Which bullet?

Perhaps you're right, but a 150 grain bullet for long range elk hunting seems to me that I'm leaving a lot on the table in terms of down range terminal performance
Going to depend on what your parameters for Long Range are - "all distances" is a bit relative. These Hammers will way outrun your 3 choices for starting speed but will slow down faster. If the impact velocity is 1,800 fps or above on the Hammer, you are actually increasing what's on the table over the conventional heavies. Trust me, they defy the long standing norms and ingrained perceptions about weights, penetration, and terminal performance. The 169 gr Hammers would be another option if you like heavier, but it all comes down to impact velocity at a given range - not bullet weight or calculated energy. So easy to tune a tight shooting load, and hit like a hypersonic cruise missle without destroying meat. There's just nothing to not like about them - unless you're trying to shoot a mile.
 
I've taken a lot of animals with the 180 hyb in our 7 lrm, it's running a little faster mv. Lots of experience with the 7mm 168 gr vld as well.

I remember doing an analysis several years ago with the 7 Rem Mag, evaluating the optimum bullet weight. I concluded at that time that the 168 grain and 180 grain vld ended up running similar velocities and wind deflection at 1000.

We liked how the 168 performed on game of to 1000 Y, so that's what we stuck with.

There's two take aways. 1. Decide/define your parameters (eg how far, etc). 2. The heaviest, highest bc bullet is not always the optimum choice.
 
I would load 169gn. Hammer Hunter with either H4831 or H1000
My 7-LRM (24" Proof 8tw) really likes them. Also likes the 180 Hybrids, but all things considered, I feel much more comfortable with the Hammers in difficult shot angles where high penetration matters. No one advocates it, and neither am I, but a Texas heart shot is possible with the Hammers. Not a chance with a Berger. I like the fact that of not having to be concerned about close range, high velocity shots.
 
I honestly don't think you can go wrong with the above list as they are all solid bullet options.
 
With the twist rate you have it makes shooting the highest BC bullets that give you the best group. I shoot the 195gr and slam every elk I shoot with them with the same twist your rifle has. I have gone back to hunting with my custom 7mmRemMag exclusively as I found out over the years it fits perfect for all the big game animals I hunt and ammo is readily available in most instances.
 
too light of bullet for my like
You say that due to lack of experience with hammer bullets.
I agree. It is not the weight that performs. The 155 will drop less, hit every bit as hard, and hold together better than Bergers…plus a bit less kick. Sometimes old-school thinking is good, but this is not one of those times.
 
Warning! This thread is more than 4 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.
Top