Thread: 180gr eld m and 7mm saum

Does anyone have any experience with this combo in a 20 - 22 inch barrel?

What powder ?

Well all I have at the moment is 2217 and 2209. But am open to suggestions. Just wondering what speeds might be possible and if anyone is hunting with this combo.

I’m trying to think of who is I no someone’s using 180 eldm and 2209 @Jacques has being working with 2209 and 175 bergers in a 20” barrel for around 2780 last I checked but he was still working up in charge weights . I think the other was @keengunNic I’m using 168 bergers I think you’d get 2850 with either powder

I don't have to use the 2217 or 2209. I'm not in a hurry at this stage. What powder are you using with the 168 bergers? I assume those projectiles are pretty slim on the ground at the moment?

Greetings @Samburges,
I see that Hornady gives a 1 in 8 inch twist minimum for this projectile. Perhaps the firt step is to check your twist. Standard for the 7mm SAUM is around 1 in 9.5 inch so will likely not stabilise the 180 grain ELDM.
Regards Grandpamac.

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings @Samburges,
I see that Hornady gives a 1 in 8 inch twist minimum for this projectile. Perhaps the firt step is to check your twist. Standard for the 7mm SAUM is around 1 in 9.5 inch so will likely not stabilise the 180 grain ELDM.
Regards Grandpamac.

In that factory twist and barrels the 180 often shoots .6-.7 groups, which some hunters accept and others don’t

The 180 is not the best harvester of deer at the reduced velocities a short tube gives, a 150 Nosler BT performs far better in short tubes as it’s velocity far exceeds the 180 grainers

A 150g fits in the mag too without alterations, and loves ADI 2217 which is the least temp sensitive.

There’s a reason the 150/162 has been used effectively since 2002

Save the 180 for the longer tubes or the rem mags

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

In that factory twist and barrels the 180 often shoots .6-.7 groups, which some hunters accept and others don’t

The 180 is not the best harvester of deer at the reduced velocities a short tube gives, a 150 Nosler BT performs far better in short tubes as it’s velocity far exceeds the 180 grainers

A 150g fits in the mag too without alterations, and loves ADI 2217 which is the least temp sensitive.

There’s a reason the 150/162 has been used effectively since 2002

Save the 180 for the longer tubes or the rem mags

I agree, I run 162gr Amax/eldm in my 22" 7Saum @3,050 fps, I rarely shoot deer inside 500 yards, commonly shoot them out between 600-700 yds and generally don't wish for anything heavier, the 162 seems to be a nice balance of velocity and weight and bc, and that bullet seems to put the hurt on them pretty hard. Longest deer shot with this combo is 994 yds, it poleaxed it but the shot was high shoulder and put a fair amount of shock into spine. In my opinion the 162gr at 3050 fps is getting a tad marginal at 1000 yards.

If you don't plan on shooting further than 750-800 yds then the 162/168 is plenty enough.

Thanks for that guys

Yep i run the 180eldm in my 24" with 2209. They arent humming but at 2800fps the ballistics speak for themselves. Hits like a freight train doing 100mph. Currently just running the 162eldms as i have no more 180s but if i can get them id run them and forget the 162s. Mine mag feed in my short action. 2.950" OAL