Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Need Sierra 7mm Magnum advice

I am considering loading for my new 7mm Magnum. I like using Sierra bullets and was wondering what would be the best bullet/power combination for whitetail. I am going to use IMR 4350 for my powder, I just wondered the best grain in sierras for knock down power with that powder...the 140gr, 150gr, or 160 gr.

The bigger the bullet you use , the less Bloodshot Meat you will have to throw away ! Light Cup and Core Bullets at Magnum velocities make a mess , and don't penetrate with dependability !

So I would be better to go with a run of the mill 150 grain for general whitetail use

160 Sierra HPBT and 7828 or R25 is the way I'd go

Dober

I was kind of worried about the Hollow Point fragmenting badly at high speeds, does it work well? I dont mind damage to animal, but I do not like chasing them

Asalways great advice from dober

Sierra will tell you the same thing as Dober. Their 160g HPBT GameKing is their "hardened" bullet that they recommend for elk hunting.

In fact, from Paul Box at Sierra (8/29/2008).
"The 160 SBT or the HPBT version would be my first choice for an elk bullet from your 7 Rem Mag.Actually the HPBT is a better and quicker killer from this caliber.I think the 175's would be okay,but might not stabilize well enough for the best accuracy*.I'd set up you're OAL to be .015" off the rifling."

* This is probably in reference to my stated 1:9.5" twist.

So it should lay a deer to the ground rather instantly..this is my first go around with anything other than 30 cals so i am rather lost on ideas

Sorry, for some reason thought we were talking about using a Sierra bullet on elk. I don't know which one Sierra would recommend for deer. Either would probably be fine.

What ranges will you be using to on a yearly basis?

Dober

I am in WV so my shots are looking to be 50-250 yds with 300 being about a total maximum

So, you're talking close range, if you're worried about too much destruction then slow that bullet down to 2800 or so and rock on.

I'd think that most shots will be sub 100 right?

Dober

between 100 and 200, i really dont want to shoot pencil holes through, and i dont mind destruction as long as i dont have to chase

The sierra 160 sbt has alot good hunting history behind it, starting with les bowman at his ranch in Montana, I think it was called Elk Heaven and I think they were developing the 7MM RM. Long time since I read the article, but was very interesting.
But I recall the 160 grain Sierra was very well thought of. The other guy was the old
Remington guy Wayne Leek? I've used the 160 for years.
Mouse

U do your part and you won't have to chase!

Dober

Mouse-that's one of my fav articles and Les was one of my all time fav writers. Just wish he'd of done some books!

Dober

I have seen deer shot perfectly with 180gr 200grain -06's that poked holes right though, did not bleed and ran for 200+ yards before dropping. Hunting brusy woods of WV that can lead to many unclaimed deer. I like to see them drop where they stand or at least only take a hop or two. I have managed to get that to work in my .222, .308, and 30-06 but I am very unsure as to where to start on the 7mm.

Could someone please tell me the Maximum IMR 4350 charge to load 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tips, also the velocity

I've taken deer and bear with this load.

150 Gameking, 63 grains of IMR 4350, Fed 215M primer, Winchester case, .75 inch groups at 100yrds.

Slim, does it go through deer or go inside and make a mess and stay inside the animal>?