Talk to me about the 7mm rem mag please

[Sitting Bull]

Guys I tried going the one gun and one caliber route. Didn’t work. I hunt deer and elk in wide open farm land where my target seems to always be at that 400-450 yard range. A friend of mine that has all this land swears by the 7mm for around there. Could you offer up your opinions and experiences with this caliber. I need a left handed rifle so this limits my choice. I do hand load. I currently shoot a 30-06.
Thanks. Any input is welcomed.

[dodgeboy1979]

I have a savage in the 7mm left handed. Love the gun for accuracy but it kicks like a mule.

[elkhunter11]

I have owned five 7mmremmag rifles, and friends own several. It's a very versatile cartridge that is excellent for any big game in Alberta, even though the backwards/outdated regulations don't allow it to be used for bison. The trajectory is just slightly flatter than the 30-06, with very similar recoil.
If I didn't handload, I would use a 7mmremmag, instead of my 7mmstw.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by dodgeboy1979

I have a savage in the 7mm left handed. Love the gun for accuracy but it kicks like a mule.

That is more of a rifle issue, than a cartridge issue. A good friend started out with an Axis in 308win that was nasty recoil wise, now he has a Vanguad Sub Moa, in 7mmremmag, that he finds much more pleasant to shoot.

[JBE]

I don't have much experience with the 30-06 but surely it would fine for a 400-450yard shot

[dodgeboy1979]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

That is more of a rifle issue, than a cartridge issue. A good friend started out with an Axis in 308win that was nasty recoil wise, now he has a Vanguad Sub Moa, in 7mmremmag, that he finds much more pleasant to shoot.

Agree, it is a real light gun with the synthetic stock and i believe that is why the extra recoil.

[3blade]

My current favorite Christensen mesa 7 mag. Nightforce SHV, ATRS rings, Burris xtr bases. Wife got an engagement ring, I got an engagement rifle - no expense spared. Did a ton of research and handled a couple dozen different guns. It fits me perfect, runs perfect, and has less perceived recoil than any >23cal centerfire I’ve used. They are available in left hand. 9 lbs loaded ready to hunt. Lighter will cause problems on long shots. Heavier will cause arm fatigue. 9 is just right.

150 TTSX at 3000 fps MV gives me >1800 fps impact velocity to 550 yards. 500 is where I’m comfortable on live targets currently. 1/2 MOA to 400 and 1 MOA at 500 at the bench. Average of 0.466 at 100 yards, that’s with factory, I’ll develop a copycat load when I run out. Field positions - first round hits on 6 inch plates to 400.

Outside of 400 is where things can go screwy with the wind. Most any cartridge bigger/faster starts to get into diminishing ballistic returns until you get to the top end 30s and 338s which require a muzzle brake - not good on a hunting rifle. Smaller doesn’t offer enough penetration. Other 7mm’s are a pain to find brass for. In my experience, while we often SEE game a long ways out, the conditions/opportunities to properly set up a first shot outside of 400 are pretty rare. So IMO, and that’s worth what you paid for it, the 7rm is as optimal as it gets for hunting right now.

[Stinky Buffalo]

My favourite caliber. The only thing is that you won't be shooting it all day. Fight the flinch!

Like others have said, some rifles are more forgiving recoil-wise than others. If you find one that fits you, there are things you can do to reduce the felt recoil too. Hydraulic recoil buffers are available for some models, for instance.

[DiabeticKripple]

Can’t go wrong with a 7mm Rem Mag

7 PRC is a touch faster and made to shoot heavy for calibre bullets. Would be a great open prairie rifle while still getting it done in the woods.

7 PRC is like a 300 win mag but with better ballistics

[Bigwoodsman]

It was my go to rifle when I hunted big game. I had a Remmington BDL 7mm magnum.

I shot that rifle a ton all year long. I was very comfortable with it. I used 150gr Federal Premium for deer/antelope/sheep and 165 gr for Moose hunting.

I also had a 7mm rem mag in a Parker-Hale with open sights. It was bit harder to shoot, but with practice it was great rifle for hunting thick cover.

I had .308, .270, 2506 in the safe, they barely seen the light of day.

You can't go wrong with this calibre as stated.

BW

[obsessed1]

In modern times the 7mm rem mag doesnt really give a huge advantage over a modern 30-06. Stepping up a notch is driving heavy for caliber bullets fast and the 7RM is not great at driving heavy for caliber bullets fast. In real scenarios you wont find much difference between a 7rm and a 30-06. It is a fine caliber and very capable just not enough of a step over the 30-06 to make a difference. If you cant kill a critter at 500 yds with a 30-06 shooting a modern bullet at modern velocities you likely wont do any better with a 7rm. Just my thoughts
Its not unheard of to push 165-168 gr pills at 2900-3100fps in a modern 06. Which is similar speeds to a 7rm with 160s. So yes there is a BC difference but not nearly so big of a deal at 4-500yds as its made out to be.

[7magtime]

I'm a big fan of the 7mm Rem Mag as It's pretty much been my go to cartridge for 30ish years.

I've taken most big game in Alberta with it from 25 feet to 475 yards and I've never been disappointed with it's "on-game" performance. Penetration with good bullets is very impressive and I rarely find bullets inside animals taken.

As mentioned, recoil is definitely manageable as long as it fits you good and the overall rifle isn't too light. My current rifle is a bit heavier than my last one and is fine to shoot at the range when needed.

I've had great success with 160 Accubonds the last 10 years or so but I've recently picked up a decent supply of 150 TTSX's which I might try down the road as well.

[Bushleague]

Originally Posted by obsessed1

In modern times the 7mm rem mag doesnt really give a huge advantage over a modern 30-06. Stepping up a notch is driving heavy for caliber bullets fast and the 7RM is not great at driving heavy for caliber bullets fast. In real scenarios you wont find much difference between a 7rm and a 30-06. It is a fine caliber and very capable just not enough of a step over the 30-06 to make a difference. If you cant kill a critter at 500 yds with a 30-06 shooting a modern bullet at modern velocities you likely wont do any better with a 7rm. Just my thoughts
Its not unheard of to push 165-168 gr pills at 2900-3100fps in a modern 06. Which is similar speeds to a 7rm with 160s. So yes there is a BC difference but not nearly so big of a deal at 4-500yds as its made out to be.

I personally wont claim to know the truth of what Obsessed posted, but I agree with his point. If your shooting much past 350 yards most people are going to be using a rangefinder regardless of calliber. If your using a rangefinder, and quite likely turrets as well, I cant see there being much of a difference in effectiveness at the yardages you are talking about.

The truth is, a 7mm in any chambering wont change you into a long range shooter. Only range time can do that. If you start hitting the range regularly with a rangefinder, turrets, and high BC bullets, and cant get comfortable making 450 yard shots with your current rig... I dont think a 7mm is going to fix your problem. You'd probably just be better off hunting different types of terrain.

[Drewski Canuck]

Have both 30.06 and 7 Rem Mag. Both shoot great, both hit hard, both are accurate.

Try getting closer. 400 - 500 yards gives alot of bullet drop on any calibre.

Otherwise, 30.06 ammo is way more affordable and way more common.

Drewski

[Sitting Bull]

All good points guys. I just have the new rifle bug happening
I have no complaints with my 06, it has taken many elk, moose, bear, antelope and deer. Just maybe wanting something a bit different that will be capable of that 400-450 yd range as well if needed. The fact that buddy spoke so highly of the 7mm got me interested in this caliber.

[prarie_boy1]

Just for fun I thought I would have a look at the Hornady site for comparison of one brand of factory ammo in both chamberings.

7mm Rem Mag 162 Grain Precision Hunter ammo

500 yard drop -36.9"
500 yard energy- 1772 ft lbs

.30-06 178 Grain Precision Hunter Ammo

500 yard drop- 44.3'
500 yard energy- 1553 ft lbs

Some might say splitting hairs! But as a multiple rifle owner I highly endorse the exploration of new cartridges outside of one's stable and love to find reasons to justify a purchase to myself

[stob]

Originally Posted by obsessed1

In modern times the 7mm rem mag doesnt really give a huge advantage over a modern 30-06. Stepping up a notch is driving heavy for caliber bullets fast and the 7RM is not great at driving heavy for caliber bullets fast. In real scenarios you wont find much difference between a 7rm and a 30-06. It is a fine caliber and very capable just not enough of a step over the 30-06 to make a difference. If you cant kill a critter at 500 yds with a 30-06 shooting a modern bullet at modern velocities you likely wont do any better with a 7rm. Just my thoughts
Its not unheard of to push 165-168 gr pills at 2900-3100fps in a modern 06. Which is similar speeds to a 7rm with 160s. So yes there is a BC difference but not nearly so big of a deal at 4-500yds as its made out to be.

X2...depending on the 7mm rifle you caN get 3200fps with the 160 and easily 3100 with the 175gr...I have a load to verify of 3350 with the 175 gr partition but idk if it will pass the pressure tests...that said the 7mm is factory underloaded for quite awhile and handloading steps it up...a barnes ttsx at 3300+ fps is achievable as well...so the 7mm gives you a step up but you have develop the load...off the shelf they are equals

[Rusty50]

Can't go wrong with a 7mm...An extremely versatile gun with average recoil.
Definitely one of my favs

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by stob

X2...depending on the 7mm rifle you caN get 3200fps with the 160 and easily 3100 with the 175gr...I have a load to verify of 3350 with the 175 gr partition but idk if it will pass the pressure tests...that said the 7mm is factory underloaded for quite awhile and handloading steps it up...a barnes ttsx at 3300+ fps is achievable as well...so the 7mm gives you a step up but you have develop the load...off the shelf they are equals

If you are getting 3350fps out of the 175gr Partition, in a 7mmremmag, you are producing way way more than SAAMI limit. Even 3100 with the 175 will be over the limit.

[270person]

Originally Posted by obsessed1

In modern times the 7mm rem mag doesnt really give a huge advantage over a modern 30-06. Stepping up a notch is driving heavy for caliber bullets fast and the 7RM is not great at driving heavy for caliber bullets fast. In real scenarios you wont find much difference between a 7rm and a 30-06. It is a fine caliber and very capable just not enough of a step over the 30-06 to make a difference. If you cant kill a critter at 500 yds with a 30-06 shooting a modern bullet at modern velocities you likely wont do any better with a 7rm. Just my thoughts
Its not unheard of to push 165-168 gr pills at 2900-3100fps in a modern 06. Which is similar speeds to a 7rm with 160s. So yes there is a BC difference but not nearly so big of a deal at 4-500yds as its made out to be.

If nit picking wasn't allowed between cartridges every hunter would only own one. Splitting hairs to say one cartridge is only slightly better than the next is what it's all about. We can put many cartridges into large groups and argue til the cows come home. 270, 270wsm, .280, 30-06, 7RM, etc etc. Hair splitting. Then there's the old tried and true such as "if you leave your ammo at home and Hanks Hardware in Plamondon is the only recourse"...bla bla. Chances are Hank has 7RM too for obvious reasons in AB and tbh...06 was just as hard to come by in recent times.
Also for obvious reasons.

Cost of factory ammunition? Reloading supplies? Are we counting grains of powder yet? 308 bullets cheaper than 284's? Brass? Primers? We aren't talking .416 Rigby here. Who cares? Sunting isn't cheap and there's very minor differences, if any, between the two when it comes to factories.

7RM is capable of out performing the 06 with similar weight bullets up to 175 (7rm) and 180 grains (06) and beyond that is unnecessary and doesn't amount to a hill of beans hunting wise. 150 to 165gr is the best medicine for both. End of story. And if folks feel like challenging .264 and .284 bullet ballistics have at er and good luck. Oh but wait. Can't forget the belted case. For shame. Better throw out those .375's HH's too.

OP the 7rm recoil is identical to the 06. If you've got a hankering for a new rifle in a similar cartridge to your current? Go for it. Life's about choices. Bonus.. you'll be able to throw away your suspenders.

Cue chuck.

[Dick284]

I’d be very leery of the claims from some folks about their hopped up reloading exploits.


A 145 LRX, 150 LRAB, or even a 162 BTSP at or around a published factory velocity would get stuff dead in a heck of a hurry, if’n you’re up to the task.

A conservative 3100 fps with the 145 LRX leaves over 1500 ftlbs of energy at 500 yds(dare I mention that) and with your rifle set 2.5” high at 100 yds(260 yd zero) you’d only have to crank things up a bit over 5.5 MOA for a shot at 500 yds.
[that’s a hybrid MPBR thing for turret twisters]

[270person]

Originally Posted by Dick284

I’d be very leery of the claims from some folks about their hopped up reloading exploits.

A 7 REM Mag with a decent bullet that gives very good accuracy will get you game at 500 yards and beyond…… the biggest variable in the equation is the guy pulling the trigger……….

Dead on. Some of those posted speeds would make me a tad wary. Mind you I'm getting 3400 fps out of my Whelen with 250 gr and still have my face so you just never know til you try.

[Pathfinder76]

For flat out to 400 the 30-06 cannot compete. For flat out to 1000 the 30-06 can’t compete. If that stuff matters to you it matters. There is a difference.

[birdseye]

Curious in what world you are getting a 250 gr bullet from a Whelan up to 3400 fps,This sounds like a fish story lol Can NOT find that in any reloading Data

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

That is more of a rifle issue, than a cartridge issue. A good friend started out with an Axis in 308win that was nasty recoil wise, now he has a Vanguad Sub Moa, in 7mmremmag, that he finds much more pleasant to shoot.

All stock design (and weight of course).
I have a 7rm in a 700 with an aftermarket stock that will give me a headache after running a dozen thru it. On the other side I can shoot either of my .300 wby's all day long without a lot of discomfort.

[6MT]

Originally Posted by dodgeboy1979

Agree, it is a real light gun with the synthetic stock and i believe that is why the extra felt recoil.

Fixed it for ya.

[curtz]

Been shooting a 7mm for almost 30 years. First one was a ruger m77 wood stock and I now have a browning a-bolt medallion, recoil is very manageable because of the wood stocks. I think the ranges you want to shoot the 7mm will be great, I hunt deer, elk and moose, I love my 7mm.

[270person]

Originally Posted by birdseye

Curious in what world you are getting a 250 gr bullet from a Whelan up to 3400 fps,This sounds like a fish story lol Can NOT find that in any reloading Data

I couldn't either but no risk, no fun. Plus I was kidding. 2720 fps with 225's.

[sns2]

Originally Posted by MountainTi

All stock design (and weight of course).
I have a 7rm in a 700 with an aftermarket stock that will give me a headache after running a dozen thru it. On the other side I can shoot either of my .300 wby's all day long without a lot of discomfort.

Some manufacturer’s just put out stocks that equally distribute the forces of recoil, and result in a pleasurable gun to shoot.

Kimber has always come to mind as a company that does stock geometry right. At least for guys my size.

And the Christensen Mesa also has a very effective stock at mitigating recoil.

OP, this is my 40th year in hunting on my own. More days have been spent afield with a 7 Rem Mag than any other round. 308 win is not far behind.

The truest words in this thread are in my opinion these…

“If you cant kill a critter at 500 yds with a 30-06 shooting a modern bullet at modern velocities you likely wont do any better with a 7rm.”

Never let any of us dissuade you from getting a gun. If you are gonna keep to -06, then jump up to. A 300 PRC just for shchlitz and giggles.

[Smokinyotes]

I’ve never owned a 7RM. Nothing against the cartridge but other than reduced recoil what advantage is there over a 300wm.