Posted 27 October 2005 04:58
Ok, so i have 2 7mags. One is a 7wsm the other is a Ultra Mag. going to start working up loads. Should i do a 140g accubond load for deer/antelope in each rifle then a 160g tsx or partition for elk and bigger critters. The ultra is my beanfield setup so it will probably just see 140g bullets. but ive already taken the wsm on an elk hunt and plan to do it again, and i use it deer hunting. so for it go 140 accubond for deer then a 160 tsx/part. for bigger stuff or just use a 140g tsx for everything

decisions decisions decisions

Well, I tend towards the "set it and forget it" mindset, so I pick one bullet that shoots accurately in my rifle and use that for all appropriate game. For my 7mm RM Sendero, that currently is the 140 gr Ballistic Tip (obviously not for elk, but does wonders on skunks!). I have a few others that I'd like to try, but they'll be hard pressed to outshoot my current best load. In your case (with elk on the menu) I'd pick the most accurate 160 grainer and run.

In my 2506, the 100 gr BT got the nod, proving effective on gophers, coyotes, and whitetails. THUMP! Can't wait to try the Sendero out on the yotes!

SBB

Try this for coyotes...

100gr sierra hollowpoint out of the 7 mag at around 3700-3800 fps. Most impressive blood cone out the other side.

As an aside, what kind of velocities are you guys getting out of the 7 WSM? I'm starting load workup for my new gun as well and got up to 3300 fps with a 140grainer behind 69gr re19 out of a 24 inch barrel. No pressure signs, but I'm chicken to go any higher. OK charge according to Hornady's info, but a little high per Nosler's. Any other opinions?

All depends on how much time you have. If you can find a good load for two bullets, why not? Oce I figure out a weight I like, then I get a few bullet makes, and start reloading. I find a good load for each of a few bullets, then try for accuracy. Take the most promising one and tweak the COL and charge tiny bits.
To do that twice in one season would just wear me out. Plus if you're like most of us, you have more than one gun to play with....
I'm happy with a dedicated deer and a dedicated elk rifle. But that's me. I guess in your shoes I'd work up a moderate 160g load and when hunting deer up close hit where it's hard.

You should take a second look at using heavy bullets for long range work. That 7 ultra will handle heavier bullets than 140 with aplomb. The higher BC 160 or 175 will eventually catch the 140. Can you say 160 accubond pushed to 3300-3400? Then you can use either gun for deer or elk. Just pick your poison. Longrangehunting.com has some real good insight on long range shooting that you might find of interest.

If it shoots well in your rifles,the 140gr tsx will do a fine job on game up to and including moose and elk.With it's solid copper construction the 140gr tsx will retain more weight and out penetrate the 160gr accubond.With it's boattail design it also has a high ballistic co-efficient.

to stir the pot a little more...Barnes now has a 150 grain tsx..something to think about