162 ELD-X vs 162 ELD-M in 7mm Rem Mag

Pharmseller · 2025-12-11T17:05:20-0700

I’m getting nowhere with advice for loads with the 175 ELD-X and a friend talked to me about the superiority of the 162 ELD-M in the 7mm Rem mag. He’s concerned the increase in BC and weight with the 175 won’t make up for the velocity loss, and suggested the 175 is better utilized in larger 7mm cartridges.

So I’m asking for actual on-game experience using the M version in the 7mm Rem Mag.

Post the stories, boys.

Chris in TN · 2025-12-11T17:22:58-0700

Contrary to your friend, I think the 162 are *too fast* at closer range in that caliber (I mean, they were for me, when I was shooting them beyond 3000' in my .280ai, they were very splashy on several deer, and wouldn't even exit on small does shot in the ribs) and I was much happier with the performance I saw from the 180 eld-m. In my rifle (25") I have no problem hitting 2800'+ with the 180 eldm. I think I was shooting it at 2835' when I was using IMR8133 and when I switched to N565 I seemed to have a lot of potential left, when I stopped at 2870' MV. I think I could hit 2925' with that powder. But the beauty of the 180eldm is that I believe it behaves better on close shots, at perhaps 2800', than the 162 (I was using eldx but think either would be this way) at 3000'.

I cannot imagine a scenario where a 7mmRM wasn't 'fast enough' with a 175-180 grain projectile unless you had a *really* short barrel. The heavies hold their velocity very, very well. I stopped using my .280ai because I simply believe it to be overkill, on anything, including elk.

IrkedCitizen · 2025-12-11T23:41:14-0700

These have all died with one shot and collectively traveled 80yd after impact from my 7RM 25.6" barrel shooting 162gr ELD-M bullets in ADG and Peterson brass from Unknown Munitions.

100yd shot. Traveled 0 yards. Did a 360 spin and fell over