120 BT & 7mm WSM/Rem Mag

rjm158 · Oct 11, 2012

I was wondering if anyone has tried loading the 120's in either a 7WSM or Rem Mag and, if so, have you had the chance to try them on WT deer or similar animal? I have loaded and shot them in a 7mm-08 and 280 with great accuracy. A friend used a 7mm-08 to kill a couple deer a few years ago and they worked great.

I tend to load lighter rather than heavier bullets for deer and have pondered how they would work in the magnums. I know the jackets on the 120's are heavy for weight and I theorize they would work OK but this is only theory, not field use.

Ron

dlove · Oct 12, 2012

I think you may have some trouble with the bullet coming apart at close range with the 120 in a magnum. it would be a devasting round but you may have to throw out a shoulder here and there. my son shot an 8 point WT at about 60 yards with a 120 from a 7-08 with a MV of 3030fps. the deer fell in his tracks but it turned the far shoulder into jello.

Oldtrader3 · Oct 12, 2012

I have been shooting and hunting with a 7mm Rem Mag since 1963. I finally decided about 1970 that any bullet lighter than a 140 Partition is not for me with antelope or deer. My game bullet for 7mm Mags is the 160 Partition. Just my $.02.

Wincheringen · Oct 13, 2012

The .284" 120 grain Ballistic Tip is a lot tougher bullet than most give it credit for. I haven't used them on game but wouldn't hesitate to if the accuracy was good. Any way you slice it, the BT is going to be a tougher bullet than any cup-core bullet out there and we all know those bullets have taken plenty of game.

DrMike · Oct 13, 2012

My sole concern about using the 120 grain BT would be perceived bullet failure due to excessive impact velocity. While the 120 grain is a tough bullet, it remains that the design is not conducive to its best performance at velocities over ~3200 fps.

Teknys · Oct 14, 2012

I loaded the 120BT in a buddy of mine's 7mm STW. I can't remember the vel but I think high 3300's (it's been a while). I also loaded some 160's. He went out for a quick loop on his wheeler since we have been seeing so many coyotes and he filled his elk cow tag with a 120BT at about 60 yds. When he called and told me, first thing I asked was 120 or 160.
The cow took the hit and walk/staggered 3 -4 steps and fell over. He shot it close behind shoulder broadside. I would not advocate this again. I believe he was lucky and did not hit a rib going in.

FOTIS · Oct 14, 2012

Teknys":6qfavq69 said:
I loaded the 120BT in a buddy of mine's 7mm STW. I can't remember the vel but I think high 3300's (it's been a while). I also loaded some 160's. He went out for a quick loop on his wheeler since we have been seeing so many coyotes and he filled his elk cow tag with a 120BT at about 60 yds. When he called and told me, first thing I asked was 120 or 160.
The cow took the hit and walk/staggered 3 -4 steps and fell over. He shot it close behind shoulder broadside. I would not advocate this again. I believe he was lucky and did not hit a rib going in.

Man a 120 gr on an elk :shock: