Bullet type for closer range

[jols]

The rifle is a Sako 85 finnlight chambered in 7mm rem mag. I initially bought the rifle to hunt open land with longer distance shots in mind, so for the past 5 years or so I've been shooting Berger VLD 168gr reloads. The rifle is dialed and I'm very happy with it. 2 seasons ago I was granted more land to hunt that is heavy bush and well closed in. Hunting from treestands and blinds I've been a lot more successful in this area but have experienced 2 pass throughs with these bullets. I'm seeking advise on trying something different! I talked to the local gun shop and he suggested trying the hornady precision hunter ELD-X. He figures I would have way more success with closer range shots and and still be able to use it for the more open area I hunt. Thoughts?? Thanks!

[Bushrat]

Your post is a little ambiguous. Are you wanting pass throughs or not wanting pass throughs?

[Dick284]

Load some 175gr Interlocks at around 2600fps.

[Pathfinder76]

Originally Posted by Dick284

Load some 175gr Interlocks at around 2600fps.

Good advice. I might sneak 175 partitions in there at 2800.

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by chuck

Good advice. I might sneak 175 partitions in there at 2800.

If the round nose 175's were easier to find, that might even be better.

[jols]

Originally Posted by Bushrat

Your post is a little ambiguous. Are you wanting pass throughs or not wanting pass throughs?

Not

[stob]

Originally Posted by Dick284

Load some 175gr Interlocks at around 2600fps.

x2

[stob]

Originally Posted by chuck

Good advice. I might sneak 175 partitions in there at 2800.

x2

[DiabeticKripple]

Originally Posted by jols

Not

hornady sst?

it might go through, but has a pretty thin jacket and sheds weight pretty good.

[Dick284]

Ok OP.
You want a close range bullet that won't exit.
Here's the rub.
Do you want a pile of blood shot meat with a pile of lead and jacket fragments?
Because that's the only way you'll get your wish.

Unless.

You down load your magnum to speeds akin to a 7x57 or a bit slower, then choose something like a Speer 130 bt. @ 2600fps and 200 yds and you'll likely get 75% non pass through's. Expect your game to is likely to run a ways, and then a single leaker won't be the best situation.

[FellSwoop]

I think that you might want to reevaluate not wanting pass through. 7mmRM is a powerful cartridge to dump that much energy into an animal. I had a 7RM for 17 seasons and used 140 grain nosler partition for everything, and they did pass through. Gave it away to my nephew who is using 175 gr CorLockt for everything. The Berger's that you are using might be the best bet.

[WHITIEY]

This is one of those situations where you must obtain another gun for this situation. You are practically obligated. It happened to me several times and this is the only solution. Might I suggest a bevy of guns and bullets for all occasions; for now up your bullet weight

[Norwest Alta]

Originally Posted by WHITIEY

This is one of those situations where you must obtain another gun for this situation. You are practically obligated. It happened to me several times and this is the only solution. Might I suggest a bevy of guns and bullets for all occasions; for now up your bullet weight

This. I got a 5 yard gun and then they move up in 50 yards increments. Any less or more I've got to go home and change guns.

[Pathfinder76]

I actually think this is a situation of overthinking a non existent problem.

[Smokinyotes]

Double lung in one side and out the other makes tracking quick.

[colroggal]

Buy a 30-30

Colin

[Beeman3]

I also think that the 168 Berger is a good bullet for your application. Guys over on LRH forum are saying that they are getting to explosive results with the ELD-X up close. It is designed as a long range bullet. For up close there are better bullets than the ELD-X. Unfortunately there is no real one bullet for any occasion. For as close to a do all bullet; maybe look into the Nosler accubond. I would limit shots to 5-600 yds with this bullet to ensure expansion at longer range.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by chuck

I actually think this is a situation of overthinking a non existent problem.

Exactly!

[catnthehat]

I make close shots with the same bullet I make long shots with .
Trying to set up one rifle cartridge for close range and smother for longer ranges
Is simply more work for nothing but that is just my opinion
If it were me and I wasn't happy with the bullets I was using I would switch to someone I was happy with.
Partitions , Barnes, Speer, Sierra , Remington, Hornady, they all have worked for me close and long.
Cat

[fish_e_o]

120 gr v-max would work well

[58thecat]

I wouldn't fart around myself as a double lung pass through is minimal meat damage if any.

Now fart around and just use less powder as indicated and a heavier bullet but why...I know that's why we reload...to fart around!

Good luck.

[bcrams]

Originally Posted by Smokinyotes

Double lung in one side and out the other makes tracking quick.

X2 has always worked for me

[Slicktricker]

I've used the 7mm R.E.M. For 16 years now only found one bullet inside of an animal not a cartridge I'd use if wanting to not have an exit wound in my opinion. Always fast recovery through the lungs though