What is the 7mm Remington Magnum?
The 7mm Remington Magnum—often called “7mm Rem Mag”—launched in 1962 alongside the Remington Model 700. It was built on a modified .375 H&H Magnum case and brought magnum performance into a standard-length action. In the simplest terms? It’s a flat-shooting, hard-hitting big game killer that punches well above its size.
Hunters and long-range shooters still love this cartridge for its:
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Outstanding downrange energy
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Manageable recoil compared to larger magnums
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Proven track record on everything from whitetails to elk to African plains game
7mm Rem Mag Cartridge Specs & Ballistics
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | .284″ (7.2mm) |
| Case Length | 2.5″ |
| Overall Length | 3.29″ |
| Max Pressure (SAAMI) | 61,000 psi |
| Typical Bullet Weights | 139–175 grains |
| Velocity (140gr) | ~3,100 fps |
| Energy (140gr) | ~3,000 ft-lbs |
| Twist Rate | 1:9.25″ |
Want a cartridge that shoots flat out to 300+ yards without ridiculous bullet drop? The 7mm Rem Mag is your huckleberry.
Trajectory Chart (Hornady 162gr ELD-X Precision Hunter)
| Range (yds) | Drop (inches, 200-yd zero) |
|---|---|
| 100 | +1.5″ |
| 200 | 0″ |
| 300 | -6.8″ |
| 400 | -19.4″ |
| 500 | -39.1″ |
You could practically etch that flight path with a laser pointer.
Recoil, Accuracy & Shootability
Here’s the straight truth: recoil is real. But for a magnum? The 7mm Rem Mag is downright shootable, especially with today’s muzzle brakes, suppressors, and recoil pads.Average Free Recoil Energy (in an 8.5-lb rifle):
Average Free Recoil Energy (in an 8.5-lb rifle):
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~21 ft-lbs (with 150gr loads)
That’s comparable to a .30-06, but you get better ballistics, more velocity, and superior BC from a 7mm bullet. More kill, less kick.
Accuracy-wise, the 7mm Rem Mag is exceptional out to 500+ yards in capable hands. Sub-MOA rifles are everywhere in this chambering.
Real-World Hunting Performance
Elk in Colorado. Moose in Alaska. Mule deer in Montana. The 7mm Rem Mag has ethically taken all of them—and keeps doing so.
Why? Because this cartridge:
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Retains high velocity and energy downrange
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Has great penetration with bonded or copper bullets
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Shoots flatter than a prairie dog’s heart rate
With proper shot placement and the right bullet, it’s suitable for:
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Whitetail & Mule Deer (139gr–150gr)
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Elk & Black Bear (160gr–175gr)
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Moose (168gr+ bonded or monolithic)
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African Plains Game (in guided situations)
Popular Rifles Chambered in 7mm Rem Mag
Looking for a rig to ride this lightning? Here’s a breakdown of solid platforms for 2025:
| Rifle | MSRP | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bergara B-14 Wilderness | $1,099 | Sub-MOA guarantee, Cerakote, threaded barrel |
| Savage 110 Ultralite | $1,499 | Carbon-wrapped barrel, adjustable AccuFit stock |
| Remington 700 CDL SF | $1,000 | Classic build, stainless fluted barrel |
| Tikka T3x Lite | $849 | Lightweight and deadly accurate |
| Christensen Arms Mesa | $1,299 | Precision barrel, composite stock |
Internal Link Opportunity: [Check out our full blog on the Best Hunting Rifles of 2025 →]
Best Ammo Options for 7mm Rem Mag (2025)
| Brand & Load | Bullet Type | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Hornady 162gr ELD-X | Precision Hunter | Long-range, all-around |
| Nosler 160gr AccuBond | Bonded soft point | Elk, moose |
| Barnes 150gr TTSX | Copper solid | Lead-free zones, elk |
| Federal Premium 175gr Terminal Ascent | Long-range expansion | Elk, black bear |
| Winchester 150gr Power-Point | Soft point | Deer, budget-friendly |
Pro Tip: The 162gr ELD-X is the goldilocks load for flat-shooting + controlled expansion.
7mm Rem Mag vs Other Big Game Cartridges
| Cartridge | Recoil | Flat Shooting | Ammo Cost | Versatility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7mm Rem Mag | Medium | ✅✅✅ | $$ | ✅✅✅ |
| .30-06 Springfield | Medium | ✅ | $$ | ✅✅✅ |
| .300 Win Mag | High | ✅✅✅ | $$$ | ✅✅✅ |
| 6.5 PRC | Low-Med | ✅✅ | $$$ | ✅✅ |
| .270 Winchester | Low | ✅✅ | $ | ✅✅ |
The 7mm Rem Mag strikes a perfect balance—flat shooting like a PRC, but with more energy and bigger bullets.
Reloading the 7mm Remington Magnum
For reloaders, the 7mm Rem Mag is a reliable and forgiving cartridge with tons of bullet and powder choices.
Best Powders:
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H1000
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Retumbo
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IMR 7828 SSC
Best Bullets:
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160gr AccuBond
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175gr Berger VLD
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150gr TTSX
You’ll find great accuracy with minimal tuning, and brass life is solid with moderate pressures.
✅ Pros vs. ❌ Cons
✅ Pros
- Flat trajectory for long-range shots
- High downrange energy
- Readily available factory ammo
- Proven on elk, moose, and bear
- Versatile bullet weights (139–175gr)
- Great reloadability
❌ Cons
- More recoil than standard cartridges
- Barrels can heat up faster
- Ammo prices are slightly higher
- Overkill for small game
- Magnum action = slightly longer/heavier rifle
- Loud report without suppressor
Final Verdict
The 7mm Remington Magnum isn’t a fad—it’s a field-tested, mountain-proven cartridge that has more than earned its place in the pantheon of big game rounds.
Whether you’re climbing Colorado’s timberline for elk, glassing Wyoming ridges for muleys, or just want one rifle that can do it all, the 7mm Rem Mag delivers.
It’s not just enough gun. It’s the right gun.