7mm Rem Mag Bullet question.

[bootsmcguire]

I have had a couple of 7mm Mags in the past that only got fed factory 150gr ammo. I had these back in the days before I discovered Savage and reloading. As many of you know I am not new to rifles or reloading, but I am relativly new to reloading the 7mm Mag. My question is this:

Is there any reason not to shoot a 120gr Sierra Spitzer Prohunter bullet out of a 7 Mag?

I am thinking of this bullet because 1) In my desired range of 400yrd on down, it appears like it will shoot nice and flat (I am gettin spoiled mostly shooting fast Varmint rounds in the field) and retain energy levels sufficent enough to do what I want which is mostly small deer sized stuff on down. 2) It is fairly cheap to purchase and its from Sierra, of whom I have had almost 100% luck with. 3) It should keep recoil down a bit, especially since this barrel is equipped with a brake.

FYI: Stevens 200 action, 3screw trigger, 24" Shaw barrel + brake, 1-10" twist.

Thanks in advance.

Boots

[justinc68]

I wouldnt see why it wouldnt work? the only thing i would worry about is if the bullet will hold up at a high velocity. im assuming that the 7 mag will push that 120 grain bullet out pretty fast? like 3300 fps range or faster? Is the bullet designed to be used on game at that high of a velcotity?

[bootsmcguire]

On that front I guess I need to make a call to Sierra and find out what kind of velocities it is exactly intended for, but it is of the Pro-Hunter Series and it should be thicker jacketed than a Blitz, Varminter, or Matchking but a call to Sierra will confirm.

Anybody else see any red flags on my plan? Just thinking I'd roll my thought around before buying up some bullets since this is currently my only 7-bore.

[bootsmcguire]

Well with only 49 view to this thread I would say that hardly anybody is interested but.......;)

I finally had a chance to call Sierra today and explained what I had in mind. According to one of their Bulletsmiths, the 7mm 120gr Spitzer Pro-Hunter will easily handle the 3000-3500fps speed range that the 7RM will send it out at, and he said that jacket is tougher than most 120gr 7mm bullets. He said 400yds on midwestern sized deer should be no problem, and should pass right through with very adequate expansion and bullet weight retention. He thought as long as my barrel liked the bullet it would be a very good choice for a flat shooter at my intended distances.

Now I just need to order some up and see what happens. Until they get here I have a box of 175gr Winchesters left over from a previous 7mm so I may go shoot those up just to get some trigger time. :)

[justinc68]

Sounds like your set as long as your barrel likes them! Good luck this season. Let us know how they work for you after you get one!