New to 7mm Rem Mag & western whitetail

[Wingshooter]

I was going to recommend 160 Nosler partitions in Federal Premium line it's a great time tested bullet that would work from pronghorn to Elk and anything in between. However it retails for 70-90$ a box. So maybe something a little more economical for whitetail to start out. Sportsmans guide has that load for 55$ per box still seems pricey but everything is these days.

 

[Ben_H]

162gr ELDX, 155gr terminal ascent are what I’ve been using to shoot deer on depredation this spring. 10 deer so far and all but 1 dropped in their tracks. If you hit bone, front shoulders could be done for, but through the lungs the bullets held together well and did their job nicely. Shots from 100 to 450 yards.

 

[Standhunter_24]

I've hunted upland and waterfowl for years. Small game here and there and have hunted javelina with a longbow.

However, I'm brand-spanking new to the world of western big game hunting.

I'm cutting my teeth with a 7mm Rem Mag and spot 'n stalk whitetail. I understand the 7mm may be a bit much for whitetail, but it's what I have.

Once I get the rifle zero'd and myself sorted out, I know the next step will be testing various loads and seeing what works best for my setup and proposed hunt.

I realize there are MANY options to work with but I'd love some insights on 2-3 ammo recommendations (bullet type, weight, and even specific cartridge) to get started with.


(I'm sure I'll eventually get into reloading but that's probably not going to happen until next year)

I have a 7 mag and have had amazing luck with Hornady superfomance 139 grain sst.

 

[VAHunter01]

Just go with what you can find that fits your budget. I really doesn't make that much difference on deer. I carried a 7 mag for years, used about every bullet I could find, never had any issue.

Absolutely no NEED for premiums on deer. I use 150 BTs now in my old 7, just because I have a truck load. Spitting distance to 400ish they have killed fine. Nothing wrong with the expensive ones, they work fine too! Just don't kid yourself and think you need high priced ammo for deer.

 

[Standhunter_24]

Use whatever shoots good in your rifle, don't over think it.

I agree if it shoots run it.

 

[Sea Rover]

My C A ‘s 7mm REM Mag shoots Barnes 139 GR LRX BT loads good. Just so you know.

 

[RifleDisciple]

I have a 7 mag and have had amazing luck with Hornady superfomance 139 grain sst.

This is my Dad's favorite load. He has killed several Elk with it. I'm surprised it has the penetration needed, but he swears by it.

Currently I am hand loading some old stock Nosler Solid Base bullets. 200 bullets lasts several years, but once those run out I am looking hard at the 160 Accubonds if they are available. Otherwise maybe something solid copper. I have some 140 Sierra Game King, but they are probably a little soft for 7mag speeds at close range. They are very accurate in my rifle though.

 

[TonySkyline]

I’ve had the best accuracy with Hornady super performance 162G and been using that for years and taken deer out to almost 500 yards. The Federal terminal ascent (forgot the weight) is also an amazing bullet. Both are extremely flat shooting and have elite knockdown performance. They are a tad overkill but when you need to take a long shot or you are targeting a trophy buck, I’m not very concerned about the front shoulder losing a little meat.


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[6mm Remington]

160 gr. Nosler Accubonds will kill anything you want to hunt with the 7mm Magnum and typically shoot well in most rifles. I would really suggest giving them a try and see how they shoot. The Accubonds are superb bullets. A single 140 gr. Accubond out of my 280AI killed my 7 1/2' grizzly bear on the north side of the Brooks Range in Alaska in 2019. I had all the confidence in the world that it would perform just as it did.
The 7mm Remington and 160 gr. Partitions or Accubonds are used by lots of folks.

 

[Dave Thomas]

I've had good luck with hornady 162 sst on a few deer.

 

[wind gypsy]

any hunting ammo they sell for 7 RM will kill deer fine. Find something that shoots good enough and waste no more time dicking around with others. Focus on getting better at field shooting instead.

 

[ikesnipecity]

I've shot a lot of whitetails with 165 partitions in my 700 7mm.

 

[hunter121212]

I've used 139gr and 168gr Hornady's as well as 140gr and 160gr Barnes on plenty of whitetail and mulies in my 7mm rem mag. Being 'too much rifle' just means you pick them up where right where you shot them instead of trying to follow a blood trail

 

[webhak]

Thanks all for your recommendations. I did some testing of different rounds and the Federal Berger 168gr is what is shooting the best out of my rifle. I'll be taking that to the field later this week and will report back if I get the opportunity to shoot the rounds on something other than paper.