Slightly less explosive 7mm bullet?

[spudists]

Hi all,

Long time lurker, and I have been following the match bullet/small caliber argument intently. I am hoping to scoop up a 6CM Tikka when they come out with a 20" (fingers crossed) and move into smaller calibers long term. I combed all the bullet selection threads, but this "middle ground" situation is not often discussed.

Before discovering that train of thought, I bought a Tikka 7 RM as a do-all rifle. While waiting on the 6mm, I will use my 7RM this year for both elk and deer. I hunt both coastal rainforest/thick timber as well as traditional western sage brush. This creates scenarios with 30 yard shots and 500 yard shots. I have been shooting the 162 ELDX with a MV of 2910. On the close up shots, it is a mess. Everything ends up dead, but I get maybe 6 inches of penetration and a total bullet grenade on tiny blacktails. This makes me nervous to shoot close range elk at awkward shot angles. Long range performance has been optimal.

Without going full Accubond or Mono, is there a slightly less explosive 7mm bullet that will still fragment sufficiently at longer distances? Hoping it can hold together enough sub 50 yards, while not being overly tough and creating narrow wounds. The Tikka is 1:9.5 twist, so I can't stabilize many of the heavy for caliber options. Do I take the BC hit and just shoot 160 Partitions? Is this where the 165 TGK could be ideal? I want to avoid a 2 bullet setup. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[CJ_BG]

You described a partition, 160 or 175 if it'll stabilize.

The TGK is probably also gonna work for that. Along with the accubond LR, depending on how much of a step down you need in wound width.

Also to be frank the 162 will kill an elk fine even at close range. If the shot is that close you could always opt for a neck shot too.

 

[ckt3]

Post in thread 'Disruptive bullets for medium calibers'

Jun 14, 2026

@Formidilosus,

Thank you, sincerely, for chiming in and sharing your insights.

If we were to place all these projectiles on a spectrum of "most to least Splashy", or "most disruptive to deepest penetrating" or "widest to narrowest wound channels" (whichever title suits your fancy), would it look something this?

TMK > ELD-M > ELD-X > VLD > Gold Dot > SST > Fusion > Partition > NBT > TGK > Accubond > Monos

Nope. They’re different- all of them. The wound shapes are or can be quite different.

Depth of penetration:

Monos> TGK (maybe)> Partition> Accubond/NBT>...

• Formidilosus

• 

This is a good post from Form that may address your question.

 

[Tmac]

Couple ways to skin that cat. Heavier bullet is one. Your twist rate may not work for the real long eld/vld 175+ gr. offerings. But it should stabilize “regular” 175’s like an interlock, partition, fusion and the like. Might try a few 175’s. As long as they hold enough fps to 500, should work well for you.

In a similar weight bullet, but tougher, a 160 partition may be an even better choice. If it will hold the velocity you need to 500.

I’ve had success with 117 interlocks up close and to 415 out of my 25-06. Had good luck with regular 120 fusions too, close to maybe 350. Used 150 partitions out of my 280 Rem close and to 380 with great results.

The quickest non cns kill I’ve made on an elk was a 175 partition out of my 280 at about 25 yards. Went about 10 feet. Inside the lungs were jello and it exited. So that bullet will work close. Only animal I took with it, but it is not a 500 yard load in my 280.

You want to avoid mono’s. That said my regular 280 bullet is a 145 LRX. At some altitude I’m good to 600. They have worked very well for me. Had the 139 LRX been available when I picked that bullet, I’d have started there for more velocity. My 280 sends the 145’s at 3,013 fps. Something to consider if you find no other solution.

 

[spudists]

Thanks, guys. That thread is exactly what I was looking for, not sure how I missed it. Looks like partitions and NBTs might be worth shooting this fall. Luckily I already tested the partition and they shoot lights out in my rifle. Just need to shoot them on game.

 

[noKnees]

Another to look at would be the Bondstrike from Norma. Its a bonded bullet probably somewhere between the Accubond long range and Accubond in toughness.

 

[WhoGarrDen]

162ELD-X out of a 7RM and it grenades on impact with <6-inch penetration on multiple blacktail?...