Hunting Colorado Mule Deer and Elk. I am using my 7mm Rem Mag as a backup rifle only and already have excellent 150 gr Nolser Partition loads but wanted one other nice hunting load. In the past with another 7mm Rem Mag, I had pressure issues with the Sierra 160 gr gameking but that could just have been the rifle.

Anyone have experience. opinions or comments whether they prefer Sierra Gamekings or Hornady Interlocks? Also Interlock 154 or 162 or Sierra 160s?

Thanks for all comments
338 winmag

+1 on the 160s. Develope a good load and use it for everything.

160 partitions for 7mag and elk all day long.

quote:

Originally posted by JGRaider:
160 partitions for 7mag and elk all day long.

Yup.

I have killed allot of game here and in Africa with my 7mm Rem Mag using Federal Premium 160gr Accubonds. It is the only load that I use.

killed from Prairie Dogs to a 2,000 lb Eland with it.

Chrono's out of my gun @ 3056 fps.

quote:

and already have excellent 150 gr Nolser Partition loads

What does a load with a similar weight Interlock or Gameking do that the 150 Nosler Partition won't? If it's an accurate load, just go with it. Otherwise you may have to worry about different zeros and scope settings.

The only change I would think would be justified would be moving up to a 175 grain bullet or down to a faster load with a ligher weight TSX or varmint bullet.

LWD

Not sure about elk, but the similar sized Sambar stags here in NZ go down with 160 Accubonds.

I would not try Sierra Gamekings simply because of poor experience in other high velocity calibers. They are great at 2700 fps or less.

quote:

Originally posted by LWD:

quote:

and already have excellent 150 gr Nolser Partition loads

What does a load with a similar weight Interlock or Gameking do that the 150 Nosler Partition won't? If it's an accurate load, just go with it. Otherwise you may have to worry about different zeros and scope settings.

The only change I would think would be justified would be moving up to a 175 grain bullet or down to a faster load with a ligher weight TSX or varmint bullet.

LWD

My thoughts exactly. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Paul B.

To answer your question, I'd choose the Interlock over Gamekings. I've used both in different weights and the Intrlock is a little tougher bullet. The 154gr Interlocks are good bullets, if you want another normal bullet that works well the Win PowerPoint mushrooms nice and hold together better than many would have you believe. In fact I actually like them in 150gr and the 175 even better. I just haven't managed to get any more to reload since the first ones way back. Midway was selling them as overruns.

There isn't anything wrong with using the 150gr Nosler Partitions either though.

I wouldn't use either of those bullets in the 7mm Rem. Mag.

Those bullets are great for the 7mm-08 or 7X57 but for the 7mm Rem. Mag I would use either an Accubond or TTSX. Both of these premium bullets will shoot just as accurately as the Hornady or Sierra's so where's the problem?

I would not use the Game Kings personally as I have seen them come apart. I have shot lots of deer with 139 grain Interlocks and also 175 grainers. They performed perfectly.

For deer, however, both will do the job and Sierras are definitely accurate. I am with many here, however, in saying that 160 partitions at 3000 fps will do it all. In both of my rifles, that bullet with a load of RL25 is extremely accurate.

On deer, I always have had great success with the plain old 154 grain Hornady Interlocks. Great bullet for the 7mm Mag.

The Sierra 175 gr GameKing is designed for the 7mm mag. I used it and the 175gr Nosler partition exclusively for elk and deer for many years and never had a failure with either bullet, and never recovered any bullets either.

Made one shot kills on elk using the Gameking at ranges from 80 to 490 yds. It is designed specifically for the 7mag to be used at maximum velocity only. It is not a wimpy bullet.

Z

My 7 RM loves the Nosler 160 accubond with RL22 took a large bull with this load very accurate. I also like the 175gr Partition on top of Retumbo at about 2950 dropped a cow in her tracks. I've taken deer with 154 interlocks but I want something tougher for elk

I've taken a bunch of game up to Elk size with the 7 Mag using the 160gr Accubond. It should hold together better than some bullets you mentioned, when taking on Elk.

Of the two you mention, I'd go with the interlock; however, if I had the the choice it would an 160 AB.

Many years ago I shot a small buck at 20 yds with a 7mm RM and a 139 GK. The bullet vaporized, removing the entire left shoulder. Nothing but lead dust in the lungs. I do, however, like the .358 225 GK out of my 358 Win. Works much better at slower velocities.

160 grain Nosler Partitions. I shoot them out of a Winchester (New Haven) stainless/sythetic.

[QUOTE]

Many years ago I shot a small buck at 20 yds with a 7mm RM and a 139 GK. QUOTE]

139GK?? Hornady makes 139gr 7MM bullets, Sierra does not.