I am trying to decide which weight bullet I am going to sight in my 7mm Rem Mag for. This will be used for shots around 100-150 yards on deer(whitetail) hogs and coyotes. I am deciding between 140 or 160 grain Nosler Partitions. Another choices is the 140 Win Ballistic Silver Tips. I am leaning toward a patition- but which will have less damage to the animal? The lighter faster bullet or the heavier slower one? Which will kill better? Thanks-Nathan

At those ranges and for those animals most any load out of your gun will do the job. I like a slower bullet, usually heavier for caliber, so that no matter what angle is presented the penetration is there. The bigger, more heavily constructed bullet doesn't tend to bloodshot as much meat as the lighter more frangible pills, which translates into more pig in the freezer. Go with the Partitions, 160s.

[ 01-09-2003, 07:18: Message edited by: Lewis50 ]

Nathan W.

The Nosler in 160gr. will make life simplier, if your rifle likes that bullet you are done with load developement for big game. I have never been let down with the 7mm. Rem Mag. and that bullet.

HBH

Nathan,

While the 7mm RM is a versitile chambering, at those ranges, I also recommend a heavier less fragile bullet such as the 160 Partition. That is the "happy medium, do everything" bullet for 7mm RM anyway. I'm now playing around with 175 Partitions.

I've never really understood why people get magnums and then spit flyweight bullets with them when a magnum's true calling is for launching long, heavy for caliber, deep penetrating bullets, but that's just my $0.02 ramblin's......

[ 01-12-2003, 20:01: Message edited by: BlackHawk1 ]

I would agree that the 160 grain Partition would be an ideal bullet for deer out of the 7 Mag, and would be a good all-around bullet if you ever went for elk. The only reason I can see going with a lighter bullet such as a 140 or 150, would be to reduce recoil. If you are recoil sensitive that wouldn't be a bad idea...if you go lighter be sure to use a good premium bullet like a Fail Safe or an X bullet.

The actual recoil reduction between a light and heavy bullet in a particular caliber can scarcely be felt. The value in recoil reduction with light bullets come from the fact that one would usually use faster powder with light bullets and this reduces muzzle pressure at the point where the bullet exits the muzzle. The majority of the recoil with any rifle is generated by the unplugging of the bore and the gas venting forwards. So to reduce recoil with any rifle, pick a powder that gives the speed and accuracy required, but as fast burning as is practical.

Nathan,
I had excellent results with the 150 grain Nosler Partition on everything smaller than elk. If I did get a close shot, I didn't have too worry about bullet failure due to high velocities. Question. If it were me I'd use this as an excuse to get another rifle. Wouldn't the .308 Win. do what you want with a lot less noise, cost and recoil. Good luck.

154gr. Hornady's have always been my choice for animals in that size catagory. They are not as tough as Partitions but I've never had a problem with penatration at these velocities. Shot placement can save you meat though.
R22 seems to work best in my Ruger behind these bullets.

I prefer the heavy bullets in all my calibers use th 160 grain Nosler

I have had great results using 140gr partitions on deer,elk and moose out of the 7mm mag and 7mmstw.

For coyote thru deer I use the 150 Nosler BT which
is just about flat out to 300yds with plenty of
killing power for that size animal. 160 and 175gr
for elk or larger would be my choice sighted in for 250yds and further. Wind deflection is my only reason for not recomending the lighter weight
bullets. Just my 2 cents!

It's probably just me, but the only reason to shoot a 7mag over a .280 is to shoot heavier bullets faster, not light bullets faster. For me, the 160-175gr bullets are the way to go for any of the BIG 7's.

Gentlemen,

I only use the 175 gr. Nosler partitions. They fly flat enough to make 400 yard shots, hit hard and stay together up close, and buck the wind quite well.

Joel Slate
Slate & Associates, LLC
www.slatesafaris.com

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