Would like to hear how the 7mm SST have performed on elk. Specifically the 139 grain. Looking for a new bullet for my wifes 7-08. Also if anyone has RL-19 recipes with the 139 or 154 gainers. Thanks in advance.

No experience with the SST my wife uses a 140Accubond in her 7x57 and it has never failed here or in Namibia.

SST bullets are great on light game like antelope but I would use something considerably tougher for elk.

Last year, my brother used the Superformance SST 7mm RemMag stuff on antelope and they were awesome, but I don't think any of them exited the animal. Shots were between 125yd and 300yd.

I think the SST is a little soft. Great for deer.

With the moderate velocity of the 7-08, I don't think the SST is too soft. If you were shooting a 7mm RM, then I'd say it was, but not with the 7-08.

I've used the 139 Interlock, similar to the core and jacket of the SST, with a 7mm-08 Improved and it holds together well on mule deer and pig. I haven't tried it yet with elk, but based on the performance I've seen I wouldn't blame the bullet if the elk didn't drop.

So far no one has claimed experience using the SST of any flavor on elk.....that just might be a hint!

I, too, have never used an SST on anything larger than deer but they sure work well on deer!

I love 129 gr Hornady sp's in my 264 mags and 6.5 WSM's "DEADLY" on anything here Colorado.SST's are maybe a tad more accurate, but those sp's ain't bad.Elk are not bullet proof as some have you think.Colorado DOW says all you need is an 80 grain bullet that had 1000fpe at muzzle

I'd use the Hornady Interbond.

An SST would do well if the shot is ideal, but it is not designed to penetrate heavy bone so if you only shot is less than ideal, you might not have enough bullet. I would look for something a little sturdier such as a Barnes or Nosler E-Tip. There are lots of choices in 7mm that would work well.

Unless things have changed in recent years...I'd recommend you contact the folks in Grand Island directly and ask their experts.
In the past, I've found the Hornady folks to be very helpful and quite forthcoming with information and suggestions about their products.

I prefer Hornady Interbond. It is a bone-crusher. My experience is that it gives better mushroom and excellent penetration. There is sometimes a fine balance between a good mushroom with a little weight loss. Barnes gives no weightloss, but the mushroom is smaller and therefor the wound channel is smaller.

quote:

I love 129 gr Hornady sp's in my 264 mags and 6.5 WSM's "DEADLY" on anything here Colorado.SST's are maybe a tad more accurate, but those sp's ain't bad.Elk are not bullet proof as some have you think.Colorado DOW says all you need is an 80 grain bullet that had 1000fpe at muzzle

Danny, you might want to double check those regulations.

Legal minimim in CO for elk is:

.24 Cal bullet
85 grains
1000-ft pounds of energy, as rated by Manufacturer at 100 yards.

Ok course, just because something is the legal doesn't mean it's a good choice.

You were right.My thought wasn't completed. I been hunting 32 years here and met several native ranchers who have killed many elk with 243. win and the simple 30-30. I personally have never used anything larger than 30-06 except one year a 300 wsm. But then again I don't promote extreme ranges

I hear you Danny. Alot of those ranchers know exactly where those elk will be on opening day. With a 50 yard neck shot, it doesn't really matter all that much what you shoot them with. The 30-30 might shoot a big bullet, but that's why the big round noses for it are often on the soft side. A big soft bullet at moderate range, and moderate velocity can be a good killer.

With the SST's reputation for being soft, I'd probably go with either the 154 or the 162.

Come to think of it, those 162's, out of an 7mm-08, moderate velocity, fast opening, and high SD could be kind of interesting.

I tried some 154gr in my 280, way too soft for elk IMO, unless you are out past say 300yds where the'll slow down, but inside 250yds, too much expansion & shallow penetration for bigger/thicker animals.