Can 7mm Rem Mag be reloaded for better performance?

Reloading Considerations

When reloading the 7mm Remington Magnum for elk hunting, it’s essential to choose a bullet with sufficient weight and sectional density to deliver deep penetration. A 140-150 grain bullet with a ballistic coefficient (BC) of 0.5 or higher, such as the Berger 140gr VLD or the Sierra 150gr GameKing, will provide the necessary accuracy and penetration. To achieve optimal performance, reloaders should start with a minimum powder charge of 65 grains of H1000 or RL19, and adjust from there based on chronograph data.

Powder Load and Velocity

Aim to maintain a velocity of 2,900-3,000 feet per second (fps) for an optimal elk load. This can be achieved by using a combination of the right bullet and powder charge. For example, loading the Berger 140gr VLD with 67 grains of H1000 will result in a muzzle velocity of 2,975 fps, providing sufficient kinetic energy for deep penetration and expansion. Conversely, loading the Sierra 150gr GameKing with 62 grains of RL19 will produce a muzzle velocity of 2,930 fps, which is still within the desirable range for elk hunting.

Case Preparation and Seating

To ensure consistent accuracy and reliable feeding, reloaders should pay attention to case preparation and bullet seating. Deprime, resize, and trim cases to factory specifications, and then chamfer and debur the case mouth to prevent lead fouling. Seat bullets at or slightly below the cannelure to prevent over-pressing, which can lead to accuracy issues and reduced bullet performance. A consistent seating depth of 0.020-0.030 inches below the case mouth will provide optimal results.