7mm Remington Magnum
Also called: 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm Mag, seven mag
A flat-shooting, hard-hitting belted magnum that suits elk, mule deer, and pronghorn in open, long-range country.
- Type
- Magnum Rifle
- Bullet diameter
- .284 in
- Case length
- 2.5 in
- Overall length
- 3.29 in
- Typical bullet weights
- 140 to 175 grains
- Typical muzzle velocity
- About 2,850 to 3,150 fps
- Recoil
- Heavy recoil
- Quarry
- Elk & moose, Deer, hogs & pronghorn
- Typical range
- Elk and deer to about 400 to 500 yards
- Availability
- Very common
What it is good for
- Elk, mule deer, and pronghorn in open country.
- Hunters who want flat trajectory and power in a long-action rifle.
- Long shots where wind and drop matter.
Where it falls short
- Recoil and muzzle blast are heavy, so flinching is a common problem.
- It wears barrels faster than milder cartridges.
- It is more cartridge than most whitetail hunters need.
Easily confused with
- .300 Winchester Magnum: a similar belted magnum with a wider bullet and a bit more recoil.
- 7mm-08 Remington: uses the same bullet width in a much smaller, milder case.
Field notes
Introduced in 1962, the 7mm Remington Magnum became a favorite for western big game. The belt around the base of the case is a feature of this design family and helps position the cartridge in the chamber.
Related guides
Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.