7mm rem mag vs 7mm rem ultra mag vs 300 win mag

[raidersfan_5544]

I am new to the site and I'm amazed with some of the knowledge people here posses. So I was thinking to myself where better a place to ask for advice. I am looking for a new hunting rifle to take large game at longer range,I live in Montana). I was looking at the Rem 700 in several configurations and then I started thinking about caliber. What are some opinions on the best caliber for hunting large game such as elk at short or extended range? I have narrowed it down to 7mm or 300 win mag. Also what are some opinions on the 7mm rem mag vs 7mm rem ultra mag. Thank you help me make this decision, any info would be appreciated.

 

[tominboise]

Well, I've never killed anything with a 7mmRUM, but I have with both the 7 Remmy and the 300 Win. My opinion, is that for 99.9% of the hunting in the lower 48, I'd take a 7mm Rem Mag anyday and never look back. Ammo everywhere and cost effective, not much recoil, lots of rifles to choose from, versatile with lots of bullet weights and types available. I've got many rifles but my 'big 7' M70 in 7mm Rem Mag is my ' go to' for everything....

YMMV, of course....

 

[6BRonwheels]

Hi Raidersfan,
I used to shoot a 7mm RUM. This caliber is about 200 fps faster than the 7mm magnum. There are two things that you might consider before buying a 7 RUM. First, the cost of ammo. It is hard to find loaded ammo, and it is VERY expensive. If you reload it is no big deal. Second, barrel life is usually about 1000 rounds with the RUM.
My favorite load for the 7mm RUM was 140 grain Hornady Interbond. My velocity was in the 3450 area.
Good luck
Jack

 

[CJ6]

The 7rum is a fine cart. so is the 300 win.If I were to choose between the 2 I would pick the 300win.Why? Heavier bullets.Velocity is great but, you need a well designed heavy bonded core bullet that will expand controllably in a wide variety of impact velocities. Swift A-Frames,Scirrocco's, Woodleigh Weld Cores, Trophy Bonded Bear Claws,are all top notch and fit those parameters wonderfully,Not Cheap However). Use a bullet in the 190-220gr range for the 300win.and you will be quite happy.....Btw I have a 7mm Imperial,almost a exact twin to the 7RUM) a 300RUM, 338 Lap. and a 416 Rigby. If I were to look for a long range Elk caliber it would be in a 338 cal or 375

 

[dnirode]

Having taken elk with a variety of cartridges the only one shot, drop in his tracks shot I have made is with a 308 Winchester. Have used the .375 H&H and .35 Whelen on the 'Heavy' side and cartridges from 7mm and up in between. However if I were looking for a long range cartridge, had a rifle capable and I possessed the ability to accurately place my shot in the vitals of an elk at those ranges I would pick the 7mm Remington Mag and load it with Berger 168 or 180 VLD bullets or maybe the Nosler 160 grain Accubond. Some people will cringe about the Berger VLD's being used for hunting but they are thinly jacketed and work well at longer ranges. May be a little fragile tho' if you encounter your elk up close in the 'dark timber'. None of the above will let you penetrate a northbound elk stem to stern from the south end but precise placement into the vital will claim your bull.

On the other hand trophy elk hunting does not always present you with the ideal broadside shot. It that scenario I would concur with what CJ6 says regarding the heavy bullets in .300, .338 or .375. They will penetrate better on the less that perfect shots. My next hunt will be with a .338 RUM and 225 grain Accubond bullets.
Hope this helps.
Dave N.