Ammo Selection -- Need help!

[Brydawg512]

Hello all!

Well, I received my Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 and am excited to get it mounted. Next step, I need to choose ammo for my rifle. I am looking for factory loads, as I don't have access to reloading equipment. The rifle is a Winchester Model 70 chambered in 7mm rem mag. I hunt elk, deer, black bear and cougar. I would like a round that can do the job out to a MAX 600 yards, however most shots will most likely not exceed 450-500 yards.

What all recommendations? I have heard about the HSM 168gr Berger VLD factory loads, but is the a good round? Or should I look elsewhere?

 

[KyCarl]

What's your twist rate? That influences what bullet weight you want to try.
I have shot several boxes of HSM 6.5 X 284 with the 142 SMK bullet.
I would buy more!

 

[bpcrshooter]

https://shop.nosler.com/trophy-grade-7mm-rem-mag-160-grain-accubond-ammo-20ct.html

these would be my choice... bullets fly really well from my 7mm. save your brass and find someone to load them for you.....

 

[JIsbell40]

I would look into the 168 Berger HSM loading or a 162 ELDx Hornady precision hunter. I actually prefer the on game performance of the ELDx over a Berger at longer ranges as impact velocity's dip.

The 162 ELDx from my 7mm wsm has performered very well from 200-878 yards on deer. Pics of skinned animals could be provided. I had a 180 Berger fail to expand at impact of 2088 FPS. Found the deer the next day. Pencil hole in. Pencil hole out. I got lucky to find him.

 

[JIsbell40]

With that being said that particular rifle groups 180 bergers better than anything. But that doesn't matter since this is a hunting rig.

 

[hunter67wa]

Buy a box of each. Your rifle will tell you what you are going to shoot!

 

[BigGriz]

https://shop.nosler.com/trophy-grade-7mm-rem-mag-160-grain-accubond-ammo-20ct.html

these would be my choice... bullets fly really well from my 7mm. save your brass and find someone to load them for you.....

+1

I shoot these out of my 7mm with great accuracy. This is the 2nd 7mm that I have shot them with and both guns liked them. I mostly hunt whitetail back east but took a cow elk and mule deer buck this season and the bullet performed well. I tried the HSM with Bergers in both rifles. They seem to be a little more finicky in factory loads.

 

[Brydawg512]

What's your twist rate? That influences what bullet weight you want to try.
I have shot several boxes of HSM 6.5 X 284 with the 142 SMK bullet.
I would buy more!

I'm unsure of my twist rate -- how do I check? I would assume 1:9, but not 100% sure.

 

[Brydawg512]

https://shop.nosler.com/trophy-grade-7mm-rem-mag-160-grain-accubond-ammo-20ct.html

these would be my choice... bullets fly really well from my 7mm. save your brass and find someone to load them for you.....

I have heard about those! Now, is the 160gr too light, especially for elk?

 

[Brydawg512]

I would look into the 168 Berger HSM loading or a 162 ELDx Hornady precision hunter. I actually prefer the on game performance of the ELDx over a Berger at longer ranges as impact velocity's dip.

The 162 ELDx from my 7mm wsm has performered very well from 200-878 yards on deer. Pics of skinned animals could be provided. I had a 180 Berger fail to expand at impact of 2088 FPS. Found the deer the next day. Pencil hole in. Pencil hole out. I got lucky to find him.

Wow, something to look at for sure. Now, my only worry has been the grainage. Is the 162 or 168 too light for the animals I hunt?

 

[bpcrshooter]

I have heard about those! Now, is the 160gr too light, especially for elk?

The RMEF bullet is the Partition in 160gr for 7mm.... 160 will do an elk just fine. If you want you can step up to the 175grAB but, you will need someone to load them for you.
https://www.luckygunner.com/7mm-rem-mag-175-gr-jsp-federal-20-rounds
https://hsmammunition.com/game-king/
https://hsmammunition.com/game-king/
https://www.nosler.com/partition-bullet/
Nothing wrong with the partition bullet either...your bullet drops will be more but thats why you have turrets on your scope..... Most factory rifles are aroud that 1-9 twist, yours may be 1-9.25 or 1-9.5 and the 160 will fly just fine in both.

 

[Brydawg512]

The RMEF bullet is the Partition in 160gr for 7mm.... 160 will do an elk just fine. If you want you can step up to the 175grAB but, you will need someone to load them for you.
https://www.luckygunner.com/7mm-rem-mag-175-gr-jsp-federal-20-rounds
https://hsmammunition.com/game-king/
https://hsmammunition.com/game-king/
https://www.nosler.com/partition-bullet/
Nothing wrong with the partition bullet either...your bullet drops will be more but thats why you have turrets on your scope..... Most factory rifles are aroud that 1-9 twist, yours may be 1-9.25 or 1-9.5 and the 160 will fly just fine in both.

Ok, I see. Well in that case, the 160 or 168 should be fine. Is there an accurate way for me to measure twist rate or is that a job for a professional?

 

[KyCarl]

Use your cleaning rod and a sorta tight patch.
https://www.sinclairintl.com/guntech/determining-twist-rate-/detail.htm?lid=16126

 

[jjmp]

bpcrshooter is Rite on!!!!.................google cleaning rod use to check rifles twist, you could buy a case of Factory ammo Federal premium's , or Pendleton ammunition mfg,1-800-303-1304 they handload Barnes, Nosler, Swift, & Hornady bullets , gd luck !!! Pendleton ammunition.com