7mm rem mag ammo for plains game

fritzy2

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Planning on hunting in May of 2026..Taking a 7mm rem mag for plains game and a 458 win mag for buffalo. Wanting to know if 168 gr is good for plains game and nosler 500 gr solids are ok for buffalo
 
7 mag is fine for plains game. You will need some softs for buffalo.
I’ve shot several animals with the 7mag in Africa from duiker and steenbok to kudu and waterbuck using 154gr Hornady. Don’t remember what the exact bullet was but worked just fine.
 
The PH I had with Game-4-Africa Safaris swears by the 7mm Rem Mag as perfect for plains game. I would also suggest soft points with your 458.

Have you spoken with your PH and told him/her what rifles/calibers you are bringing with you?
 
Which 168 gr? The bullet choice matters more in Africa on larger plains game like kudu, zebra, wildebeest, etc because the vitals are further forward. Shot placement is on shoulder not behind like North America. Bullets like Barnes, trophy bonded, Accubond, and others are good choices because the construction holds up to the shot. Many non-bonded soft points have the potential to hit shoulder and break up before reaching vitals. For your 458, your PH is likely going to recommend premium softs not solids. You need to speak with him. Barnes TSX, Swift A Frames, and Trophy bonded bear claw are the standard.
 
168g is more than enough. I used 160gr Barnes TSX all-copper bullets and they proved devastating on everything from impala to zebra and kudu. Bullet construction is (in my opinion) the most important consideration.
Kudu.jpg
Maxann Wildebeest.jpg
Maxann Zebra.jpg
Warthog.jpg
 
.Can you get A-Frames in 7mm? If so, they are foolproof.
 
Planning on hunting in May of 2026..Taking a 7mm rem mag for plains game and a 458 win mag for buffalo. Wanting to know if 168 gr is good for plains game and nosler 500 gr solids are ok for buffalo
Definately 168g for pg. On one of my hunts I used 160g Barnes TSX, 53.7g 4064 and took 10 head, all one shot kills on springbok to zebra and wildebeest . I think 168g would work just fine.
 
Planning on hunting in May of 2026..Taking a 7mm rem mag for plains game and a 458 win mag for buffalo. Wanting to know if 168 gr is good for plains game and nosler 500 gr solids are ok for buffalo
What load do you use here in the states in your 7mag? My 47 year old Remington 700 is a finicky rifle. It won’t group partitions for crap, but is a tack driver with the Hornady 154gr ELDX.
Where are you hunting?
 
Planning on hunting in May of 2026..Taking a 7mm rem mag for plains game and a 458 win mag for buffalo. Wanting to know if 168 gr is good for plains game and nosler 500 gr solids are ok for buffalo
7mm is an awesome round. Get yourself some Nosler Accubonds , TSXs. Don't over think this. 7mms have been killing elk a long time. You're not going to have any problem with the Accubonds, Partions or TSX bullets.
 
The 7mm RM is great! I just checked on Ammoseek and 160 gr Nosler Partitions and Swift A Frames are readily available in various factory ammo.

For the 458 WM, forget the solids, get some 500 gr Swift A-Frames. Find some factory ammo via Ammoseek or check out Hendershots for custom loaded stuff.

 
These worked phenomenally on buff for my son in the old 458! (i chronographed them-2,090 fps/500gr but 1 shot did the job at 20 yds.)
1756216949533.png
And, whomever suggested 160 gr Nos Partitions above for the 7 was on to something! No gimmicks. Just Excellent terminal performance. GL!
 
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Although I was using my 7mm RUM on my plains game hunt, I worked up a load using the Barnes 160 gr TSX and they worked extremely well. I cant speak to the other recommendations as I have not used them.
 
Anyone consider asking your outfitter?
Of course you should ask your outfitter and I think most people on this site do. I asked two of mine and both of them highly recommended Barnes TSX or Swift A-frame. My experience with Barnes has showed me I don't need to look any further.
 
Of course you should ask your outfitter and I think most people on this site do. I asked two of mine and both of them highly recommended Barnes TSX or Swift A-frame. My experience with Barnes has showed me I don't need to look any further.
I used Barnes in all my rifles with excellent results.
 

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