What are some tough bullets that are 175 gr RN in 7mm? Rifle is a 7x57 with MV running around 2550 fps. I have been using Hawks for deer and bear, but decided I need something tougher for bear this year. The Hawks work great within their design parameters, but they do lack the degree penetration I desire.

So what premium bullets are out there?

Hawk has always had a rep. for soft bullets. I don't care much for them above 2000fps impact vel. Hornady still makes an excellant 175gr RN.

Barnes used to make a 175 gr round nose Solid. They turn up on E-Bay now and then.

RWS makes their TIG bullet in 177 gr for the 7mm. It is now called their ID Classic.
http://www.rws-munition.de/en/projectiles/ID_Classic_projectile.htm

Woodleigh makes a nice 175 grain Protected Point bonded soft point that has a recommended impact velocity of 1,900-3,000 fps, IIRC.

In my experience, Woodleigh softs are a bit softer than advertised, so I would think this one would be perfect for 7x57mm velocities.

Marc...

I have had those 175 Corelokts ( SPs) penetrate thru some 18 inch of trees with an MV of only about 1800 fps or so...

I am a round nose fan myself, but those corelokts do a darn good job!

Hornady's 175 grain RN is hard to beat also...

if you run across the old Sierra 170 grain RN, those work quite well also...

There are a few domestic, non premium choices.. I don't see the need to go more exotic to get what you need... of course there is always the old 175 grain Partition standbys...

I like the old 170 gr. Sierra round nose bullets in my 7x57. Sadly, Sierra dropped them due to lack of sales. I called them about that and they sais there was not enough demand for the bullet so it was dropped and they have no plans to bring it back on the market.
The Hornady 175 gr. bullets are also good.
None of my 7x57 rifles like any 175 gr. Spitzer though.
Paul B.

quote:

Originally posted by mrlexma:
Woodleigh makes a nice 175 grain Protected Point bonded soft point that has a recommended impact velocity of 1,900-3,000 fps, IIRC.

In my experience, Woodleigh softs are a bit softer than advertised, so I would think this one would be perfect for 7x57mm velocities.

From Woodleighs site

quote:

74 7mm .284" 140gr PP SN 50 .248 .436 1900-3000 1.112
75 160gr PP SN 50 .283 .486 1900-3000 1.232
76 175gr PP SN 50 .310 .530 1900-3000 1.314

quote:

None of my 7x57 rifles like any 175 gr. Spitzer though.

Try a load of 40 grains of IMR 3031.. and seat the bullet out to magazine length if it is throated that long....

That load cleaned up a pair of 7 x 57 Rugers I have had....

I have a box of 170g 7mm nickel roundnose bullets by Norma....they may be a source for you. This box is full but old...may not be in production any more.

Cheers,

Dan

Nickel RN Norm, could they be old steel jacketed Alaska?

Decent bullet I must say.

I wonder has any one but me fallen in love with the Hornady IB 175 grains?

They kill like lightning.

/C

I can't imagine anything in Minnesota or the neighboring area that can't be cleanly taken down by Hornady's 175 roundnose. Woodleigh also makes a fine bullet in that size.

Y'all think the Hornady will hold together better than the Hawk? I do have an almost full box of Hornady 175gr RN bullets. I doubt if I have used more than 10 or 15 of them.

Yupp sure do...

/Chris

quote:

Originally posted by Marc_Stokeld:
Y'all think the Hornady will hold together better than the Hawk? I do have an almost full box of Hornady 175gr RN bullets. I doubt if I have used more than 10 or 15 of them.

Hawks are the softest bullets I have ever used I blew on up on a forkhorn in a 7x57, it hit the neck behind the ear and came apart like a bomb. Sever animals later convinced me the Hawks were nothing more that old time conventional bullets..

I like the Hornady, it tends to be a tad hard. My favorite 7x57 bullet is the 175 gr. RN Woodleigh at about 2600 FPS in my long throated rifle. It is an elk killer for sure.

Ray-

Does Woodliegh make a RN 175 gr 7mm? I looked on one web site an dfound some protected points, but I really like round noses for certain jobs. WHere could I find some 175 gr RN's?

And how do you rate the Hornady next to the Woodleigh? I am assuming Woodleigh would hold together better, it being bonded and all. Does it open a little easier but still penetrate?

Most all round nosed bullets (especially the very long ones) hold together almost as though they are bonded. This includes the 175 RN 7MM, the 220 RN .308 cal, and the 160 RN 6.5MM

Personally, I'd go with the Hornady as it's here and fairly inexpensive.