The Accurate Reloading Forums
For PG: 7mm RMag - pick a bullet...
27 January 2014, 06:09
rnoviFor PG: 7mm RMag - pick a bullet...
I'm headed to SA for a PG hunt in June and trying to decide on my 7mm Rem Mag load.
I can do either:
3,000 fps, 150 gr. TSX
2,850 fps, 175 gr. A-Frame
Accuracy is superb: Both shoot 1" groups at 200 yards. Trajectory is +/- 2" at 400 yards.
Which do you choose?
Regards,
Robert
******************************
H4350! It stays crunchy in milk longer!
27 January 2014, 06:30
JGRaiderIf I were limited to just these two, I'd pick the 175g A-Frame.
27 January 2014, 07:04
cobraquote:
Originally posted by JGRaider:
If I were limited to just these two, I'd pick the 175g A-Frame.
Everyday of the week.
27 January 2014, 08:48
505EDAgreed A-frame!!!
Ed
DRSS Member
27 January 2014, 08:54
graybird150 gr TSX would be for me.
Graybird
"Make no mistake, it's not revenge he's after ... it's the reckoning."
27 January 2014, 09:01
Mike_DettorreUs e the TSX and you will also have your So Cal pig load
Mike Never under estimate the internet community to use any opportunity to reply to a post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence problem.
What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
27 January 2014, 19:33
rnovi/snicker: vote's 50-50 so far!
Regards,
Robert
******************************
H4350! It stays crunchy in milk longer!
27 January 2014, 20:27
BiebsA 160gr is the magical weight in a 7mm...perfect balance of trajectory and power.
27 January 2014, 20:35
TommyIIquote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
A 160gr is the magical weight in a 7mm...perfect balance of trajectory and power.
Have to agree with the above. I've taken a 7mm Mag on 4 different plains games hunts and a 160 Gr Nosler has worked well for everything up to zebra and wildebeest.
27 January 2014, 21:29
wasbeemanquote:
Originally posted by TommyII:
quote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
A 160gr is the magical weight in a 7mm...perfect balance of trajectory and power.
Have to agree with the above. I've taken a 7mm Mag on 4 different plains games hunts and a 160 Gr Nosler has worked well for everything up to zebra and wildebeest.
+2
Aim for the exit hole
27 January 2014, 21:55
rnovi/snicker. So it's 2 for 150 tsx's, 3 for 160 partitions, 2 for 175 AFrames.
So, does anyone think any of the above listed bullets won't do the job?
Regards,
Robert
******************************
H4350! It stays crunchy in milk longer!
27 January 2014, 22:02
BiebsAll are fine, except perhaps for Eland. I'd go heavy there.
27 January 2014, 22:10
friarmeierI can't resist!
The TSX's will pinch shut, either in the mag or on hair/hide & impact...if they even get there at all, being a light monometal that is sooooo suceptible to wind drift...
The Partitions will probably break in two or smear so much of their front core so as to be merely a solid...
Teh A-Frames will have such a rainbow trajectory you'll have to stalk within 100 yards (if not 50), and I'm sure you've dialed in your scope for an 800 yard zero
So, why don't you just stay home, and let me take my .270 over in your place?
I suppose, though, you could just stack the magazine in decending order...175 in the pipe, 160 1st down, 150 2nd down, but that would be a bit of an inconvenience, no?
Enjoy the hunt! And pay no mind to screw-balls like me!
God bless,
friar
Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.
27 January 2014, 23:22
JGRaiderHey, not fair!!!! I didn't know the 160 partition was on the table. Of course I'd choose the bullet that has been killing big game for over 60 years. The 160 or even 175 partition would be an easy choice for me.
28 January 2014, 03:25
rnoviquote:
Originally posted by friarmeier:
I can't resist!
The TSX's will pinch shut, either in the mag or on hair/hide & impact...if they even get there at all, being a light monometal that is sooooo suceptible to wind drift...
The Partitions will probably break in two or smear so much of their front core so as to be merely a solid...
Teh A-Frames will have such a rainbow trajectory you'll have to stalk within 100 yards (if not 50), and I'm sure you've dialed in your scope for an 800 yard zero
So, why don't you just stay home, and let me take my .270 over in your place?
I suppose, though, you could just stack the magazine in decending order...175 in the pipe, 160 1st down, 150 2nd down, but that would be a bit of an inconvenience, no?
Enjoy the hunt! And pay no mind to screw-balls like me!
God bless,
friar
Ok, that's one of the best posts ever!
Dang Friar, that's one heck of a generous offer!
Regards,
Robert
******************************
H4350! It stays crunchy in milk longer!
28 January 2014, 18:50
416Tanzan2850fps is a magic velocity in Africa. If it is as accurate as you say, then go with the AFrame.
For Africa, even if going with monometal, I would go with heavier rather than lighter. Barnes now makes a 168 grain LRX with a .550 BC. When we carry a light rifle in Africa we shoot 225 grain TTSX at 2800-2850fps. I would recommend a similar trajectory for the 7mmRM with the heavier bullets. If you want to try out a kick-butt new bullet, then the CEB 135 gr. CopperRaptor with 6-petals jumping out would be worth some serious testing.
+-+-+-+-+-+-+
"A well-rounded hunting battery might include:
500 AccRel Nyati, 416 Rigby or 416 Ruger, 375Ruger or 338WM, 308 or 270, 243, 223" --
Conserving creation, hunting the harvest.
28 January 2014, 19:20
OngweThis thread is a perfect example of #1 in Mike Dettorre's "wall-o-text" signature.
Take the A-Frames and go kill shit!
31 January 2014, 22:22
Tapper2I have used 7mm 140 gr. Hornady's, 160 gr. A-frames, 150 gr. TSX's and 140 gr. SGK's on all PG except Eland. All worked well if properly placed. Use the one that you shoot the best. I got yelled at by the cook for doing too much meat damage using Speer 140 gr. "hot core's".......Tom
SCI lifer
NRA Patron
DRSS
DSC
01 February 2014, 01:43
lee440I had perfect performance from the 175 A-Frames in a .280, from Zebra to Gemsbock, out to 300 yds. It gets my vote!
DRSS(We Band of Bubba's Div.)
N.R.A (Life)
T.S.R.A (Life)
D.S.C.
01 February 2014, 02:31
friarmeierDamnit, Bones!...I want entertainment, not information!
friar
Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.
01 February 2014, 03:27
ted thornAround these parts the 7 RM is a magic round in it's self....no bullet necacary
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01 February 2014, 04:17
Bren7X64quote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
All are fine, except perhaps for Eland. I'd go heavy there.
+1
--
Promise me, when I die, don't let my wife sell my guns for what I told I her I paid for them.
01 February 2014, 04:19
SevensI like the TSX.
02 February 2014, 02:45
Duckearquote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
A 160gr is the magical weight in a 7mm...perfect balance of trajectory and power.
Yup.
Hunting: Exercising dominion over creation at 2800 fps.
03 February 2014, 18:02
df06160 accubond, if it is accurate in your gun.
NRA Patron member
04 February 2014, 21:02
sbhooperI really like the 160 Partition bullet. It shoots sub-half-minute in my rifles. That being said, it is hard to argue with the 175-grain bullet. Extra weight is not a bad thing.
04 February 2014, 22:14
surestrikeYes all of the above will work just fine. That being said I would choose the 175 Gr bullet it worked for Bell it will work for you too. It just takes all the guess work out of the equation. You'll not have any questions about terminal performance or penetration using a 175 gr SAF. Period end of story.
05 February 2014, 00:27
steyrsteveSwift A-Frame.
NRA Life Member
DRSS-Claflin Chapter
Mannlicher Collectors Assn
KCCA
IAA
05 February 2014, 09:47
AtkinsonThe best results I've had with the 7mag. and even the 7x57 is the 160 and 175 gr. nosler..I like Nosler for PG, and our deer and elk in that they expand 'quickly" and still penetrate deeply and almost always give you and exit hole and I like an exit hole that helps push blood out making tracking easier...If Eland and Blue Wilderbeest are on your ticket then I would probably opt for the 175 gr. Nosler, but both have worked well for me over the years on both species.
Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120
rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com
09 February 2014, 19:31
sbhooperI just recently shot a cow elk in her bed at 443 yards. The 160 Partition blew through both shoulders at that range. Nearly perfect performance in my book.
17 March 2014, 08:56
PalidunAfter fooling with and spending too much money on various monometal bullets I went back to Partitions. Their consistency is admirable and their effect deadly. I vote for the 160 gr. Partition
17 March 2014, 11:06
eagle27Plus whatever number we're up to for a 160gr bullet. For me it would be the Sierra Gameking SPT at 3000fps. It is always accurate and killed hundreds of hoofed animals for me in my 7x61 rifle over the years without any drama.
17 March 2014, 14:15
Norwegianwoodsquote:
Originally posted by sbhooper:
I just recently shot a cow elk in her bed at 443 yards. The 160 Partition blew through both shoulders at that range. Nearly perfect performance in my book.
The Partition works well at longer ranges, but I am far from being a fan of it at shorter ranges.
The Swift A-frame works great at short ranges, but the BC and expansion at longer ranges is a bit of a lackluster in my opinion.
My bullet of choice would without a doubt be the 150 grain Barnes TTSX bullet.
Great BC, great penetration, holds well together at shorter ranges and give good expansion at longer ranges(better than the TSX bullet).
My clear favorite bullet in faster cartridges.
18 March 2014, 05:36
Blair 338RUMBased on my experience with the 225 A-Frames in 338 calibre in Namibia, which was 100% positive on Oryx and Hartebeest I would go for the 175 A-Frame load.
If I was taking a 7mm Mag to Africa I would load it with the 160grain Lapua Naturalis.
18 March 2014, 05:39
Paul ReedComing back to the criteria listed in your original posting asking to choose the 150 TSX or 175 AF I would choose the Swift. Heavier is always better and at that speed it will certainly deliver the goods out to 300 yards. If heavier game is on eh list like Eland the 175 is perfect.
Good luck on your hunt.
Paul
"Diligentia - Vis - Celeritas"
NRA Benefactor Member
Member DRSS
05 April 2014, 05:56
jrslateI've had a lot of experience with the 175 gr. Nosler Partition on game from jackals and coyotes up to a couple of eland and everything in between. I'd recommend it, because it's all I use.
I'm certain that a 160 gr. Partition or a 175 gr. A-Frame would be a great choice as well.
05 April 2014, 07:26
clayman216I used 160 gr TSX back in 2005 on everything including Black Wildebeest, Kudu, and Oryx with outstanding results. PH was relatively unfamiliar with them at first and was somewhat skeptical. At the end of the hunt he said he was going to get some for his rifle.
05 April 2014, 23:24
surefire7I, too, choose the Swift A-Frame. Especially Africa. Others have already mentioned some of the "toughies" like eland ,oryx, and wildebeest. You didn't mention the animals you would like to hunt. If giraffe is even a remote possibility on your wish list, I will reiterate my choice of the 175 gr. SAF.
06 April 2014, 02:00
rnoviRight, so my game "menu" includes the Beests and Gemsbok. If I saw a truly great Eland I'd want to give it a go but it's truly a "target of opportunity" as opposed to a primary.
And that's just it: I know a 175 A-frame will work for everything. On the other hand I'm sitting on a boatload of 150 E-tips and I have no reason to believe they wouldn't work either. If one assumed an 8-10% weight loss on the A-Frame then the finished weight of each bust really is a wash. 160 vs 150...
Sticking with the 150's means I have a single universal load for everything. I rather like that option.
In the end I suspect it's all just synthetic frippery. As Mike Detorrie points out...15 grains and 150 fps...
Regards,
Robert
******************************
H4350! It stays crunchy in milk longer!
06 April 2014, 07:48
SnellstromRobert
I'd stick with the 150's. If they shoot well then they definitely offer a slight advantage with less drop at longer distances. Make good shots and you'll have great kills.
I too am headed to SA in June for Plains Game, decided I'd bring my old 30/06 and right now it's shooting 165 Accubonds really well and they are going 2920 fps. They aren't my first choice but I have absolute confidence that they will do the job if I do.
Good luck on your trip!
