7mm RM/150 grain Partition for elk?

[OleBud]

Hey all. Looking at my first western hunt next year and want to try elk while I’m still young-ish enough to climb and hustle. I’m nearly 100% taking my 7 REM Mag, and looking at the bullet options. I’ve had excellent luck on deer sized game with 150 grain Partition bullets, and wondered how they’d hold up on elk? I see several comments on 160 grain partitions but not much on the 150?
Thoughts?

 

[JN270]

Hey all. Looking at my first western hunt next year and want to try elk while I’m still young-ish enough to climb and hustle. I’m nearly 100% taking my 7 REM Mag, and looking at the bullet options. I’ve had excellent luck on deer sized game with 150 grain Partition bullets, and wondered how they’d hold up on elk? I see several comments on 160 grain partitions but not much on the 150?
Thoughts?

150 grain bullet is plenty of bullet for elk. Especially given the velocity out of your rem mag. The Partition is solid enough of a bullet to hold up and penetrate.

If you wanted to reach out further distances you would benefit stepping up a little in weight and possibly using an AccuBond or something else with a higher BC. However for most hunting distances it is not necessary. I've killed elk with both bullets in other calibers.

 

[Blkram]

I take it that you are handloading for your rifle?
And is your 7mm Rem Mag equipped with the normal 26" barrel?

To answer your basic question; Yes, the 150 gr Partition will work on elk just fine. They are great bullets with a proven track record on elk. With a BC of 0.456 and a SD of 0.266, dependent upon your velocity from your rifle, this will be a fairly flat shooting bullet that has sufficient SD for reliable penetration on tough game like elk. (Just stay off the onside shoulder bone! Elk has the densest bone of any animal in North America, and even with a bullet this good, it may not have the energy to reliably smash through that heavy bone just above the elbow and still reach the vitals.) As always, bullet placement is key!

Loads listed in Nosler's data shows you can drive the 150 gr Partition at speeds ranging from 2778 fps, up to 3248 fps out of a 24" barrel. That is a wide range of velocity, that will have dramatic variations in retained velocity, energy, and trajectory to your quarry at various distances.
I assume you have a reliable and accurate load for this bullet in your rifle already?
If so, you are undoubtedly experienced in its ballistics out to ranges you are comfortable in shooting to, with this load.
And yes, most elk are still killed within 200 yards, despite most people telling you that you must be able to shoot if the only opportunity is presented at 600 yards. That being said, practice out to further distances will add to your competence and confidence if a longer shot is needed than you typically shoot a deer at.

Edit: The old time gun writers and guides recommended 2000 ft lbs of retained energy for elk. Todays writers recommend 1500 ft lbs of energy. I believe this difference is due to our our better bullets, bonded and/or mono metal. In the elk I have taken, at the typical distance, I believe that the extra energy makes a substantial difference in the on-game performance, most notably when you strike the offside shoulder with your shot, on rut-crazed bulls.

A bull elk typically weighs in the 700 lb range, but large, mature bulls can approach 1000 lbs on the hoof, with the right genetics, food, water and nutrients. Depends on where you are hunting them. The typical elk is 30" deep through the chest and has a 10" vital zone.
And a bull elk full of adrenaline in the peak of the rut, is a much different animal than a bull that is calm, grazing, and unalarmed. But this does not mean that one can underestimate these tenacious animals! They have a will to live that will surprise even the most experienced hunter, if the shot is not accurately placed in the vitals. And a wounded elk can cover miles within a few short minutes!

Having taken over 2 dozen elk over the years, including with the 7mm Rem Mag (using the 165 gr SGK ammo that Federal used to produce), I have only taken one wary spike elk I called in, with a 140 gr AccuBond from my 280 Rem at 110 yards. It worked fine. The rest of my bulls using 7mms have been taken with the 160 gr AccuBonds, and they worked great. I do prefer the heavier bullet with its higher BC and SD for the enhanced on-game performance, as I have taken elk from 5 yards (1), out to 475 yards (1), over the years, with most taken between 100 and 200 yards. I have also found that the double lung shot is very successful in putting elk down quickly and cleanly, with shorter recovery distances. And it provides a margin for error to keep the bullet off the shoulder bone as compared to when one aims for the heart shot.

You'll have seen/heard more about the 160 gr Partition (and other 160 gr bullets), as it has been historically stated that the 160/162/165 gr bullets were the best bullet weights to use in the 7mm cartridges.

I have yet to use a 150 gr Partition or AccuBond on elk, but plan to develop a load for my 280 Rem with the 150 gr AccuBond. It should get about 3000-3100 fps in my rifle. I would not hesitate to take an elk with this load, once proven accurate in my rifle.

Hope this helps.
Best of luck on your adventure!

 

[jimbires]

I think you'll be fine . I've taken elk , and moose , with my 7mm REM MAG close , and far , without problems . I used the 160 grain AccuBond bullet . the Partition is a great choice . just put the bullet in the vitals , and it'll work out great for you .

 

[salmonchaser]

I’ve hunted elk every year but one since 1967. We’ve had at least one, more often three or so 7mm Rm. in camp every year. Those 7s have put a hell of a lot of elk on the ground. I think the 150s will work fine but my elk associates always seemed to be shooting 160s. Pretty sure that’s what I would select. Either way you’ll be fine. You’ve got a load you have confidence in, a rifle you know. I wouldn’t worry about developing a new load, most of the elk tags I’ve seen go home in pockets were the result of bad conditioning not bad shooting or selecting the wrong bullet. Have a fantastic hunt.

 

[DrMike]

You should be golden with your 7RM and 150 grain pills. I've never lost an elk while using my 7RM. It is a fine round for elk.

 

[SJB358]

Yeah, I’m with the others. I’d spend some time getting good with the combo out to whatever range you feel comfortable shooting to and don’t sweat if it’ll work. Last year two elk in camp were taken with 150 ABs from a 270 and 150 Sciroccos from a 280. One at 170 and the other at 420 or so. Your combo is plenty for any elk.

 

[JD338]

Your 7mm Rem Mag is perfect for elk hunting. The 150 gr PT will certainly do the job but I think the 160 gr PT or AB would be a better choice. As already mentioned by seasoned elk hunters, they are big tough animals and ensuring that your bullet reaches the vitals will only increase your odds for success. Go with a 160 gr PT or AB and don’t look back.

JD338

 

[OleBud]

I take it that you are handloading for your rifle?
And is your 7mm Rem Mag equipped with the normal 26" barrel?

To answer your basic question; Yes, the 150 gr Partition will work on elk just fine. They are great bullets with a proven track record on elk. With a BC of 0.456 and a SD of 0.266, dependent upon your velocity from your rifle, this will be a fairly flat shooting bullet that has sufficient SD for reliable penetration on tough game like elk. (Just stay off the onside shoulder bone! Elk has the densest bone of any animal in North America, and even with a bullet this good, it may not have the energy to reliably smash through that heavy bone just above the elbow and still reach the vitals.) As always, bullet placement is key!

Loads listed in Nosler's data shows you can drive the 150 gr Partition at speeds ranging from 2778 fps, up to 3248 fps out of a 24" barrel. That is a wide range of velocity, that will have dramatic variations in retained velocity, energy, and trajectory to your quarry at various distances.
I assume you have a reliable and accurate load for this bullet in your rifle already?
If so, you are undoubtedly experienced in its ballistics out to ranges you are comfortable in shooting to, with this load.
And yes, most elk are still killed within 200 yards, despite most people telling you that you must be able to shoot if the only opportunity is presented at 600 yards. That being said, practice out to further distances will add to your competence and confidence if a longer shot is needed than you typically shoot a deer at.

Edit: The old time gun writers and guides recommended 2000 ft lbs of retained energy for elk. Todays writers recommend 1500 ft lbs of energy. I believe this difference is due to our our better bullets, bonded and/or mono metal. In the elk I have taken, at the typical distance, I believe that the extra energy makes a substantial difference in the on-game performance, most notably when you strike the offside shoulder with your shot, on rut-crazed bulls.

A bull elk typically weighs in the 700 lb range, but large, mature bulls can approach 1000 lbs on the hoof, with the right genetics, food, water and nutrients. Depends on where you are hunting them. The typical elk is 30" deep through the chest and has a 10" vital zone.
And a bull elk full of adrenaline in the peak of the rut, is a much different animal than a bull that is calm, grazing, and unalarmed. But this does not mean that one can underestimate these tenacious animals! They have a will to live that will surprise even the most experienced hunter, if the shot is not accurately placed in the vitals. And a wounded elk can cover miles within a few short minutes!

Having taken over 2 dozen elk over the years, including with the 7mm Rem Mag (using the 165 gr SGK ammo that Federal used to produce), I have only taken one wary spike elk I called in, with a 140 gr AccuBond from my 280 Rem at 110 yards. It worked fine. The rest of my bulls using 7mms have been taken with the 160 gr AccuBonds, and they worked great. I do prefer the heavier bullet with its higher BC and SD for the enhanced on-game performance, as I have taken elk from 5 yards (1), out to 475 yards (1), over the years, with most taken between 100 and 200 yards. I have also found that the double lung shot is very successful in putting elk down quickly and cleanly, with shorter recovery distances. And it provides a margin for error to keep the bullet off the shoulder bone as compared to when one aims for the heart shot.

You'll have seen/heard more about the 160 gr Partition (and other 160 gr bullets), as it has been historically stated that the 160/162/165 gr bullets were the best bullet weights to use in the 7mm cartridges.

I have yet to use a 150 gr Partition or AccuBond on elk, but plan to develop a load for my 280 Rem with the 150 gr AccuBond. It should get about 3000-3100 fps in my rifle. I would not hesitate to take an elk with this load, once proven accurate in my rifle.

Hope this helps.
Best of luck on your adventure!

Yes sir, I am hand loading. I’m running the Partition over a load of N165 out of a nosler case and it’s a killer. Sub moa at 100. The gun is a Browning X Bolt with a 26” barrel I believe. It’s been a killer for years and I trust it. Pretty excited to even see an elk much less try to harvest one!

 

[highoctane]

Those 150 gr Partition bullets out of a 7 mag will take the will to live out of just about anything that walks on North American soil. Get your rifle shooting like you want and then, get yourself in shape for the hunt!! Good luck!

 

[RL338]

I prefer 160gr jacketed bullets in my 7mm RM. Under 160gr I’ll use Monos.

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

The 150 grain Partition loaded in your 7mm Rem Mag is plenty for elk! Good luck on your hunt!

 

[Blkram]

Yes sir, I am hand loading. I’m running the Partition over a load of N165 out of a nosler case and it’s a killer. Sub moa at 100. The gun is a Browning X Bolt with a 26” barrel I believe. It’s been a killer for years and I trust it. Pretty excited to even see an elk much less try to harvest one!

Be prepared; elk hunting in the rut is not only exciting, but addicting!
Once you experience a rut-crazed bull bugling and thrashing brush at spitting distance, you'll know what adrenaline is!

Practice good scent control, watch the wind, and get a Montana decoy, and use cow in estrus urine on it so that the bull smells and sees what he is expecting to see, and have it and the caller set up 50-100 yards back and to the side of you so that bull will be broadside to you as it comes in, and hangs up where it thinks it should be able to see and smell that hot cow calling to him. Works like a charm! And have your knives sharp!

 

[FOTIS]

I know an older gentleman who has been taking elk out of Battle Mountain in Wyoming, almost every year, since 1998. His load of choice is the 150 Core loct factory in 7mm Rem Mag.
In my elk camp there are a few hunters who are using the 143 ELDX in the 6.5 Creedmoor every year since its inception. Not my choice but theirs. Never wounded or lost an elk.
Granted these are seasoned shooters and not irresponsible. So yeah, no elk in the world will be able to tell the difference of 10 grains especially if you are upgrading to a premium bullet, from these set ups. If you are happy with your load and it is accurate out of your rifle there is no reason to re-invent the wheel.....unless of course you want to play further with a new bullet. No harm there!