I put at least 400 rounds through my 7mm mag by the end of July every year. (even with reloading it still is a few bucks but well worth it). I only bench shoot the first few and the rest are from field positions at different ranges. I also use a recoil pad and shoot no more that 20-30 during a session. I have been doing this with the same gun for over 15 years and the gun still looks out of the box new. Practise practise practise. I use Sierra 150gr.BT Gameking bullets in my reloads. I've tried barnes but with the amount I shoot I don't think they are worth the cost. I've harvested some big deer at long ranges and after 35 years of hunting I'veseen some wild things that those animals can do. A couple of years back I hit a perfect dbl. lung heart shot at 180 yards and the buck still ran for about 70 yards. When I dressed him all that was left of the heart was one of the ventricles. I have also seen someone hit a buck in the shoulder at a bad angle and the bullet deflected off the shoulder blade.Make sure you have a good shot before you pull the pin and the 7mm mag will do the job. Everyone on this forum will have their favorite cal. but the 7 mm mag is still the one for me (fits my hunting situations and I like the big bang). Best of luck next time.