Caliber Description
The 7mm Remington Magnum, often called the 7mm Rem. Mag., was introduced to the shooting world in 1962 alongside Remington’s iconic Model 700 rifle. It quickly established itself as one of the most popular magnum cartridges, especially in North America, thanks to its impressive balance of velocity, flat trajectory, and manageable recoil. Designed as a response to the popularity of European 7mm cartridges, the 7mm Rem. Mag. features a belted case derived from the .375 H&H Magnum, necked down to accept .284-inch bullets. Despite its magnum status, it quickly became mainstream, earning a reputation for sheer versatility for hunting and long-range shooting enthusiasts alike.
For ammunition reloaders, the 7mm Rem. Mag. brings a wealth of application opportunities thanks to its high velocity and energy retention. This caliber excels in both hunting and precision shooting contexts, offering excellent downrange performance and wind-bucking ability. It’s a favorite for reloaders keen to customize loads for specific uses, from developing ultra-flat shooting rounds for open country deer hunts to heavier, deep-penetrating loads for elk and moose. Its efficient case design ensures consistent powder burn and reliable feeding, making it a top choice for high-performance handloads.
When it comes to target species, the 7mm Rem. Mag. is revered among big game hunters. Its performance envelope comfortably covers whitetail and mule deer, black bear, caribou, antelope, and even larger North American game such as elk and moose. Many African plains game hunters also find it effective for similar-sized species, provided appropriate bullets are used. The 7mm Rem. Mag.’s trajectory and energy advantages make it especially valuable in open terrains and mountainous regions, where long shots may be necessary and bullet drop can become a factor at extended distances.
Typical bullet weights for the 7mm Rem. Mag. generally run from 139 up to 175 grains, offering reloaders plenty of flexibility. The lighter end, around 139-150 grains, is commonly used for flat-shooting loads suitable for deer and antelope, while 160-175 grain bullets provide excellent penetration and retained energy for tougher game like elk or moose. The caliber's high sectional density and ballistic coefficient give it a decisive edge in wind resistance, making it popular for longer range shots. Reloaders will also appreciate the availability of high-quality projectiles and load data, which allows for fine-tuning performance to match specific rifles and hunting situations. The combination of versatility, power, and accuracy makes the 7mm Remington Magnum a true workhorse for the informed handloader.
Popular Load Recipes
- 140 gr Nosler Partition, 61.0 gr IMR-4350, CCI 250 primer, OAL 3.290", approx. 3150 fps
- 150 gr Sierra GameKing, 63.0 gr H4831, CCI 250 primer, OAL 3.290", approx. 3150 fps
- 160 gr Hornady InterLock, 62.0 gr RL-22, Federal 215 primer, OAL 3.290", approx. 2950 fps
- 162 gr Hornady SST, 65.0 gr H1000, Federal 215 primer, OAL 3.290", approx. 3050 fps
- 168 gr Berger VLD, 62.5 gr IMR-7828, CCI 250 primer, OAL 3.290", approx. 2950 fps
- 139 gr Hornady SST, 60.0 gr H4350, Federal 215 primer, OAL 3.290", approx. 3125 fps
- 175 gr Sierra MatchKing, 60.5 gr RL-22, Federal 215 primer, OAL 3.290", approx. 2850 fps
- 140 gr Swift A-Frame, 65.0 gr H1000, Winchester LR Magnum primer, OAL 3.290", approx. 3150 fps
Always cross-reference with official reloading manuals and start with lower charges, working up while monitoring for pressure signs.
Cost per Reloaded Round
Let’s estimate the cost difference per round for 7mm Remington Magnum between reloading and buying factory ammo:
Typical factory 7mm Rem Mag ammo: $2.50–$3.00 per round (let’s use $2.75 average).
Reloading costs, per round (approximate, 2024 US prices):
- Brass: reused, so cost spread over many loads; typically ~$1 initial, but after 5 reloads, 20 cents per use
- Primer: $0.07 each
- Powder: 60 grains per load (~1 lb/7000 grains ≈ 116 loads), 1 lb powder at $45 = about $0.39/round
- Bullet: hunting bullets vary a lot; let’s assume $0.55 each for midrange quality
Total reload cost:
- Brass: $0.20
- Primer: $0.07
- Powder: $0.39
- Bullet: $0.55
Total reloading cost per round: $0.20 + $0.07 + $0.39 + $0.55 = $1.21
Savings per round:
Factory ammo ($2.75) – Reloading ($1.21) = $1.54 saved per round
If you buy premium factory ammo or use premium bullets, the difference may be even larger. This does not account for initial investment in equipment or time spent.
Technical Specifications
Safety Standard / Application
C.I.P. / Rifle Caliber
Most Suitable Bullet Weights
104 - 192 Grains
Case Capacity / Average Charge
82 Grains of Water / 61.4 Grains
Average Muzzle Velocity / Energy
2913 fps / 2764 ft-lbf
Case Length / Max. C.O.L
2.5'' / 3.29''