7 mm Rem. Ultra Mag

Introduced in 2002 by Remington Arms, the 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum—also known as 7mm RUM or 7mm Rem. Ultra Mag.—was developed to push the boundaries of performance in the world of 7mm cartridges. Based on the massive .404 Jeffery case, the 7mm RUM is essentially a necked-down version, designed to maximize case capacity and powder charges. Remington aimed to provide magnum-level velocities and improved downrange energy over their popular 7mm Remington Magnum, positioning the 7mm RUM for shooters demanding more power and flatter trajectories. While it never became as widely adopted as other 7mm magnums, it has found a dedicated following among reloaders and long-range hunting enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in 7mm performance.

Applications for the 7mm Rem. Ultra Mag are primarily centered on long-range hunting and shooting. Due to its substantial case capacity, the cartridge is capable of delivering exceedingly high muzzle velocities, making it well-suited for shots at extended ranges, particularly in open-country environments. Hunters often choose the 7mm RUM when pursuing game in conditions where terminal performance at long distances is critical. Its flat trajectory reduces the need for holdover and makes estimation errors less significant, a considerable advantage in high-stakes hunting scenarios or precision shooting competitions.

In terms of target species, the 7mm Rem. Ultra Mag is popular for taking down large-bodied North American game such as elk, moose, mule deer, and even bear. The cartridge’s energy transfer and penetration capabilities ensure it can ethically harvest these animals at longer distances than many traditional cartridges. It’s also favored by some international hunters for African plains game, though recoil and ammunition availability remain considerations. Reloaders targeting medium-sized game can tailor loads with lighter bullets for less recoil and faster expansion, while those after the largest animals can opt for heavier, controlled-expansion bullets designed for deep penetration.

Bullet weights for the 7mm Rem. Ultra Mag typically range from 140 grains up to 175 grains, with the 160-grain and 168-grain bullets being especially favored among reloaders for their balance of ballistic coefficient, expansion characteristics, and penetration. Modern bullet designs, such as polymer-tipped long-range hunting projectiles and bonded-core bullets, allow reloaders to maximize the capabilities of the cartridge depending on their specific needs. Velocities can reach upwards of 3,200–3,300 feet per second with 140-grain bullets, and remain at or above the 3,000 feet-per-second mark even with 160- or 168-grain projectiles, making for exceptionally flat-shooting loads.

The 7mm Rem. Ultra Mag also has its unique characteristics that appeal to ammunition reloaders in search of top-tier performance. Its generous case capacity allows for a broad range of powder and bullet combinations, but careful attention to load development is necessary, as pressures can spike quickly with max loads. Brass life can be relatively short due to high pressures, so neck sizing and annealing are common practices among experienced reloaders. The cartridge’s sharp recoil and substantial muzzle blast are counterbalanced by its remarkable energy and accuracy at long range, making it a niche favorite for those who demand the absolute best in energy retention and flat-shooting characteristics for their hunting or precision rifle pursuits.