Hunting & Fishing 7mm RM maximum range on Elk

[wadcutter]

Just ordered a 7mm RM and have been getting mixed opinion on its effectivness on Elk sized game.
What would you concider the maximum practical range for the 7mmRM on Elk under normal hunting conditions?
I'm not talking Best of the west crap. Just good solid hits where reliable killing would be expected.

What bullet would you suggest?

 

[spaniel]

Re: 7mm RM maximum range on Elk

I've heard quite a few guys using them out to 800 yards. Personally I know too many people who have had them absorb 7mm pills at closer ranges and stay on their feet too long, I opt for a 30cal.

If 800 yards sounds too far for you, a 7mm will probably do fine for you with well-placed shots. I don't doubt they work, but with the experiences of some guys I know personally I would just have doubt in my mind if I was behind one and opt for a wider bullet.

I've had good luck with Accubonds on elk.

 

[flyboy]

Re: 7mm RM maximum range on Elk

Make a good shot and it doesn't really matter. Don't shoot past your capibiltys (you called "Best of the west" crap, so you've got a great start) the 7RM is not to be taken lightly, with good bullets like the 180 bergers and JLK's and even the 162 Amax. It will make it out along way with plenty of power to kill said animal with a well placed shot.

 

[smack]

Re: 7mm RM maximum range on Elk

With the heavier bullets, 160gr plus. I'd shoot out as far as you are capable and the conditions permit. I have killed a bunch of big mature mule deer with the 7mm mag out to 500 yards or so.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: 7mm RM maximum range on Elk

The "BOOK" answer would be that for ELK size game you need between 1800 - 2000 ft lbs of energy. (Assuming proper bullet, which would include any normal factory hunting round).

So the way to figure it, is figure out how fast your bullet is going, and the weight of the bullet, throw that info into a Ballistic Calculator and see what range you meat the 1800-2000 ft lbs guide line.

Like I said thats the book answer, the limiting factor is really THE SHOOTER.

 

[Chopaka81]

Re: 7mm RM maximum range on Elk

I agree with Kraig,I once put a 7mm 160gr SPBT into the sweet spot on a broadside standing bull @ 300yds, knocked him down and he got back up turning ass end towards me. I knew he was walking dead so I chose not to shoot him again up the rear. he staggered up and over a small ridge line and then all hell broke loose. There must have been 3 or 4 guys shooting at him. Then they took to yelling and swearing at each other. It would have taken me 20 minutes to make it across the nasty rock slide to where the bull had fell. Then it would have been my turn to start yelling and swearing.
Bottom line, if you can tolerate the bull going 50 or 100 yds after the shot, the 7mm RM is fine, if you need to drop him where he stands, move up to larger caliber.
And yes I have seen bulls killed with much smaller cartridges, a neck shot with a 220 Swift comes to mind.

 

[7mmRM]

Re: 7mm RM maximum range on Elk

A 7mmRM will knock the piss out of an elk. Contrary to popular belief, elk are NOT bullet proof. Bullet and bullet placement matter much more than chambering and bore size.

As to max distance, thats up to the individual shooter and his/her skills. The chambering in this instance is moot.

 

[mdesign]

Re: 7mm RM maximum range on Elk

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7mmRM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A 7mmRM will knock the piss out of an elk. Contrary to popular belief, elk are NOT bullet proof. Bullet and bullet placement matter much more than chambering and bore size.

As to max distance, thats up to the individual shooter and his/her skills. The chambering in this instance is moot. </div></div>

Well put...I own a 7mmRM and it is one of the most capable cartridges I have ever used. It shoots flat, handles wind well and puts them all in a small group at well over 3000 fps. It will most likely be plenty able to kill an elk further than one should be shooting under field conditions.

 

[smack]

Re: 7mm RM maximum range on Elk

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7mmRM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A 7mmRM will knock the piss out of an elk. Contrary to popular belief, elk are NOT bullet proof. Bullet and bullet placement matter much more than chambering and bore size.

As to max distance, thats up to the individual shooter and his/her skills. The chambering in this instance is moot.</div></div>



Totally AGREE !!!!

 

[PMPerformance]

Re: 7mm RM maximum range on Elk

I USE to use a 7mm and unfortunately I have 2 stories similar to CHOPAKA's..Got rid of that gun and been using a .300 ever since with no such problems..I'm sure the same things could happen using a .338 or larger.. There was just something about the 7mm bullets not sure what it was but my .300 put's em in the dirt..

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: 7mm RM maximum range on Elk

Though I dont own a 7mm, I wouldn't hesitate to use one on an elk, like mentioned above its ALL about shot placement.
shot placement
shot placement
shot placement

 

[JamieD]

Re: 7mm RM maximum range on Elk

Agree on shot placement. I ran a couple of 140 SST's out of my .264 Win Mag through the chest of a 5x5. I don't know how much blood he lost but it looked like a guy carrying a 5 gallon bucket with a pile of holes in the bottom of it. Even I could follow the blood trail with ease. He still made it 300 yards or so. I don't know how other than he just wasn't willing to give up his ghost yet - or didn't realize I had already taken it : ) Either way - I was surprised how much life they can muster once they decide to run for the hills.

I'm thinking of changing it to a suppressed 300WM for my next trip and running the heavy .308 bullets. My Dad shot a 6x6 that was a much, much bigger animal. Made me re-think a little.

JamieD