7MM Rem Mag

[whitetailnut]

I'm going to S.A. for plains game in May, and am trying to decide on which ammo I should use. I'm thinking I'm going to bring my trusty Rem 700 7mm Rem mag. I do not have the time or patience to reload, so I'll be going with factory loads. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BnC 04]

First off, congrads on the trip over in May!
A far as ammo suggestions, I think a good starting point would be something in 175gr. Nosler Partition, Woodleigh, Barnes or North Fork would be my pick but all comes down to which round your rifles shoots best.

 

[whitetailnut]

Thank's for the reply, heading to Kwa-Zulu Natal and am super pumped! I have always shot the cheaper Federals in 150 grain.

 

[sestoppelman]

Thank's for the reply, heading to Kwa-Zulu Natal and am super pumped! I have always shot the cheaper Federals in 150 grain.

Those may do fine, but there are probably better choices. You might take a look at Barnes Triple Shock loads in 140 or 150. I will be taking a handloaded .284 Win in June using the 140gr Triple at 3000fps. Its a reliable bullet. But if you have faith in the loads you have been using go with them, if any doubt get something with a little better bullet. Bullets are not the place to save money. Africa is a long ways away and most cannot afford to go there every year.

 

[Royal27]

First off, congrads on the trip over in May!
A far as ammo suggestions, I think a good starting point would be something in 175gr. Nosler Partition, Woodleigh, Barnes or North Fork would be my pick but all comes down to which round your rifles shoots best.

Completely agree! I'm partial to the Barnes TSX, but that is because my rifle shoots them so well. I shoot the cheaper stuff for practice, but always sight in and hunt with the good stuff.

 

[whitetailnut]

Also, the PH recommends taking both soft point and non expanding(for smaller game). Any one know where to start in trying two loads which will shoot the same?

 

[Royal27]

Also, the PH recommends taking both soft point and non expanding(for smaller game). Any one know where to start in trying two loads which will shoot the same?

I don't know what to tell you other than get out there with both and see what happens. I know that Barnes makes soft points and solids for something like the 375 H&H that they say have the same POA. I just looked on ammoseek.com and didn't see anything similar for the 7 mag, although that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

Someone else may know more....

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I'm going to S.A. for plains game in May, and am trying to decide on which ammo I should use. I'm thinking I'm going to bring my trusty Rem 700 7mm Rem mag. I do not have the time or patience to reload, so I'll be going with factory loads. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

You don't list what your species list is so it's somewhat difficult to recommend a particular load. Being you're not a handloader, I'd be looking at whatever factory loads the Barnes TSX/TTSX or Swift A-Frames. With their high weight retaining characteristic, I'd shoot them in 160gr to take advantage of the higher speed vs. the 175gr options.

Don't know of a factory solid in this caliber for use on the small stuff.

 

[whitetailnut]

You don't list what your species list is so it's somewhat difficult to recommend a particular load. Being you're not a handloader, I'd be looking at whatever factory loads the Barnes TSX/TTSX or Swift A-Frames. With their high weight retaining characteristic, I'd shoot them in 160gr to take advantage of the higher speed vs. the 175gr options.

Don't know of a factory solid in this caliber for use on the small stuff.

The main species I'll be after are Kudu, Nyala, Impala, Warthog, Duiker. Depending on how things go, may end up in Limpopo for Gemsbuck, Blesbuck, Springbuck and Hartebeest

 

[Buff-Buster]

I would go with the Barnes 160gr. TSX or TTSX. Great bullet that has proven itself over and over again
Good luck and looking forward to your hunt report!

 

[Hagar]

Whitetail,
Myself and my two sons went in May 2011. Two of us were using Rem 700 BDL's. We used Barnes 160 grain Triple-Shock's. They performed Very well. Two Wildebeest two Kudu one Gemsbok two Warthogs two Impala two Springbok and one Zebra. All were one shot kills. One thing I would suggest is to put in a lot of practice on the sticks. If you have never used them before they take a little time to get consistent groups. You know what they say it's not so much what you shoot but SHOT PLACEMENT. You will have a great time. We are planing to go back asap. Looking forward to your report and pics.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

The main species I'll be after are Kudu, Nyala, Impala, Warthog, Duiker. Depending on how things go, may end up in Limpopo for Gemsbuck, Blesbuck, Springbuck and Hartebeest

With Kudu and Nyala on the menu, my recommendation is still the same. I've shot a number of elk with 160gr Partitions, the same weight in TTSX/TSX or A-Frame will suit you well. Buy a box of both go with the more accurate and hunt with confidence.

 

[Warbird782]

I used a custom 7 Rem Mag last year with 160 grain Nosler Accubonds. I shot a total of 17 animals from a zebra to duiker. All were one shot kills except the gemsbok. It took three in the boiler room. One kudu was a bang flop at 125 yards.

 

[enysse]

I would go with the Barnes 160gr. TSX or TTSX. Great bullet that has proven itself over and over again
Good luck and looking forward to your hunt report!

+1, probably the best choice. I still like the 160 Accubonds too.

 

[Shortride]

I have had good luck with both the 140 gr and 160 gr accubonds out of my Rem 7 mag. Both shoot just under an inch at 100 yds. Have taken several different kinds of deer out to 400 yds. all with one shot kills. Meat damage is a little less with the 160's most likely because of lower speeds. Can't speak as to bullet performance as I haven't recovered any yet. As has been stated before, buy and try several different loads and go with what works best in your gun.

 

[Red Leg]

160's with a well constructed bullet. Penetration is everything. TSX and family will likely give you pass throughs out to 300 yards in a 160. That is a very good thing, where a drop of blood buys your trophy. Even African trakers need help occasionally and that exit wound can save a lost animal. And plus one on the advice to practice off sticks before you get there. It will take about three range sessions to get comfortable - you don't want to OJT on live game.

 

[Diamondhitch]

Bullets are not the place to save money. Africa is a long ways away and most cannot afford to go there every year.

x2 I always say stick with barnes.

 

[whitetailnut]

I used a custom 7 Rem Mag last year with 160 grain Nosler Accubonds. I shot a total of 17 animals from a zebra to duiker. All were one shot kills except the gemsbok. It took three in the boiler room. One kudu was a bang flop at 125 yards.

What kind of damage was done to the duiker?

 

[toxic111]

I used the accubonds in my .300WSM last year and they all preformed flawlessly. For a small game bullet you may want to look for a target style bullet... Don't know how many factory loadings there are for it.

I would grab a box or 2 of factory loads in the heavier for caliber bullets in the premium range, TSX, Partition, Accubond, etc..

 

[Warbird782]

What kind of damage was done to the duiker?

I was told that if I want to shoulder mount the duiker to shoot him well behind the shoulder. The shot was a little over 200 yards and the exit hole was the size of my fist.