[safetyslug]

I just picked up a Sako 75 hunter in 7mm Rem Mag. I have never hunted with this caliber before and I am hoping those of you with experience with this caliber can give me a suggestion as to what is a good brand/weight for bullets (for reloading). A bullet choice for pigs and large game (elk) would be helpfull.

[Sniper 7.62]

Eather a 139 Honrdy or a Searia 140 game king.

[Elkslayer]

I have used my 7 Mag on elk off and on for 20 years. I have always used Hornady's 154gr spire point.
(I should have said I have hunted and TAKEN elk with this load for 20 years). I have never lost an elk that has been hit with this rifle and bullet combination. I have expirmented with Noslers 160gr. bullet but have never taken any game with it as the Hornady bullet has always performed well for me.

Personally I would not use any bullet lighter than the 154 Hornady. I'd use it or the 160gr. bullets. Elk can be tough to kill and if badly hit show a tenacity for life and escape! A wounded elk can cover quite a bit of territory in a short amount of time compared to how much humping up, down, and around mountains you want to put in after taking a bad shot.

I would recommend using the 139 and 140 grain bullets in .280 Rem or in 7mm-08 cartridges (although I use 154 grain bullets in my .280 Rem just as I do in the 7 Mag.)

My experience of being in on nearly a hunderd elk kills and field dressings show that using light weight bullets at higher velocities tends to produce un-necessary hydrostatic shock to the region around the impact area causing too much blood-shot meat which is wasted. Also using too light of bullet will cause the bullet to fragment faster and not penetrate as deep as needed if heavy shoulder bones are hit or the shot is at an angle and must penetrate through the rumen to get into the boiler room. Not saying you can't take elk with the lighter bullets in the 7 Mag. just saying you'd damn well better place your shots well (I.E. between the ribs).

Hope this helps.

[safetyslug]

Originally posted by Elkslayer
I have used my 7 Mag on elk off and on for 20 years. I have always used Hornady's 154gr spire point.
(I should have said I have hunted and TAKEN elk with this load for 20 years). I have never lost an elk that has been hit with this rifle and bullet combination. I have expirmented with Noslers 160gr. bullet but have never taken any game with it as the Hornady bullet has always performed well for me.

Personally I would not use any bullet lighter than the 154 Hornady. I'd use it or the 160gr. bullets. Elk can be tough to kill and if badly hit show a tenacity for life and escape! A wounded elk can cover quite a bit of territory in a short amount of time compared to how much humping up, down, and around mountains you want to put in after taking a bad shot.

I would recommend using the 139 and 140 grain bullets in .280 Rem or in 7mm-08 cartridges (although I use 154 grain bullets in my .280 Rem just as I do in the 7 Mag.)

My experience of being in on nearly a hunderd elk kills and field dressings show that using light weight bullets at higher velocities tends to produce un-necessary hydrostatic shock to the region around the impact area causing too much blood-shot meat which is wasted. Also using too light of bullet will cause the bullet to fragment faster and not penetrate as deep as needed if heavy shoulder bones are hit or the shot is at an angle and must penetrate through the rumen to get into the boiler room. Not saying you can't take elk with the lighter bullets in the 7 Mag. just saying you'd damn well better place your shots well (I.E. between the ribs).

Hope this helps.

Yeah that helps a lot. I picked up some Federal Premium 140's and 160's to sight in the Sako. I can here what you are saying about the heavier bullet weight too. I guess a well placed shot that has deep penitration vs. expansion will yeild the most undamaged meat. I have some time to play since I am not going to Montana till January 2003.

[Elkslayer]

Wouldn't be hunting the Gallatin canyon just north of the park (Yellowstone) by any chance would you?

If so, I've been there done that and would pass along what worked for a friend and myself on Jan 13th 1989, and 90.

[safetyslug]

Not sure exactly where we headed in Montana yet and I am still looking for an outfitter/guide. Any pearls of wisdom you could pass on would be greatly appreciated.

[Elkslayer]

This thread will help you prepare for your elk hunt.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...hreadid=128330