7mm Rem Ultra Mag Ballistics - How Does It Compare?

Understanding 7mm Rem Ultra Mag Ballistics

The 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM) is a popular choice among hunters and long-range shooters, known for its impressive ballistics and performance. In this post, I want to dive into the specifics of the 7mm Rem Ultra Mag and how it stacks up against some of its competition, particularly the 7mm Remington Magnum and .300 RUM.

Ballistics Overview

The ballistics of a cartridge are crucial for understanding its performance in the field. The 7mm RUM typically offers:

  • Velocity: It can achieve muzzle velocities of around 3,300 to 3,600 feet per second depending on the bullet weight.
  • Energy: It delivers high energy levels, making it suitable for larger game, with muzzle energy ranging from about 3,500 to 4,000 foot-pounds.
  • Trajectory: Flat shooting characteristics which make it ideal for long-range accuracy.

Comparing With 7mm Rem Mag and .300 RUM

When looking at the 7mm Rem Mag, which is a common alternative, here are some key points:

  • Velocity & Energy: While the 7mm Rem Mag provides decent performance, the RUM edges out with higher velocities and energy.
  • Recoil: The 7mm RUM has noticeably more recoil due to its power, which can be a consideration for sustained shooting.
  • Bullet Selection: Both cartridges have a good selection of bullets, but the RUM often offers more specialized options for various game types.

On the other side, the .300 RUM definitely competes in terms of power and range, often delivering a heavier bullet, but it’s typically heavier to shoot, which might not be suitable for everyone.

Practicality in the Field

In practical hunting scenarios:

  • The 7mm RUM excelled in long-range shots, particularly for deer and similar-sized game, making it a choice for those who hunt in open areas.
  • Many users have reported great success using it for antelope and elk, where its range and energy are critical.

Considerations for Hunting

  • Scope & Setup: If you are planning to shoot the 7mm RUM, investing in quality optics is vital for taking advantage of its ballistics over longer distances.
  • Costs: Ammo can be a bit pricier compared to more common rounds, making it something to think about especially if you’re doing a lot of practice shooting.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the 7mm Rem Ultra Mag offers serious benefits for hunters who need range, power, and accuracy. Whether it’s worth the investment compared to the 7mm Rem Mag or .300 RUM depends on your specific needs and shooting style. Have you used the 7mm RUM? What were your experiences? Let’s share insights and help each other become better hunters!

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I’ve been using the 7mm Rem Ultra Mag for a few years now, and I can say the ballistics are impressive. It offers a great balance of high velocity and energy retention, making it ideal for long-range hunting.

That’s good to hear, Brian! What distances do you typically shoot at? I’m curious about how its drop performs beyond 300 yards.

I usually take shots up to 600 yards. At that range, the drop starts to become noticeable, but with the right DOPE, it’s manageable. The energy remains quite high, too.

That’s interesting! How does it compare with, say, the .300 Win Mag? I’ve heard mixed opinions about their performance.

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Honestly, both cartridges have their strengths. The 7mm Rem Ultra Mag is usually a bit flatter shooting, while the .300 Win Mag carries more energy at longer distances. It depends on your intended use!

I think you both are making good points! The 7mm is excellent for long-range due to its ballistic coefficient. I love that you can push it really fast while keeping recoil manageable.

Definitely! But isn’t it also a bit more finicky with bullet selection than the .300? I’ve heard it requires quality ammo for optimal performance.

That’s true. If you’re loading your own, powder choice plays a big role in achieving that high velocity and low drift. What do y’all recommend?

For handloading, I really like Hodgdon H1000 powder with 168-grain bullets. It provides superb velocity and accuracy. Has anyone noticed the drift at 500 yards?

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At 500 yards, drift can be significant depending on wind conditions. I often use a ballistic calculator to stay on top of it.

Great tip! I haven’t used one yet. Do you have any favorites for online calculators?

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I recommend Strelok Pro. It’s user-friendly and has a lot of options for customizing conditions. You can really dial it in!

Haha, with all this talk about precision, I think I need to step up my game! My only calculator is a kitchen one for baking. Guess it’s time for an upgrade!

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Hey, it takes precision to bake too! Maybe we can all agree that precision applies both in the kitchen and the field?

I’m excited to start this discussion! I’ve been experimenting with the 7mm Rem Ultra Mag for deer hunting and found that using the 160 grain Accubond bullets gives me excellent accuracy and drops them quickly. What have others experienced?

Accubonds are a solid choice! I prefer the 150 grain partitions for elk; they perform well in terms of penetration and expansion. It’s all about selecting the right bullet for the game, I guess.

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I’ve had mixed results with 180 grain bullets—some great shots, but I feel like they sometimes destabilize at longer ranges. Anyone else had similar experiences?

Definitely! I switched to 175 grain ELD-X bullets and found they hold tighter groups at distance, which was crucial for my last hunting trip.

Great suggestions! Has anyone tried any unique handload recipes? I’m curious about powder choices that work best with these bullets.