Why choose 7mm Rem. Mag. for Moose? |

I can shoot my heavy recoiling 375 Ruger very well, so why choose a 7mm Remington Magnum instead? First and foremost the 7mm RM, in my new Browning X-Bolt, is lighter, even with a 26 inch barrel, and has almost 50% less recoil than the 375 (40 ft-lb for 375 Ruger). And the 7mm RM has less recoil than the 300 Win Mag or 300 PRC.

X-Bolt Speed

The 7mm RM can maintain superior moose killing energy at long ranges out to 500 and even 600 yards. Shooting Nosler’s 168g AccuBond Long Range, it has almost 1900 ft-lbs and over 2200 fps at 600 yards. Bullet speed allows mushrooming, and the energy translates to penetration. Below is Nosler image of an AccuBond mushroom at 1350 fps. Most bullets require 1800 to 2000 fps to open like this.

1350 fps

Lesser potent cartridges have killed many moose but have energy limitations at long range. And most local sporting retailers carry 7mm Rem Mag ammo.

Cost of a moose hunt in Newfoundland isn’t cheap so I got a rifle caliber that can reach further for maximum opportunity.

My 375 Ruger’s energy quickly poops out around 400 yards or so. Shot distances in Newfoundland tundra and bogs can easily exceed 400 yards.

Rifle and shooter accuracy is of vital importance, perhaps more-so than delivered energy. That said, less felt recoil translates to improved accuracy. I use a very sturdy Bog Death Grip tripod for those long range shots.

Practice out to 600 yards becomes essential, and I have a local range that can do that. I just loaded up some 175g Nosler ABLR’s and soon will load some Nosler 168g ABLR. I will shoot some in my next article.

More soon!