Currently I reload my own shells. I use 60.2 grains of imr4831 with a speer 160gr boattail. The load is real accurate except I've had a few problems on animals. I shoot my first buck at 250 yards in the neck. This deer went down on impact then after 5 secs got back up and ran 50 yards. I recovered this deer due to a decent blood trail. Next though I shot at a deer 40 yards away. I hit him a little back but should have still caught the liver and prob part of lungs due to the angle. The knock down power made the deer roll backwards 20 yards then it got back up and started running. Once again it was hit(in the guts) the deer was on a dead sprint shooting off hand. Is there a better bullet for what I'm doing. I'll shoot out to 450 yards at deer and elk will be 400 also. I want good devistation. more concerned about deer and elk stopping than conservation of meat. Because I seemed to be doing better with the old .243. All input welcome

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I agree with DG. Drop the bullet weight and use a bullet that will reap havoc, like the Nosler BT. I have yet to see a deer go far, with gapping holes and no lungs. Many people will tell you that the BT comes unglued...which is exactly what it is suppose to do, get in and make a mess. When pushed out of a magnum the power is their to drive it home and in the field even at the closest ranges I have never seen a explosive bullet not take out where it was heading. He brought up a great point, lab tests are for reviews...but I'll take good ole fashion field experience anytime over some lab rats thoughts.

Try it, what do you have to lose...your not happy with your current pill! If I get you right, your looking for exactly what we have and thats big holes, big blood and dead deer on the hoof.

I shoot a 140 grain nosler bt with 68.5 grains of H4831 in my 7mm mag. I consider this a max load for my gun so don't try it without dropping down a little first. Most deer I've killed with it go from 0 to 40 yards. Also, this same load shoots a 5 inch group at 400 yards with a drop of about 15 inches at that range.

I think your bullet weight is fine. Shot placement off slightly, but s**t happens. I just dont think there is a case for a lighter 7mm bullet killing better than a heavier one.

Go with the 165/180 NBT.

Sorry wrong cal. Thinking 30 cal. Go with the 150 NBT. I use it in my 7mm with 61.g of IMR 4895 and am getting 3020 fps.

Try the 120 G Balistic Tips in the 7 Mil Mag IMR 4831, as fast as it will go safely in your gun. Have been using this load on deer for years and it is devistating, quarter size in and fist size on the way out. Dead on at 100 yds, 200 yds and is 3 inches low at 300 yards. Give it a try, I know you will like it !!!!.
.5 inch groups at 100 Yds, just FYI.

Sniper

The bullet matters little if your shot placement is off.Neck shots often give the results you describe if not placed perfectly as do gut shots no matter what bullet is used.Put a slug through the lungs and game will seldom go far.That being said my favorite deer bullet for the 7mm is the 140gr ballistic tips.

Edited by - stubblejumper on 12/30/2002 23:45:58

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