Which cartridge

[mathewsboy]

I will be taking a 7mm Rem. Mag. after elk (thats the gun I got, thats the gun I will take). While I generally think a heavier bullet is better, I ran into a roadblock with regard to this caliber. In comparing Hornady vs Remington ammo, I discovered the following ballistics:

Hornady 139 grain bullet:
............100...200...300...400...500
Velocity 3041 2822 2613 2413 2223
Energy 2854 2458 2106 1797 1525
Trajectory 1.4 0 -5.7 -16.6 -33.5

Remington 175 grain Core Lokt:
............100...200...300...400...500
Velocity 2645 2440 2244 2057 1879
Energy 2718 2313 1956 1644 1372
Trajectory 1.7 0 -7.6 -22.1 -44.8

So, given this information, which of the two loads would you choose, or would you recommend a different commercial load.

Thanks

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1">[ 12-08-2003 09:21: Message edited by: mathewsboy ]</font>

 

[BuzzH]

No debate in my opinion, I'd go with the 175 core lokt, even though the hornady may be a slightly better bullet. Elk have large bones and they are best dealt with by shooting heavy bullets.

Do what you want, but I'd consider some nosler partitions or the like for elk, way better than either bullet choice you put up.

I also wouldnt be too concerned with the ballistic charts...get close and place your shot...its all over but the packin'.

 

[danr55]

If it were me, I would find a compromise between the two. The 160 grain Nosler partition is about the best of both worlds. It is much faster than the 175 core lokt, and carries more energy down range than the 139 Hornady. It is currently loaded in Winchester Supreme ammo and has proven to be extremely accurate in every rifle I've seen it fired in.

 

[Ithaca 37]

The 160 Grain Nosler is best, 175 gr. Remington is a real close second. Either one is fine.

 

[Washington Hunter]

I would not shoot anything lighter than 160 grains out of a 7 Mag for elk. The Remington 175 Core Lokt would be a good choice, but you would be better off with a premium bullet such as the Nosler Partition as Buzz and Dan both mentioned. If you really want to go with a bullet lighter than 160 grains, you might want to try a Barnes X bullet. They are 100% copper and therefore will not come apart like many bullets will, especially at the higher velocities of the 7 Mag. Both of the bullets you mentioned will most likely disintegrate if you were to hit an elk in the shoulder, and you may or may not get enough penetration for a quick kill in that case. Best thing would be to try 2 or 3 different types of bullets, and then go with the one that will shoot the smallest groups. The differences in trajectory between the lighter bullets and the heavier bullets is really not significant. I'm just guessing here, but if you go with a 160 graing bullet, and sight in about 2 1/2 inches high at 100 yards, you will only only be 10 inches low at 400 yards, and 400 yards is a very long shot. The only advantage to the light 139 or 140 grain bullet would be less recoil. So, if you can handle the recoil, definitely go with a heavier bullet.

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1">[ 12-08-2003 12:00: Message edited by: Washington Hunter ]</font>

 

[Roadtrip]

You will be well served by listening to DanR.

When it comes to matters of rifles and cartridges, he will only steer you down the right trail. He knows what he is talking about and I've read many of his posts.

160 Noz is the one you are after.

Cheers
Roadtrip

 

[Quick Draw]

I used the Remmington Core Lock bullets out of my 7mm Mag, but that was for deer. I like the way the Remmington bullets shoot. That's just my opinion though. So I would say go with the Remmingtons.
Quick Draw

 

[Ol Bull Shooter]

I would use either Fed. Prem. with a 160 Nosler or Speer Nitrex with a 175, which everone shoots best. Good luck on your hunt

 

[Gunner46]

Scrap any ideas of the 139's!

If 175 CorLoc's are shooting right,and everything else is slickety-clickety, in your rifle, go for it!

Premium's, of say 160-165, will do just as well, but cost you twice as much.

 

[Calif. Hunter]

I'll jump on the bandwagon and suggest the 160 Partition, too, or a good 175 gr bullet. Don't go lighter than the 160, in my opinion.

 

[Elkhunter]

I have the 7 mm mag and the 175 grain Core Lokt is what I use in it and have never had a problem.

 

[JoseCuervo]

Hmmmm... Let me think about it....

160gr Nosler Partitions over H4831....

The cost difference is nothing, considering how often you shoot the gun. And for Elk, don't be cheap on getting them anchored to the side of the Mtn. A wounded Elk can head into stuff in 5 minutes that will take you a day to haul it out of.

 

[mathewsboy]

Thanks for all of the input...you guys are great about that. Think I will try a box of the Winchester Supreme 160 gr Noslers, and a box of the Remington CoreLokt 175s, go with whichever one is more accurate (will lean toward the 160 Noslers)

Thanks again

 

[Boman]

Mathewsboy,

I'd also suggest you try Federals 7mm load that has the 160gr Trophy bonded bear claw. And Winchester Supremes 160gr Fail Safe. Good luck to you