I just got a Browning X-bolt 7mm WSM, and i ma just wanting to know if i should use 140 grain or 160 grain bullets, or even 150's for hunting elk in eastern Oregon, i can only shoot a Spike since i can only go second hunt, i don't know if that makes any difference or not, maybe not as tough of skin as the older ones is my thinking. any info would be appreciated. Thanks.
7mm WSM 140 or 160 grain?
- Thread starter dezmick
- Start date
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
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I prefer 160 grain ABs in my 7mm WSM. They are a perfect bullet for an elk. Undoubtedly the 140 grain AB will work, but the extra mass is insurance for that difficult angle. Of course, the 150 grain E-Tip may be an option as the monolithic bullets maintain integrity even at higher impact velocities.
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks, i already have some 150 grain e-tip and also some 150 grain TTSX that i am going to try out, i am new to reloading and so i am just going to get a few different bullets to see what shoots best for me in my rifle, the only problem is that i want some accubonds but i can not find any 160 grain anywhere, even on nosler web site, so i thought that i might try the 140 grain, i figured that since the 140 grain are rated for elk in the 270wsm then they should work for the 7mm wsm as well.
- Nov 4, 2004
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dezmick
Go with the 160 gr AB in your 7mm WSM and don't look back. You will be set for deer, bear and elk.
JD338
Go with the 160 gr AB in your 7mm WSM and don't look back. You will be set for deer, bear and elk.
JD338
- Oct 30, 2004
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I did 66 gr of rl22 with 160 AB. 3050 fps and good for everything! :mrgreen:
That 160gr AB would be an awesome set up for elk in the WSM. I imagine you wouldn't want for much more if you get the accuracy out of them. They have alot going for them, bigh BC and excellent SD! Don't forget about the 160gr PT either, that bullet and the 7 mags go hand in hand! Scotty
Antelope_Sniper
Handloader
- Jan 25, 2008
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Another vote for the 160gr AB.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
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My 7mm WSM launches 160 grain ABs at 3050 into quarter inch groups. There has never been a deer that survived one of those bullets.
Mountain Goat
Handloader
- Dec 14, 2010
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The two 150 grainers you have already are superb choices in the 7WSM, as is the 160 AccuBond and others. I would only move to another bullet if the first one or two didn't provide all you are after. Or, like me, try all the bullets you can just because you can. 
