I am looking for a 120-140 gr bullet that will stand up to 7mm stw velocities. The game will mostly be southern deer. I currently shoot 120 gr X bullets, but the accuracy is so-so and the copper fouling is a nightmare. It's a long cleaning session after only about 20 rounds. I really do like the performance of the 120 X's, just looking to try something different. Most of my shots are around 200-300 yards, but need a bullet that will hold together at 50 yards if needed. I search this board, and people seem to really like the 140 gr partition. How is the accuracy w/ that bullet? Any help or loads would be appreciated.

http://www.nookhill.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=009780

http://www.groovebullets.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=534

enjoy!

North Fork. The accuracy is impressive, and Atkinson says the performance exemplary.

Try the Barnes 140 grain XLC coated bullet. Fouling isn't a problem, and accuracy is usually very good.

I like the 160gr bullets in my 7mm Dakota, but if I were looking for a tough 140gr, I think the Northfork or Swift-A would do you well.

I was always afraid of using moly bullets because of the the build-up in the barrel. Does the XLC's coat the barrel or do you have to prep the barrel before shooting the XLC's? How far you seating them off the lands?

Like I said, mostly going to be used for deer, so don't want a bullet that could be too tough and not expand as it should at longer ranges.

[ 09-21-2003, 18:50: Message edited by: Justin B ]

Try the North Fork bullets, they will hold at any distance, and in my STW are absolutely the most accurate premium bullet made today. My rifle is very partial to the 160 grain, shooting one holers, but would shoot the 140 less than .5. www.northforkbullets.com Good shooting.

What about the old partitions or the new accubonds? Hornady interlocks?

I like the new 160 grain nosler accubond. the bullets hold together well and have an incredible ballistic coeficiant. my 28 inch barreled sako shoots them at 3375 fps,with r25, into a 1/2 inch all day. if i had to shoot 140s i would probably go with a partition. cheers!

Justin--this is just one man's opinion and it is not meant to get a 500 post thread going at all.

So... here goes I've used the Sierra 130 MK with very good success out of my 7 Mashburn Super. Deer antelope and elk all just bounce.

To those of you who do not like this I am sorry but I am just posting what's worked for me.

"GET TO THE HILL"

Dogz

Hey Mark, you made it back, how was the hunting trip? My STW likes the 160 gr Fail Safes on top of RL25. Gives me 3200 fps out of a 24" barrel, and very good accuracy. - Dan

Thanks for the help guys. I thought about the accubonds, but I believe they are only available in 160's and don't really need that much bullet for these little deer. I am also afraid that the failsafes may be a little too hard to expand on these light-skinned animals.

I am just always itching to try something different, may have to give the paritions a try. The one thing that bothers me about them is their inconsistent lead tips causing some bullets to be seated longer/shorter than others. Has anybody had such problems? Anybody shooting them over imr7828? Would be interested in some starting loads as my Nosler manual is out of date and has no data for the 7mm stw.

I love the 120 x's on deer, but the fouling has got the best of me.

For deer a 160 grn Speer Mag tip is all the bullet you will ever need.

Did use the Swift scirocco and 80.5 gr Imr 7828, but since the Hornady interbond 139gr came out- 83gr imr-7828-3530 av fps, circled quarter sized groups. Just as accurate as the scirocco and does hold togeather better, and cheaper.

North Forks are your answer.

4bambam,

Have you shot anything with those new Hornady Interbonds? They sound like the would be perfect for whitetail. Just worried that they won't hold together at close ranges at high velocities, look a lot like SST's.

Justin,

A question, if I may.

What kind of accuracy are you looking for?

We have had hunters shooting 1/2 MOA and tighter groups from magnum rifles using Groove Bullets.

You want a bullet that will hold together at close range and further out. Groove Bullets will hold together at close range and as far out as you can hit the deer.

Groove Bullets do NOT copper foul near as much as jacketed bullets without grooves. We shot 30 rounds through a 338 win mag and it took us 10 minutes to clean the barrel of copper. We use "Sweets" to remove the copper.

Using a 127gr EXP Groove Bullet in your 7 STW you should realize 3600 FPS, perhaps higher with extreme accuracy. Reloader 22 is a good powder to use in the 7 STW using Groove Bullets.

Using the 127gr EXP in your 7 STW you can go from deer to elk sized game without a problem.

Don

Don,

Have you guys tested coating the groove bullets with different types of coatings like Fastex etc?

-DallanC

I have loaded the Speer Grand Slam bullet for many people in their 7mm mags. with great success. The performance on deer and elk has been flawless. I'm sure they can handle the extra velocity of the STW as well. I've witnessed the X bullet fail to expand too many times to ever recomend them to anyone. FWIW.

Justin B,
The interbond IS a SST bullet with the core bonded to the jacket. Hornady claims they WILL NOT come apart, so I wouldn't be afraid to try them. My elk hunting partner is going to use the 30 cal. 165 IB out of his 300 WM this year. I will report thr results after the season ends in Nov.

Elk Country

[ 09-26-2003, 21:24: Message edited by: Elk Country ]

Justin B, the Interbond is an interbonded bullet, looks like a sst and is not a sst bullet. Have had great results in 300 wby mag and the 165gr interbond at 3390av fps. Look at youre private message section and e-mail me, and I will send pictures and facts P.S. must have hit the number 9 twice 3990av fps.

[ 09-27-2003, 06:38: Message edited by: 4bambam ]

4bambam

Did I read it right? You are pushing a 165gr bullet out of a 300 Whby at 3990 FPS?

Don