I just recently got into reloading again, I have evrything setup and im ready to go. I used to load my my 7mag with 160gr. nosler partions and they worked like a charm. However, evrybody keeps telling me they are not needed for Pennsylvania whitetail and bear.

I have heard good comments about the sierra btsp gamekings, speer hot-cors, and the hornady spbt interlocks. Which one of the three do u guys recomend on Deer and Bear? Also what are some good powders for these bullets? I used to use reloder22 alot with the partions. Thanx in advance. Ryan

For the 160 grain bullet in the 7 rem mag the RL22 is great. Of the bullets you mentioned I would persoannly go with the Hornandy, but all three should perform about the same.

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www.rifleshooter.com

Save a plant, shoot a deer!

RN7 - The Nosler 160gr Partition is the only bullet for the 7 Rem Mag. Some say too much bullet for deer, I say SO WHAT.

You may also wish to use H-4831SC. I have had great success with 4831 in a wide range of magnum calibers. While it is not a one powder solution for all guns, it comes damn close. BTW - welcome back to the pack.

I'll have to agree AND disagree with both Bill and Zero.

I find RL-22 is a lousy powder. While it produces excellent accuracy and velocity, it's velocity is inconsistent over the normal range of temperatures. I have lost 100 fps in the 7mm RM with the same load shot at 85 dgrees and 50 degrees. When it's 25 degrees in the Pennsyltucky mountains, you'll lose another 50-75 fps on top of that.

I agree with Zero that H-4831Sc is a great powder, close to a one-powder choice for all belted mag cases. I switched to that in 7mmRM and the resutls have been very good, accuracy and velocity-wise.

However, I disagree with Zero about the Nosler Partition. In general, they don't shoot accurately enough for my taste (1 MOA is my minimum) and I think that they are a waste of $$$ unless you are hunting something bigger than you should be with a given calibre.

I agree with Bill that the Hornady or Sierra bullets will do well for deer, and I go beyond that and say do well for any North American game, so long as you pick the right weight. I have used both bullets on deer and elk and larger African game - - with all successes.

The 7mm RM is great cartridge - - fine even in the woods. I'd pick a 154 grain Hornady or 150 grain Sierra for your use.

I use a 7mm Rem Mag for deer, I use the 139gr Hornady bt, I have a muzzle velocity of 3200 fps and have never recovered a bullet.

When using my &mmRem.Mag. I have had great success with Sierra Game kings in 150&160 grs. on black bears, caribou and sheep. I don't recall ever recovering a bullet. For my 7mmRem.Mag I will continue to use Sierra's.

Sierra's G.K's out of my 7mmSTW are varmint bullets. I shot a couple of whitetails. one at 80yards and anouther at 150 yards and they blew up and no exit.

Daryl

Daryl, the STW can't fire a bullet much faster than the Rem, shouldn't be much difference in bullet performance.

Gentlemen,

Based on my experience, I think the 175 gr. Nosler partition is the ideal bullet. It has worked for me on game from blacktails to eland. No problems. It can be loaded down for woods use to around 2500-2600, and will penetrate all day without losing meat. I load them hot, and shoot them a lot at long range. Both Noslers and 175 gr. Hornady interlocks will consistenly shoot sub-MOA out of my Ruger M77 MkII.

Joel Slate
Slate & Associates, LLC
The Safari Specialists
www.slatesafaris.com

7mm Rem Mag Page www.slatesafaris.com/7mm.htm

I have settled on the 160gr NP for my 7mm Dakota (3250fps+). I KNOW it will hold together if I have to take a close shot & the front section expands nicely @ distance. If I was trying for an antelope or deer past 200yds I wouldn't hesitate to stick one thru both shoulders & expect little meat damage & a very dead buck. Good luck, you're on the right track w/ RL22.

I like the Hornady 154 gr spire point, it has enough mass to hold together well at very close range and opens up nicely further out. I use IMR 4350, so velocities aren't the highest, but it's been a consistent performer as far as accuracy goes.(besides, my brother ordered a bunch and I like his price... lol)

There is nothing wrong with a 160 Partition from a 7 Mag. In fact, they are made for each other. As long as they shoot well in your rig, go for it.

I disagree, as far as bear is concerned. While the average black bear isn't huge, there are some eastern bears killed every year in the 400-600 pound range. A 160 Partition is entirely appropriate.

If I was hunting deer only, I'd probably drop to the 140 Partition if it was accurate in my rifle. However, there is nothing wrong with killing whitetails with a 160 Partition!

If you are concerned about $$$, try to find another bullet that shoots close to the same point of aim and practice with the cheap one. Don't ever think that extra money for a dependable bullet is wasted. You probabably burn more $$$ in gas going to & from your hunting grounds than you spend on hunting bullets in a year...

By the way, John Haviland has an article on loading the 7 Rem Mag in the latest Handloader; mine just came yesterday.

[This message has been edited by BigIron (edited 01-24-2002).]

If you don't ant to use the 160 gr Partitions for Deer, try some 162 gr Hornady BT.
They work for us like a charm.

The 7mag and 160gr bullets were made for each other. Also, use all the money you will save reloading to buy a 7-08. Ideal cartridge for everything east of the big river.

For deer I use only the 140 gr ballistic tip out of the 7mm mag and 7mmstw.For bear,moose or elk I switch to the 140gr partition.I have never had a bullet failure and have never used a bullet other than 140 gr in the 7mm's.

I'm with Big Iron's advice, the quarry includes bear and if you come across a big one, the 160 NP will do the job. I took my largest black bear, a genuine 600+lb trophy with one shot from my 7mag with the 160NP over RL22. No doubt about it(the NP that is)

My neighbor's friend lost a small 200lb black bear using a factory 150gr core-lokt out of a 7mag, hit the bear in the shoulder(quartering shot) and the bear rolled and was gone. The next day a houndsman bayed up the bear which could still fight with a broken shoulder. After slaying the bear, it was found the core-lokt failed to penetrate into the vitals. This is only my experiences with the 7mag on bears....I'm no expert by far. sure-shot