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shotgunshooter3
Senior MemberPosts: 5,840 Senior Member
7mm Rem Mag and 7mm08 Loads for Elk
shotgunshooter3
Senior MemberPosts: 5,840 Senior Member
The title says it all. I'm researching loads for elk hunting, and quite frankly I may be overthinking it a bit. I'm now soliciting input from all of y'all for good recommendations on elk loads for the parameters as follows:
- Quarry: Colorado Elk and mule deer in the northwest corner of the state
- Shot: 400 yards and under. I am uncomfortable personally shooting at game beyond 400, and would prefer to be even closer. For the purpose of this discussion let's call the max range 400 yards.
- Rifles: My primary is a 7mm Rem Mag, and my backup is a 7mm08. Both Remington 700's with 24" barrels. Solid chance the 7mm08 becomes my primary if I don't get enough practice in with the 7RM.
I'm thinking something in the 160-175gr range for the 7RM, and a solid 140gr for the 7mm08. What I'm looking for is suggestions for bullets and weight ranges, preferably available in factory ammunition.
For my self imposed limit, I'm thinking that I don't need one of the new whiz-bang super high BC and super high $$$ hunting bullets. I've had a lot of luck w/ the Federal Fusion in my 7mm08 and may just go with that again, but the classic Nosler Partition has my attention as well.
Thoughts?
- Quarry: Colorado Elk and mule deer in the northwest corner of the state
- Shot: 400 yards and under. I am uncomfortable personally shooting at game beyond 400, and would prefer to be even closer. For the purpose of this discussion let's call the max range 400 yards.
- Rifles: My primary is a 7mm Rem Mag, and my backup is a 7mm08. Both Remington 700's with 24" barrels. Solid chance the 7mm08 becomes my primary if I don't get enough practice in with the 7RM.
I'm thinking something in the 160-175gr range for the 7RM, and a solid 140gr for the 7mm08. What I'm looking for is suggestions for bullets and weight ranges, preferably available in factory ammunition.
For my self imposed limit, I'm thinking that I don't need one of the new whiz-bang super high BC and super high $$$ hunting bullets. I've had a lot of luck w/ the Federal Fusion in my 7mm08 and may just go with that again, but the classic Nosler Partition has my attention as well.
Thoughts?
- I am a rifleman with a poorly chosen screen name. -
"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast, and speed is the economy of motion" - Scott Jedlinski
"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast, and speed is the economy of motion" - Scott Jedlinski
Replies
Mike
N454casull
Hornady or Sierra might also be easier/faster to tune in than Nosler. Based on what Ive read, not actual personal experience.
I developed a 7 mag load years ago, and still use it. It uses 175 gr. Speer Grand Slams. I don't recall the powder charge off hand, but it's the second hottest load shown in the Speer reloading manual. The hottest load uses 78 grains of <forgot), and my load only uses 59 (I think). I'd have to look it up, and don't have ready access to my load data at the moment.
With a 7mm-08, keep in mind that the long, heavy for caliber, high BC bullets may post problems feeding or fitting into your magazine. I have personally ran into the problem with a different chambering, but one that was chambered in a short action.
I'm a big fan of the Grand Slams, especially for heavy animals like elk. I don't know if I'd use the load I recommended at ranges to 400 yards, but you have enough experience to know what you can do. Also, get a good range finder. Distances in good elk country can be deceiving, and you may find that the target is not as far away as you think.
There's a ton of good bullets out there, and a lot of them will fit your needs. Let your rifle decide for you.
Gun control laws make about as much sense as taking ex-lax to cure a cough.
Accubond. Pushed hard. They shoot great. The results are outstanding.
Where are you hunting? Pm me.
JAY
The only experience I've had with Accubonds is trying to load them for my 338x284. The bullets were too long, though, and I could not seat them without crushing the case shoulder. I thought they would be good for elk, but was never able to try them. In a 7 mag, though, with a long action, I think the 162 (?) grain bullets would work well.
My only experience with Partitions was also with my 338. I could not find a load that gave me decent accuracy, but I did develop a load that was within reason. I killed a 2 1/2 year old bison cow at very close range with it. But, in the final analysis, I opted for the Grand Slam. That was what worked best for me, and has worked well in other rifles, including the 145 grainer for my .284.
Bottom line is that it all comes down to the bullet you use, and there's a ton of them available that are suitable for elk to 400 yards. Find one you like and develop a load around it.
Gun control laws make about as much sense as taking ex-lax to cure a cough.
D
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.... now who's bringing the hot wings? :jester:
I have a 160 grain Partition load for my .270 Win at 2850 fps that'll land 3 in 3/8" whether I've drank a pot of coffee and am still half asleep or on top of my game. OTOH, I've never fired a Sierra bullet that did well enough during initial testing (accuracy wise) to warrant further development effort.
You never know what your rig will like best, but all mentioned bullets are up to the task once they hit the target.
Mike
N454casull
In general, the 7mm-08 in question shot the 140 gr. bullet (Barnes TTSX in this case) *much* better (about half inch 5-shot groups), and that exact bullet at about 2,700 fps dropped both a kudu and an oryx in South Africa with no trouble. I don't think you'd have any trouble felling an elk with a good 140 gr. bullet if you can't get the 160 gr. options to shoot to your satisfaction.
D
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.... now who's bringing the hot wings? :jester:
"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast, and speed is the economy of motion" - Scott Jedlinski
D
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.... now who's bringing the hot wings? :jester:
"The Un-Tactical"
https://forums.gunsandammo.com/discussion/39519/range-report-remington-700s-in-7mm-rem-mag-and-7mm08-rem/p1?new=1
"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast, and speed is the economy of motion" - Scott Jedlinski