7m Rem mag Ver 338 Win Mag? hunting elk

L

lefteyedom

New member
I am thinking of buying a Ruger #1 in 7mm Mag for Antelope, deer, Elk hunting. How would the 7Mag performance compare to the 338 Win Mag I have been using for years?
Thinking of using a 160gr bullet in the 7mm mag. (I have been using 225 gr in my 338)

Thanks
 
Off-hand, I'd say the 7 mag would shoot a bit flatter. It might allow you to extend your range a bit. Not sure if there's any real advantage, other than that.
 
I'd think the .338 Win Mag would be a slightly better option inside of 300 yards. After that the 7mm Rem Mag will eventually take over since it will have a higher muzzel velocity and BC over the 225 grain .338 bullet. I don't think an elk will know the difference between the two if you place the bullet where it belongs.
 
I’ve always liked the extended range the 7mm Rem Mag affords you. It’s especially handy out west. In Blaine County Montana, Mullies are hard to get close to. I’ve taken some as far out as 400 yards with my Sako Finnbear Delux, 7mm Rem Mag. You don’t need field artillery for thin skinned game. You just have to be able to reach out to touch them.
 
The 7mm mag will have less recoil, and will be easier to shoot well.

Depending on the load used, it might shoot flatter. If you can hit an elk with the .338 Win Mag at 400 yards, then I doubt you'll see any increased range with the 7mm mag. As you likely know, elk can be tough critters, and need a little thump. Out past 400 yards the 7mm looses enough velocity that I question it's abilities on a large bull elk.

I like the 7mm mag, and it's my most-used cartridge for big game. I usually shoot 145 grain bullets, and I've killed enough deer, elk, bear, antelope, and bison to be confidant in it's capabilities.

Daryl
 
Trust me Thor my FSS 116 left hand 338 win mag is not leaving my stewardship;)

I like "feel" of a Ruger #1 and a nice one is available locally in 7mm Rem Mag.

I have long been in the anti 7 mag camp. Not because of it's performance on game but because on paper it is not much better than other non magnum cartridges. 280 Remington handloads and 165gr btsp 30.06 handloads nearly equal the 7 rem mag performance.

As silly as this sounds the Ghost of Elmer Kieth has always colored my weapon choices. The head knows that a 7X57 will cleaning kill any game animal I am likely to hunt. The Gut says a 338-378 WBY will do it better. The shoulder tells the gut easy big boy! The ears won't let the shoulder get a muzzle brake. Ah inner conflict which put Thor in my gun safe.
 
Sounds to me like you NEED a good 7mm rem mag. Once you work up a good load and start seeing critters fall dead to it, you won't dislike it any more.

I first shot a 7mm mag in 1986, and I haven't been without one since.

Daryl
 
i don't think that there is anything in this hemisphere from the north to south pole that the 7mm rem mag hasn't taken, and taken with authority.
 
Ok, let's see what the Barnes Calculator says using X bullets:

7mmRM 160 @3000fps (.491BC)
338WM 225 @2950fps (.482BC)

Zeroed at 225, the 7 is 60fps faster @ 500yds; however the 338 has 600ft/lbs. more energy. 338 all the way.
 
I like the .340 weatherby with a 210 grain nosler.. My .300 weatherby with a 200 grain Tipped TSX or Nosler Accubond would be bad news for an elk as well...
 
For elk...

.. I'd think the 7mm Mag would be fine.

But don't you have brownies and grizz in Wyoming?

On the off-chance of encountering one of those during a hunt, I think I'd be happier with the .338.
 
Why not keep your .338 for Elk and buy another rifle for Deer and Antelop?
Click to expand...

I agree. Keep the .338 for the big guys and get something like a .270 for deer and atelope. The 7mm and .338 both seem a little strong for antelope IMO.
 
I use a .308 for all my elk and mule deer/black tail hunting needs. My back-up rifle is a 7mm mag. The .338 is a big, bad, gnarly cartridge, and it'll drop an elk, no doubt. However, the 7mm is all you really need for elk between the two choices.

My best friend dropped a thick tined 6x6 a couple years ago with his 7mm mag at 424 yards, ranged by me and my Leica. 160gr handloaded (by me) Fail Safe dropped him about 10 yards away from impact. A bit long for my little .308, but the 7mm mag did a number on him.
 
The 7mm and .338 both seem a little strong for antelope
Click to expand...

I'd agree that the .338 seems heavy for antelope but I've had great luck using the 7mm on them and certainly don't consider it too much gun.

As far the the 7mm Rem Mag over all, I'd have no issue using it for an elk or any thing smaller.
 
On paper the 7mm is all over most any 300 caliber. With a good 160 grain bullet it will be faster and have more energy at 1000 yards than a 308 at 600, and most magnums will need to shoot a 200 grain or heavier bullet VERY FAST to even come close.

I consider the 338 a 300-400 yard rifle, a very good one, but the 7mm can easily be utilized another 200 yards further. Not that I personally approve or would shoot at game that far, except varmints, but if you have the range and know your zeroes the 7mm can do it.

I did shoot a bull Elk with a 338, and it took 3 shots to put it down. Bullet performance was not an issue, complete penetration of the animal with a nice wound channel using 250 grain Sierras, it just refused to fall down and I kept shooting until it did. I would feel just as comfortable with a 7mm and 160 Failsafes (of which I have lots of, courtesy of a Walmart closeout..:D).
 
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