Backgrounds and Beginnings
The 7mm Remington Magnum
The seven-millimeter caliber boasts a rich history, finding its roots in the late nineteenth century. However, the modern era brought with it the advent of significantly more powerful cartridges, ushering in an era of unprecedented range and performance.
The 7mm Remington Magnum emerged onto the scene in the early nineteen sixties. Remington’s engineers took the already established .300 H&H Magnum as their foundation. The company necked this case down to accept a seven-millimeter (7mm) bullet. This development provided shooters with a flatter trajectory and increased range compared to many existing options at the time. The 7mm Remington Magnum quickly gained a dedicated following, becoming a popular choice for hunting a variety of game, from deer and elk to bear. Its relatively widespread availability, combined with its impressive performance, cemented its place in the hunting world. The cartridge’s relatively mild recoil compared to its power also contributed to its popularity, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods. The 7mm Remington Magnum offered a compelling combination of power and user-friendliness that appealed to both seasoned hunters and newcomers to the sport.
The 7mm Weatherby Magnum
The 7mm Weatherby Magnum was brought to the fore by Roy Weatherby, the visionary who championed velocity above all else. Weatherby’s approach was simple: design cartridges for the highest possible velocities. Weatherby’s cartridges are renowned for their distinct appearance, and this cartridge is no exception, the distinctive Weatherby shape is evident, with a sharp shoulder and a relatively long neck. These characteristics allowed for a significant increase in powder capacity compared to the 7mm Remington Magnum. The 7mm Weatherby Magnum was designed to push seven-millimeter bullets at extraordinary speeds, claiming a degree of impact and range that surpassed the capabilities of competing cartridges, including the 7mm Remington Magnum. The Weatherby Magnum was born from a desire to maximize ballistic performance and extend effective hunting ranges.
Ballistic Battle: Charting the Course
The essence of a good comparison lies in a deep dive into the ballistic performance of each round. This includes analyzing bullet selection and impact across various distances.
Bullet Selection & Performance
Many shooters have a favorite bullet weight, but both the 7mm Remington Magnum and the 7mm Weatherby Magnum are capable of handling a wide array. The common bullet weights are 140 grains, 160 grains, and 175 grains. Heavier bullets offer greater sectional density and increased downrange energy.
The 7mm Remington Magnum, with the 140-grain bullet, can achieve a muzzle velocity of around 3000 feet per second (fps). With a 160-grain bullet, it will typically top out around 2900 fps, and with a 175-grain bullet, velocity drops closer to 2750 fps.
The 7mm Weatherby Magnum, on the other hand, has a distinct advantage in velocity. With a 140-grain bullet, it often surpasses 3200 fps. The 160-grain bullets tend to clock in around 3100 fps, and the 175-grain bullets still achieve approximately 2900 fps.
The difference in initial velocity translates into significant advantages further downrange. The higher velocity means a flatter trajectory, where the bullet drops less over distance. For hunters, this means less need for holdover adjustments, especially at longer ranges. Consider the trajectory difference at five hundred yards. The 7mm Weatherby Magnum, thanks to its higher initial velocity, will have a trajectory that is typically inches flatter than the 7mm Remington Magnum. The energy on target is also an important metric. The 7mm Weatherby Magnum often retains a greater amount of energy at longer ranges, leading to potentially superior terminal performance.
Ultimately, the choice of bullet and cartridge will depend on factors such as the game being hunted, the terrain, and the expected shooting distances. However, in this head-to-head contest, the 7mm Weatherby Magnum generally demonstrates superior long-range performance.
Recoil and the Human Factor
The sensation of recoil is a crucial factor. It impacts comfort, accuracy, and the ability to make quick follow-up shots. Recoil is measured in foot-pounds, a calculation involving the weight of the rifle, the weight of the bullet, and the muzzle velocity.
Recoil Calculation & Felt Recoil
A more powerful cartridge, like the 7mm Weatherby Magnum, will naturally produce more recoil. This is due to the greater amount of propellant used and the higher muzzle velocity. The 7mm Remington Magnum, while powerful, tends to produce a slightly milder recoil, which is a significant advantage for some shooters, especially those new to hunting or sensitive to recoil.
The perceived effect of recoil also hinges on the rifle’s weight, stock design, and the presence of a recoil pad. A heavier rifle will absorb more of the recoil energy, making the shooting experience more comfortable. A properly designed stock, that fits the shooter’s body, can significantly reduce the felt recoil.
High recoil can negatively influence accuracy. Anticipating recoil can lead to flinching, which throws off the shooter’s aim. It also makes it more difficult to recover quickly for follow-up shots.
Ultimately, the 7mm Remington Magnum often wins in this department, providing a more comfortable shooting experience.
Gearing Up: Rifles and Ammunition
The availability of rifles and ammunition is a practical consideration when deciding between the two.
Rifle Availability
The 7mm Remington Magnum has been a mainstay in the shooting world for decades, resulting in a plethora of rifle options. Nearly every major rifle manufacturer offers models chambered in this caliber. This includes options from budget-friendly models to premium, high-end hunting rifles. It has also led to a vibrant aftermarket support for stocks, triggers, and accessories.
The 7mm Weatherby Magnum, while popular, typically has a smaller selection of rifles. Weatherby themselves produce their own rifles, but other manufacturers also chamber rifles in this caliber. The prices will often be on the higher side, with the Weatherby being more expensive.
Ammunition Availability & Cost
Ammunition availability follows a similar trend. The 7mm Remington Magnum is widely available at most sporting goods stores. The ammunition is often priced competitively, offering a cost-effective option for shooters.
The 7mm Weatherby Magnum ammunition is also readily available, but it can sometimes be slightly more expensive. Hunters on a budget might find the 7mm Remington Magnum to be a more economical choice.
Hunting Adventures: Practical Applications
The practical application of each round is where hunters begin to fully appreciate their qualities.
Hunting Applications
The 7mm Remington Magnum is a versatile choice for hunting a wide array of game. It is commonly used for deer, elk, black bear, and even larger game at reasonable distances.
The 7mm Weatherby Magnum, with its flatter trajectory and increased energy, is well-suited for long-range shots. Its exceptional ballistics make it a prime choice for open country hunting where shots can stretch out.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options
Let’s weigh the positives and negatives of each.
7mm Remington Magnum
The 7mm Remington Magnum’s positive traits include: A broader range of available rifles, a typically lower price for ammunition, and slightly milder recoil.
On the negative side, it does have: Lower velocity, less energy at extreme ranges, and sometimes a flatter trajectory than the Weatherby Magnum.
7mm Weatherby Magnum
The 7mm Weatherby Magnum’s positives: Higher velocity, a flatter trajectory, and greater energy at longer distances.
On the negative side it features: Higher cost for ammunition, more noticeable recoil, and a slightly smaller selection of available rifles.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
So, which is the better choice? There is no simple answer. The decision boils down to individual requirements and shooting style.
For the hunter focused on cost-effectiveness, ease of availability, and comfortable shooting, the 7mm Remington Magnum is a solid choice. It offers a powerful and versatile platform for various hunting scenarios.
For the long-range hunter or shooter who values extreme performance, the 7mm Weatherby Magnum is the best option. Its impressive ballistics translate to a flatter trajectory and greater energy at extended ranges, enabling the hunter to confidently take shots at greater distances.
It is recommended that you examine your specific hunting requirements, the terrain you will be hunting in, and the type of game you are pursuing. Then, determine your budget, and consider your tolerance for recoil. With careful consideration, you will be well-equipped to select the seven-millimeter cartridge that best aligns with your hunting goals.
