Mid-Weight 7mm Mono's for Elk Inside 500yds

[WeiserBucks]

I've killed a grand total of one elk with a 7mm Cutting Edge Lazer and it worked well.

 

[waspocrew]

I know 7 SAUM and 280AI are very ballistically similar, mind sharing your barrel length and what velocities you're getting out of the 145 LRX?

No prob! Pretty sure I have a 20" barrel on my 7 SAUM. For the 145 LRX, 63 gr of H483sc nets an avg of 3022 fps. I've taken it out to 800 on steel and the LRX shoots very well.

 

[Teekerguy]

And correct me if I'm wrong but I've read (can't remember where) that' the 139LRX supposedly opens the best out of the entire LRX line at lower velocities by a couple hundred FPS

 

[jlarose85]

And correct me if I'm wrong but I've read (can't remember where) that' the 139LRX supposedly opens the best out of the entire LRX line at lower velocities by a couple hundred FPS

I haven't heard that, but I believe that bullet is what I'm going to be using for whitetail down here in the south. I'm looking for smoething really flat so I can just hold hair out to 300. I'm not sure it's heavy enough for elk but it would be extremely convenient if I could use it for both.

That being said, I've run some numbers on the 168LRX and the 160CX and I think even with a 20" barrel on my 280AI I'll have more than enough speed to get good terminal performance out to 500. My main question here was pretty much, how light is too light for elk in a 7mm.

Appreciate everyone's input!

 

[AussieWriter]

I haven't heard that, but I believe that bullet is what I'm going to be using for whitetail down here in the south. I'm looking for smoething really flat so I can just hold hair out to 300. I'm not sure it's heavy enough for elk but it would be extremely convenient if I could use it for both.

That being said, I've run some numbers on the 168LRX and the 160CX and I think even with a 20" barrel on my 280AI I'll have more than enough speed to get good terminal performance out to 500. My main question here was pretty much, how light is too light for elk in a 7mm.

Appreciate everyone's input!

If you are referring to Barnes bullets, I'd expect any version in any weight in 7mm to kill elk cleanly.

I would also expect the lighter 110gn and 120gn versions to be best applied to side on shots but anything 140gn and up will cover angling shots easily.

I have used the 140gn weight on Red Stag and wild Brumbies which often weigh more than elk.

 

[Allen Kitts]

I am using the 143 HH in my 280AI @3250 and it shoots lights out and kills like Thor's hammer on Antelope and Deer. I have not tried it on anything elk sized though.

 

[AussieWriter]

I am using the 143 HH in my 280AI @3250 and it shoots lights out and kills like Thor's hammer on Antelope and Deer. I have not tried it on anything elk sized though.

Load?

 

[Allen Kitts]

Load?

I am pretty sure it is 60 grains of RL 23 but let me look in the box and get back to you. Nosler Brass and Fed 210M Primers

 

[jlarose85]

If you are referring to Barnes bullets, I'd expect any version in any weight in 7mm to kill elk cleanly.

I would also expect the lighter 110gn and 120gn versions to be best applied to side on shots but anything 140gn and up will cover angling shots easily.

I have used the 140gn weight on Red Stag and wild Brumbies which often weigh more than elk.

I was referring to the 145gr Barnes LRX. I think you're right. I'm starting to get the sense that if I stay above 140gr projectiles I'll be good to go on elk.

 

[338weatherby]

I used a 155 Hammer Hunter with my 7 SAUM on a small bull a couple years ago. Muzzle velocity was just under 3100 and bull was 110 yards so high speed hit. Dropped in tracks and didn't twitch with pass through. Would like to take another at a greater distance. This one was day 6 and just walked over a knob right in front of me. Small sample but was happy with the bullet. Used same load on a speed goat at 400. Left a good exit hole on that small body.

 

[AussieWriter]

I was referring to the 145gr Barnes LRX. I think you're right. I'm starting to get the sense that if I stay above 140gr projectiles I'll be good to go on elk.

I wouldn't think twice about it. That 145gn LRX shoots well in any rifle I tried and would be perfect for elk, or anything else in the US. Way more than any .270 load and you know its history and reputation.