Ammo question for 7mm Rem mag shooters

[Tick]

Any experiences with specific brands of ammunition or bullet types used hunting big game that just didn't get the job done? Examples of inconsistent accuracy or bullets not performing.

The ammo I've used for years is no longer made. I need to start testing other options that I can at least occasionally find in stock.

 

[Mr Drysdale]

I shoot the Barnes Vor-Tx TSX 160 grain in my Tikka T3SL. It is sub MOA in this rifle and has been DRT on several Whitetail deer at ranges from 135 to 277 yards. No other species taken with this load. I still can’t figure out why Barnes does not make this loaded ammunition nor 280 caliber bullets in the TTSX as I shoot that bullet in four other calibers. Spotty availability but they made a run recently and I stocked up.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

I shoot Hornady ELD-M 162gr from my 7RM. Kills em quick.

 

[DJL2]

I was very pleased with the Barnes VOR-TX w/ 139 LRX. I’m not a huge fan of Copper mono, but it was slightly faster than advertised out of my Tikka with an SD of <15 fps for 10 shots - pretty damn good for factory ammo. Over 2600 fps impact to 300+ yds for me.

Other solid options were the 154 SST Superformance and 162 SST Superformance. It wasn’t quite as consistent MV-wise, but might have been a little tighter shooting. Both clocked a little more than what was on the box. I wouldn’t hesitate to try the 162 ELD-X.

My Tikka also did A-OK with the Federal 150 Nosler BT. It was slower than advertised (because Federal?), and not as consistent, but shot well. It didn’t especially care for the accubond.

Handload wise, the 160 TMK, 162 ELD-M, and 168 Matrix VLD all shot well.

I did all my testing at like 400 feet ASL.