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7mm Elk Round

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dezmick View Drop Down
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    Posted: March/02/2011 at 21:18
i just got a 7mm WSM, that i will be using for elk hunting, can i get some thoughts as to what ammo i should use, 140 grain or 160 grain, and maybe even what bullet would work best on elk, there is not that many choices for factory ammo, but there is a few that i am going to try plus i am going to start reloading once i get the rest of my stuff for the 7mm WSM, so any input would be appreciated.
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Nosler Accubonds have always been good game rounds, as well as most barnes
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dezmick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/02/2011 at 21:30
Should i use 140 or 160 grain in either of those for elk?
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either will be sufficient really with proper shot placement
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote EchoWhiskeyOne Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2011 at 06:45
Originally posted by dezmick dezmick wrote:

i just got a 7mm WSM, that i will be using for elk hunting, can i get some thoughts as to what ammo i should use, 140 grain or 160 grain, and maybe even what bullet would work best on elk, there is not that many choices for factory ammo, but there is a few that i am going to try plus i am going to start reloading once i get the rest of my stuff for the 7mm WSM, so any input would be appreciated.
 
I've wasted nearly ALL of my game with "cheap" Remington PSP Core-Lokt ammo.  NEVER had an animal run more than 40-50 yards and every time that I have field dressed my animals the heart and/or lungs and/or liver were ALL soup.
 
Surely many more can say the same thing, but I, for one, have never really leaned towards premium ammo simply because I haven't found any of the "premium" stuff to shoot much (if any) better than the "cheap" stuff and it surely doesn't kill stuff "deader" than any other brand with a well placed shot.
 
My $.02
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2011 at 06:51
Originally posted by dezmick dezmick wrote:

Should i use 140 or 160 grain in either of those for elk?
I hate to say this because of the high price of ammo but you will just have to shoot both weights as well as different brands to see which your rifle likes best.
Sam

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2011 at 07:17
Originally posted by EchoWhiskeyOne EchoWhiskeyOne wrote:

Originally posted by dezmick dezmick wrote:

i just got a 7mm WSM, that i will be using for elk hunting, can i get some thoughts as to what ammo i should use, 140 grain or 160 grain, and maybe even what bullet would work best on elk, there is not that many choices for factory ammo, but there is a few that i am going to try plus i am going to start reloading once i get the rest of my stuff for the 7mm WSM, so any input would be appreciated.
 
I've wasted nearly ALL of my game with "cheap" Remington PSP Core-Lokt ammo.  NEVER had an animal run more than 40-50 yards and every time that I have field dressed my animals the heart and/or lungs and/or liver were ALL soup.
 
Surely many more can say the same thing, but I, for one, have never really leaned towards premium ammo simply because I haven't found any of the "premium" stuff to shoot much (if any) better than the "cheap" stuff and it surely doesn't kill stuff "deader" than any other brand with a well placed shot.
 
My $.02
 
 
   I've  got to agree.  Since I do all my own game processing I'm particular about how a bullet performs on game.  Only time I've had to switch to a premium bullet was when a particular bullet I used was discontinued and no other in that weight satisfied me.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stud Duck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2011 at 08:38
Originally posted by EchoWhiskeyOne EchoWhiskeyOne wrote:

Originally posted by dezmick dezmick wrote:

 
I've wasted nearly ALL of my game with "cheap" Remington PSP Core-Lokt ammo.  NEVER had an animal run more than 40-50 yards and every time that I have field dressed my animals the heart and/or lungs and/or liver were ALL soup.
 
Surely many more can say the same thing, but I, for one, have never really leaned towards premium ammo simply because I haven't found any of the "premium" stuff to shoot much (if any) better than the "cheap" stuff and it surely doesn't kill stuff "deader" than any other brand with a well placed shot.
 
My $.02
I have to respectfully disagree, I have a totally different finding. My family butchers all of our own game. I usually shoot Nosler's or Hornady, I've never seen a core/jacket seperation, but I have seen a ton of them in my brother's deer....he's shooting Remington Core-Lokt. YMMV.
 
TO THE OP: If you're spending the money on a hunting trip, is a couple of boxes of premium ammo that big of an expense?? To me, it's cheap insurance.


Edited by Stud Duck - March/03/2011 at 08:39
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2011 at 08:42
Originally posted by Stud Duck Stud Duck wrote:

Originally posted by EchoWhiskeyOne EchoWhiskeyOne wrote:

Originally posted by dezmick dezmick wrote:

 
I've wasted nearly ALL of my game with "cheap" Remington PSP Core-Lokt ammo.  NEVER had an animal run more than 40-50 yards and every time that I have field dressed my animals the heart and/or lungs and/or liver were ALL soup.
 
Surely many more can say the same thing, but I, for one, have never really leaned towards premium ammo simply because I haven't found any of the "premium" stuff to shoot much (if any) better than the "cheap" stuff and it surely doesn't kill stuff "deader" than any other brand with a well placed shot.
 
My $.02
I have to respectfully disagree, I have a totally different finding. My family butchers all of our own game. I usually shoot Nosler's or Hornady, I've never seen a core/jacket seperation, but I have seen a ton of them in my brother's deer....he's shooting Remington Core-Lokt. YMMV.
 
TO THE OP: If you're spending the money on a hunting trip, is a couple of boxes of premium ammo that big of an expense?? To me, it's cheap insurance.

i bet ive killed 90% or more of my big game animals with sierra pro hunters, elk included. so how crazy am i??Big Grin
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote EchoWhiskeyOne Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2011 at 09:24
Originally posted by Stud Duck Stud Duck wrote:

I have to respectfully disagree, I have a totally different finding. My family butchers all of our own game. I usually shoot Nosler's or Hornady, I've never seen a core/jacket seperation, but I have seen a ton of them in my brother's deer....he's shooting Remington Core-Lokt. YMMV.
 
I've had ALL, but one, of my Core-Lokts pass through cleanly and though SUBSTANTIAL internal damage was done, minimal meat damage resulted.
 
The one shot that I made that didn't pass through was on a heavy 8pt that was quartering away from me.  I hit him with my .270; bullet passed through two ribs, part of the liver, ALL of the lungs, grazed the heart and slammed into his right shoulder socket.  It was a 130gr PSP CL.  Shot was made at 239yds, according to Dad's range finder.
 
I guess that after 20+ years of shooting the Core-Lokts with MANY animals downed cleanly, my theory is "If it ain't broke, why fix it?"
 
I'm glad that your Hornady serve you well.  The ones I tried putting through my Stevens 200 shot about 6-8" groups...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2011 at 09:27
Originally posted by Stud Duck Stud Duck wrote:

Originally posted by EchoWhiskeyOne EchoWhiskeyOne wrote:

Originally posted by dezmick dezmick wrote:

 
I've wasted nearly ALL of my game with "cheap" Remington PSP Core-Lokt ammo.  NEVER had an animal run more than 40-50 yards and every time that I have field dressed my animals the heart and/or lungs and/or liver were ALL soup.
 
Surely many more can say the same thing, but I, for one, have never really leaned towards premium ammo simply because I haven't found any of the "premium" stuff to shoot much (if any) better than the "cheap" stuff and it surely doesn't kill stuff "deader" than any other brand with a well placed shot.
 
My $.02
I have to respectfully disagree, I have a totally different finding. My family butchers all of our own game. I usually shoot Nosler's or Hornady, I've never seen a core/jacket seperation, but I have seen a ton of them in my brother's deer....he's shooting Remington Core-Lokt. YMMV.
 
TO THE OP: If you're spending the money on a hunting trip, is a couple of boxes of premium ammo that big of an expense?? To me, it's cheap insurance.
 
 
   Definitely a +1 on your "TO THE OP" post!
 
  I quit using the Core-Lokts when they changed.  I to use Nosler (old Solid Base c&c) and Hornady (Interlock). I also use Speer Hot-Cores.
 
  Pyro,I tried the Gamekings and didn't like the game damage I got BUT I wouldn't be afraid to use the Pro Hunter. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stud Duck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2011 at 10:13
Originally posted by EchoWhiskeyOne EchoWhiskeyOne wrote:

Originally posted by Stud Duck Stud Duck wrote:

 
 The ones I tried putting through my Stevens 200 shot about 6-8" groups...
OUCH!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2011 at 11:30
It is all about shot placement, more than what bullet you use. I use mostly cheap hornady bullets, and they kill them dead fast. Now, as to which weight. I tend to lean towards the heavier bullets. Shoot both to see what your gun likes, but I would personally go with 160 gr bullets.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2011 at 14:30
use which ever you can accurately shoot out to 300 yds!  Both should be fine.
take em!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2011 at 18:33
I also like accubonds for elk.  Less so for their tough construction (which is still a plus on big, tough game like elk), but more for their high ballistic coefficient, and excellent accuracy.  For those same reasons, I tried Berger VLD hunting bullets for elk this past season with success.

I would say any 7mm bullet of quality construction (including the "premiums" as well as pro-hunters, core-lokts, interlocks, etc.) in 140 grains or 160 grains will do just fine.  Just stay away from the really "soft" bullets like Nosler ballistic tips, and bulk cup-and-core bullets.  I have personally seen Nosler BTs fail on elk with shockingly shallow penetration.

The premium bullets are very consistent performers, in my experience, and do offer a bit of insurance, especially on less-than-perfect shot angles.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Johnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2011 at 20:56
I haven't used the Sierras, Hornady or Speer for elk. Two of my fellow hunters used Sierras, Hornady, and ballistic tips on elk. Yes, they killed elk with them, but I wouldn't say the performance was really good.  The ballistic tip was fragile and the Sierras etc had separated cores. I used  Nosler partitions for years and now I use Barnes. I shoot regular Hornady, Speer for sight in and practice. Shoot some Barnes to see that they are hitting where I want them to. So I spend a few dollars more for premium bullets, so what? I reload and if I spent $20 extra to sight in and hunt with premium bullets, big deal. How much are elk licenses, fuel to get there, rifles, and other gear cost to go elk hunting, much less the time. The premium bullets are really worth the extra insurance that you get with them, making them the cheapest part of your hunt. I  go on but one elk hunt per year, so I don't have the chance to try various premium bullets out every year, but I know the Barnes do work and work well.Yippee
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tman1965 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/04/2011 at 01:05
Originally posted by EchoWhiskeyOne EchoWhiskeyOne wrote:

Originally posted by dezmick dezmick wrote:

i just got a 7mm WSM, that i will be using for elk hunting, can i get some thoughts as to what ammo i should use, 140 grain or 160 grain, and maybe even what bullet would work best on elk, there is not that many choices for factory ammo, but there is a few that i am going to try plus i am going to start reloading once i get the rest of my stuff for the 7mm WSM, so any input would be appreciated.
 
I've wasted nearly ALL of my game with "cheap" Remington PSP Core-Lokt ammo.  NEVER had an animal run more than 40-50 yards and every time that I have field dressed my animals the heart and/or lungs and/or liver were ALL soup.
 
Surely many more can say the same thing, but I, for one, have never really leaned towards premium ammo simply because I haven't found any of the "premium" stuff to shoot much (if any) better than the "cheap" stuff and it surely doesn't kill stuff "deader" than any other brand with a well placed shot.
 
My $.02
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/04/2011 at 08:32
Originally posted by Johnny Johnny wrote:

I haven't used the Sierras, Hornady or Speer for elk. Two of my fellow hunters used Sierras, Hornady, and ballistic tips on elk. Yes, they killed elk with them, but I wouldn't say the performance was really good.  The ballistic tip was fragile and the Sierras etc had separated cores. I used  Nosler partitions for years and now I use Barnes. I shoot regular Hornady, Speer for sight in and practice. Shoot some Barnes to see that they are hitting where I want them to. So I spend a few dollars more for premium bullets, so what? I reload and if I spent $20 extra to sight in and hunt with premium bullets, big deal. How much are elk licenses, fuel to get there, rifles, and other gear cost to go elk hunting, much less the time. The premium bullets are really worth the extra insurance that you get with them, making them the cheapest part of your hunt. I  go on but one elk hunt per year, so I don't have the chance to try various premium bullets out every year, but I know the Barnes do work and work well.Yippee

i will keep shooting my green box jobbies and continue to dump elk with one shot. i cant count how many elk my old man killed with 150gr sierra's in either 30-30 or 30-06 or .300win mag over the last 35yrs, im guessing its about 30-35. i cant argue with a dead elk. i shot a cow elk in 1997 with a 150gr sierra prohunter, the elk was 90yds from me coming into a clearing i dumped her with the first shot, she made it a grand total of 30yrds. i recovered the bullet which took out ribs and lungs it weighed 133.6gr i still have it some where.

this is the bull my dad shot a few years ago on "special" draw hunt in southern wyoming, the shot was over 300yds going away from him, took this bull high in the back of the neck/head 180gr sierra pro hunter .300win mag.
im not saying your wrong with choosing barnes, cause i know they work very well. im just saying they arent the only choice. i will not use ballistic tips, i shot one mule deer in 1998 and it totally destroyed that deer.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hunterwingler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/04/2011 at 20:49
Stay away from ballistic tips anything, I seen doe take one @ 300 odd yards (with 243)  threw the heart & lung area walk away with blood pouring out her. she walk another 55yrds then drop out sight walk up there couldn't find her or a blood trail, Next day found few drops here & there leading into the thick brush but never did find her. Go with anything from a barnes to a nosler partition, even a good old soft point would work as for weight thats up to you but try stay with the heavier ones. with 7swm dont really have to worry to much about bullet drop.
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