss (modified saum). Which one to get? Both

I really think 7mm rem mag is a sweet spot itself. I guess if I had to pick from one of these Id go with 280AI. There are too many reasons to list why but that’s the short answer.

280 AI all the way. Great shooting and can do a number on any game. I also enjoy having options for ammo due to not reloading.

Waiting to hear on the sherman line. I absolutely love my 7ss and they have several others

The 7mm SAUM is about the maximum case volume/ bore size 7MM. 7mmSAUM is my favorite 7mm by far. Very good analysis!

The hand loader in me says the 7SAUM, but as others pointed out, the lack of availability for any components right now (powder and primers most of all) would MAYBE push me to the 280AI. BUT, where I am, even factory ammo is hard to come by in "mainstream" calibers like 30-06, 7mm mag, let alone i've seen 0 280AI anywhere. Because I have Primers, brass can be sourced, bullet availability is getting better weekly, and powder can be found if you're fast enough with ordering, I give this one to the 7SAUM. If this was 2 years ago, i'd say 280AI all day. As it is, we are in a hand loaders game in North TX and the 7SAUM gets the win here.

only 10 fps more and little to no factory support?! The 280 AI takes the cake for practicality. I wish you had showed us a ballistics chart, always find those revealing even if its small differences.

I am currently, marking an 18 inch barreled 7mm for hunting suppressed. I went with the 7 saum for for the better brass options. I am a super excited to see how she does with the 168’s and 180’s

I am currently gathering the parts for my build. It had to be a seven because seven is just that sweet spot for North American game. No matter how I looked at it the best seven out there for me is the saum. I am building it light with the intention of it primarily being for western hunting. However, I am getting a chassis that is easy to add weight kits to so that if it strikes my fancy, I can go ahead and take it to the range or some ELR.

I’d choose a 7mm08 if I were buying a 7mm. I don’t own any 7s, but it’s the only one I really find appealing personally.

280 AI all the way. Not everyone is a hand-loader, but 280AI we can still find reloading components (brass, dies) for right now and loaded ammo still hard to find but attainable. 7saum.. good luck

The 6.8 Western is basically what Akley would have done with the 270 WSM cartridge. You are absolutely correct that it is long overdue for that upgrade to the 7mm WSM cartridge. It could be the dominant Elk cartridge. I am getting tired of waiting though.🤷‍♂️

Nice series of videos. I vote for the 280 ai. Factory support, you can always shoot the 280 Rem out of the 280 AI, increasing its flexibility. 7 mm SAUM is a fantastic cartridge also. The 284 Winchester should have been included in this list as well.

I owned a factory 280 for years the rate of twist was not very fast… but barrel life was superb… I feel you forgot to mention barrel life between 280AI & the SEVEN SAUM…. Being the 280AI uses less powder I feel it would give you more barrel life…. Any thoughts

280 AI - It is perfection!

I already have a 7mm Remington mag which I use for long range bench rest, it is accurate, however it is hard on barrels and on a hot day sometimes the barrel gets too hot for the last one or two shots to be accurate. I am thinking of adding a 280 Ackley for comps. on hot days, as there is less powder, less heat and longer barrel life.

Had to go into my loading room and look at my Cartridge poster...... 7 Saum is there, Fascinating

Love the 280 ackley using 168 barnes lrx deadly elk load. And steel/coyote load 175 eldx

🥱 I’m sitting this round out. Interesting discussion but neither of these rounds do anything for me. I really don’t see what the average dude gets out of these, I think the 7mm mag and the 7mm08 cover the high and the low ends of what I would do with a 7mm.

THANK YOU!!! BRO! 👍🏾😎 … I JUST! LEFT A COMMENT A COUPLE DAYS AGO ABOUT WHY WAS THE .7mm SAUM LEFT OUT OF THE CONVERSATION IN THR .7mm CARTRIDGES! …. THANKS 🙏🏾 😊 FOR DOUBLING BACK! AND GIVING IT TO US! …. IM GRATEFUL!!! …. I RUN THAT CARTRIDGE IN MY GUNWERKS .7mm SAUM! EXCLUSIVELY! …. BESIDES MY .308 & 64x55 SWEDE …. 30-06 & .270 WIN… THANKS! AGAIN!! BRO 😎 …. NOT ENOUGH CONTENT OUT THERE ON THIS SHORT ACTION CASE CARTRIDGE…

For competition shooting Berger do a good 180 grain projectile and I think a new 195 grain, though I have not seen it, as I stopped competing before they came out. I have three 7mm rem mags, two for competition and one for hunting, I always use 1 in 9 twist. The 280 Ackley sounds good, if I ever get back to shooting I will try it.

7wsm, mine launches 183 smk's at 3k fps out of a 24" barrel. Plug those #'s into your ballistic calculator👍

Tough one, but I'm going with 280ai

The Steyr Mannlicher professional rifle was offered in 7x64mm (a Euro 280 Remington) back in the early 70s. It had a non-wood stock, which was ahead of its time. That says something. I have had much experience with the 7mm Remington Magnum when i was younger, but am going with the 280 AI now.

Just have to say, this thumbnail looked amazing!! Great video too!

The 270 winning is still blowing my mind...folk is voting with they heart

I can’t believe .270 beat 6.8 😂 obviously because it has a old fan base but can people make the unbiased decision and realize 6.8 is a newer, faster and better in every way option

Been shooting the 7 wsm for 20 yrs. It’s excellent and is a hammer!

Currently own 2 customs in 280 AI and 1 custom in 7SAUM. Pretty much ballistic twins…..pretty hard to pick a rifle when I’m headed out hunting, as long as it’s a 7mm I feel your good to go.

Two of my favorites that I've never fired. I decided that I wanted a custom 280 AI years ago and never had one built. I'm now thinking a 7 saum is for me. My votes is the SAUM. I think it's the best 7 on the market.

To my mind's eye, you get the same performance out of the cartridge that uses less powder, so why not use that one? In most situations, action length will be a negligible difference, so a long action is perfectly acceptable. .280 AI, is my choice.

I Own a Savage Ultralight in 280AI and it shoots lights out. My brother has a 7 SAUM and I would own either one. I do like being able to buy 280 AI ammo off the shelf (when I can find it)

I've been a 30 cal shooter and just started getting involved in the 7mm realm. I agree that if you "reload" you may find one of these to your liking. If you don't reload, good luck finding a factory box of 280 AI, 7SAUM, or even a 7WSM. If I have to start investing in custom barrels and such I might as well stick with what I've got. 7 MAG.

7 SAUM and it will be my next custom rifle!

A buddy of mine did something cool. He took a rem700 in 7WM and put a 7wsm barrel on it. So he has the standard mag but can run the bullets extra long for even more powder. He is well over 3k and has no feeding issues.

I have to go with 7 SAUM. However, either one is a fantastic choice! Like you said, it just depends if you reload or not.

Been looking forward to this one and I like how you matched them up! Building my first fully custom rifle in 7 SAUM and Jim, the reasons you laid out are exactly why. I wanted a short lightweight rifle with a fast twist that I could take back in the wilderness with me. ANTI XM, Proof 22”, Trigger Tech, McMillan. Maybe just maybe a suppressor. I want to shoot 168 Barnes or 175 ABLR, I’m not a fan of the hollow points. I like my 300prc. It shoots great, but it’s heavy, long, and kicks. Also why build a custom 7-08 , 280AI or 6.5 prc when semi custom or factory offerings are so good? I’ve been slowly accruing (and overpaying for) 7 SAUM brass on auction sites due to high demand and low supply…

For what's here, I go with the 280, but my favorite 7mm is the 7x57mm Mauser it's all the 7mm I need.

It’s interesting how the “magazine capacity” topic was not mentioned during the 30-06 vs 300WSM video

Merry Christmas to you and your family mate hope you have a great day and a safe and happy new year cheers Yogi Australia 🇦🇺 🤙🤙

Thanks