7mm Rem Mag new loads, 2 part question

[7mmfan]

I have used a load out of my Ruger Mark II 7mm Rem mag for the last 3 years with what I feel is great success. 63 gr IMR 4831 behind a 154 gr Hornaday Interbond. I'm averaging 3/4" groups or so with this load at 100 yards. I shoot out to 200 and splash milk jugs all day long. However, I've never really shot beyond that distance as my vision/scope never really meshed, nor have I ever had the need to.

I am upgrading my scope to the VX-3i 4.5-14x50, and I was considering getting the BDC reticle. The problem is I am also beginning to play with a new load, either with the Berger VLD's or the new Hornaday ELD-x. I want to feel confident taking a 400 yard shot and I know both of these bullets have great reputations for accuracy and fair durability.

Here are my two questions.

1: Is it worth shooting these bullets if I HIGHLY doubt I will ever shoot anything over 350-400 yards. Or should I stick with the load that I am comfortable with and have decent results? Do these long range bullets hold up at short range?

2. If I get the BDC reticle based on my current load info, and then change loads, how dramatically will that affect the BDC settings? Will they be worthless reference points?

[300rum]

Stick with your load, it is more then capable with the groups that you are shooting and well past the distances that you mentioned.  All you are going to do is spend a bunch of money chasing something that you already have.

The Answer to question #2 is, it depends.  At the distances you are talking about shooting (400 yards) if you use the same grain bullet, not much, not enough to miss a deer.

[7mmfan]

I test drove some 162 SST's last year before the season and my accuracy actually improved noticeably, so I was considering stepping up in weight, but the Interbonds only go to 154. That was part of my reason for looking at these other bullets. Ive heard mixed results from SST's and their durability. I like a bullet that holds together...

[300rum]

Factory or someone else's load?

I test drove some 162 SST's last year before the season and my accuracy actually improved noticeably, so I was considering stepping up in weight, but the Interbonds only go to 154. That was part of my reason for looking at these other bullets. Ive heard mixed results from SST's and their durability. I like a bullet that holds together...

[7mmfan]

Factory or someone else's load?

I test drove some 162 SST's last year before the season and my accuracy actually improved noticeably, so I was considering stepping up in weight, but the Interbonds only go to 154. That was part of my reason for looking at these other bullets. Ive heard mixed results from SST's and their durability. I like a bullet that holds together...

My load. Left the charge the same, just changed bullets. Groups tightened noticeably, especially at 200.

I just looked up on Hornaday's ballistic chart and it looks there's only an inch of difference between the 154gr and the 162gr at 400 yards. I'm assuming if I leave my charge the same, that should hold true for me?

[7mmfan]

I see that the Nosler Accubonds come in 160 gr, and I know they have a great following. They are about twice the price of the Hornadays though 

[300rum]

Just depends on your barrel, I would rather go with a heavier bullet especially if it is more accurate.  A chrono will help you. 

[7mmfan]

Anyone with experience with the 162 SST's or VLD-X on animals?

The SST's I shot last year went into a stump right next to my Interbonds. I was able to recover full intact Interbonds, and bits and pieces of SST's.

[theleo]

Neither the SST's or Burger's are meant to behave like Interbonds. They are both meant to penetrate a few inches then pretty much come apart causing maximum tissue damage. The ELD-X will behave much similar to the SST's since in basic principal they are both the older Interlock design with a plastic tip. If you like what you're getting from the Interbond I wouldn't hesitate to use that at 400 yards. The truth is at 400 yards you won't be seeing any practical advantage from the high B.C bullets, extend out to beyond 600 yards and the numbers really start to show them selves in favor of the high BC bullets like the Burger's.

[7mmfan]

Alright, I've pretty much made up my mind to stick with what I've got for loads, other than maybe put a few rounds with 160 Accubonds through it and see if that heavier bullet is any more accurate.

Has anyone used the Leupold VX-3 's with the BDC reticle? Is worth the extra coin?

[Ghost Hunter]

Will be following this. 
Just made a HW trade for a Ruger M77 Mark II 7mm.  Found a Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x50mm LR w/ B&C reticle on Craigslist for $600.   Yard sale find 200 - 168 gr. VLD Hunting for $30.   Haven't been able to put my hands on any of the 162 gr. ELD-X's yet but I'm looking and on a couple of waiting lists.  Contacted Berger for load recipes on the VLD's.  They also sent additional info on how to find the VLD  'sweet spot' that exists somewhere between jambed into the lands and .150 off the lands.  Looks like I have some playing to do.

[300rum]

Personal decision but I don't think so.  At the distances that you are talking about, if you know your holdovers you will be just fine and much quicker without a BDC.  300 yards, hold on hair just about an inch off the top of the 'line' of the animals back.  400yds, you will likely be able to use the bottom post of the cross hair, just where the fine duplex meets the 'heavier' part of the duplex, hold that dead on at 400. 

Has anyone used the Leupold VX-3 's with the BDC reticle? Is worth the extra coin?

[theleo]

Alright, I've pretty much made up my mind to stick with what I've got for loads, other than maybe put a few rounds with 160 Accubonds through it and see if that heavier bullet is any more accurate.

Has anyone used the Leupold VX-3 's with the BDC reticle? Is worth the extra coin?

I shoot a 280ai (they normally run about 150fps slower than your mag) and with 140 grain Accubonds running 3100 fps the bullet drop between 200 and 400 is only about 16 inches. You're magnum shooting the 150's at around 3000fps will drop around 2 inches more. If you zeroed you're rifle at 200 yards you can aim at the top of the back on a bull and get a solid hit to the lungs. So if you're not going past 400 yards, is that first hash mark in the scope worth the extra coin to you? 

[hunthard]

7 MM Fan,
 I just bought that VX3i scope and I can tell you the clarity is amazing, I'm sure your going to love it.

[Taco280AI]

I'd stick with the bullet you have, it'll hold up much better