Sako A7 - 7mm Rem Mag Bullet Weight?

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I shoot a Sako A7 in 7mm Rem Mag. It will shoot holes in holes with 139 and 145 grain bullets but have not had much luck with heavier bullets in the 162gr+ range. I've only shot about 10 or 15 rounds of the heavier weights but could not get them to group. I was using Nosler brass, 4350 powder and Barnes TSX and Hornday SST's.

What is your experience with them? Any loads that will work with heavier bullets? I also have some H1000 and should be able to get most of the common powder
 
If it shoots good 140gr hunting bullets well, you really don't need to shoot heavier bullets. I have killed a lot of elk,moose, deer, and other game with 140gr bullets out of the various 7mm cartridges.
 
Give the 160 grain Accubond a try; either with the H1000 that you have or 7828. It is a consistently accurate bullet, I've somehow ended up using it in four different 7mms. Its tempting to say you don't need any other bullet in a 7mm.

If the rifle is really showing a preference for light bullets, consider just using a 140 TSX for everything.

10-15 rounds to test 2 bullets? That's what, 2 groups of three per bullet? You may have given up a tad too fast.
 
I had a finbear in 7mm many years ago. It too shot the lighter bullets well but I could not get the heavier bullets to groups as well. However, 175 gr speer mag tips with 4831 grouped well enough to confidently hunt with. This made for a very effective load on game. I really regret selling the rifle now but that's how it goes.

It depends on what you want from your rifle. But as was already stated using a well built lighter bullet will work well too.
 
Dogleg said:
10-15 rounds to test 2 bullets? That's what, 2 groups of three per bullet? You may have given up a tad too fast.
Click to expand...

I shot a lot of bullets in the 139 - 145 range, sub moa. The rifle was not stabilizing the 162's and heavier. As in, barely on the target and when they were, the holes showed a very unstable bullet. Shooting more of same would have produced more of same :) The rifle has a 9.5 twist, the Barnes LRX 168gr for example, recommend a 1:9 or better.

I do agree though that the 145 TSX's will be more than enough for intended hunting purposes... I was just curious if you guys were able to get your A7 to shoot heavier bullets well
 
Try 162 grain hornady SST with reloader 22. worked great in mine. I have since switched to 140 grain accubonds and found I don't need the extra bullet weight for deer , black bear, elk or moose
 
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