7 mm Rem. SA Ultra Mag

Introduced in 2001 by Winchester, the 7mm Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum (SAUM) emerged during the early 2000s short magnum craze, designed as a competitor to the 7mm Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) and other high-performance cartridges in the same class. The "Ultra Mag" concept originated from Remington's earlier full-length Ultra Magnums, but was shortened to fit popular short-action rifles. The 7mm SAUM shares the same case head dimensions as its Winchester rival, but with a slightly shorter overall length, making it well-suited for compact, lightweight rifle platforms. The intent behind its development was to deliver magnum-level ballistics in shorter actions, allowing for faster cycling and lighter rifles without compromising performance.

In terms of application, the 7mm Rem. SA Ultra Mag is a versatile cartridge, especially appreciated among reloaders for its high performance and balanced recoil. Its efficient, short-fat case design promotes consistent powder burn and accuracy. This cartridge is favored by hunters and long-range shooters alike, excelling in situations where both flat trajectory and significant retained energy on target are required. Many shooters appreciate the manageable recoil profile compared to larger magnums while still achieving impressive ballistic performance. The SAUM’s popularity endures in custom rifle builds and among precision shooters who value reloadability and case efficiency.

For hunters, the 7mm Rem. SA Ultra Mag is suitable for a broad range of North American game species. With carefully selected bullets, it is an ideal choice for deer, pronghorn, and elk, and it has even been used to take down larger game like moose and black bear. The caliber's flat trajectory and high velocity help when shooting over varied terrain or at longer distances. Consequently, it's also a favorite for hunting open country where a fast, hard-hitting round is critical. For reloaders, its flexibility caters to both light and heavy bullets, providing options for nearly any big game scenario encountered on the continent.

Typical bullet weights for the 7mm Rem. SA Ultra Mag range from 120 to 180 grains, with 140–162-grain projectiles being the most popular among hunters and long-range enthusiasts. These weights make the most of the caliber’s velocity potential, with 140-grain bullets easily reaching velocities over 3,200 fps from factory loads. Heavier bullets in the 160–180 grain range can be loaded for deep penetration and energy retention at distance, which appeals to reloaders tailoring loads for elk or larger game. The 7mm Rem. SA Ultra Mag, with its .284” bullet diameter and efficient powder use, offers reloaders an excellent balance of manageable recoil, top-tier accuracy, and versatile hunting or target capabilities. Its short-action design, case efficiency, and broad bullet selection continue to make it a favorite among those who value performance and precision in their handloading pursuits.