Hunt & Live

Q&A · Hunting

Do full metal jacket bullets work well with 7mm Rem Mag?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

FULL_METAL_JACKET_BULLETS_WORK_WELL_WITH_7MMREM_MAG: Full metal jacket bullets can work well with the 7mm Remington Magnum for elk hunting, but they may not be the optimal choice. The 7mm Remington Magnum is a high-velocity cartridge that can push bullets to high speeds, but full metal jacket bullets may not expand well at these speeds, potentially resulting in over-penetration.

Choosing the Right Bullets for Elk Hunting

When it comes to choosing bullets for elk hunting with the 7mm Remington Magnum, consider bullets that are designed for high-velocity cartridges. Look for bullets with a weight between 140-160 grains, as these tend to penetrate well and expand reliably. For example, the 140-grain Barnes TSX or the 140-grain Nosler Partition are good options.

Understanding Bullet Expansion

The 7mm Remington Magnum can push bullets to speeds of over 3,000 feet per second, which can be challenging for some bullet designs. Full metal jacket bullets, in particular, may not expand well at these high speeds, potentially resulting in over-penetration and reduced stopping power. In contrast, bullets with a hollow point or soft point design tend to expand more reliably, even at high velocities.

Practical Considerations for Hunting Elk

When hunting elk with the 7mm Remington Magnum, consider the terrain and the distance to the target. In dense cover or at longer ranges, a bullet with a higher ballistic coefficient and a more consistent trajectory may be preferred. In these situations, a heavier bullet with a higher sectional density, such as the 160-grain Barnes TSX, may be a better choice.

7mm-remington-magnum-elk full metal jacket bullets work
Share

Find more answers

Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.