A Legacy of Power: The 7mm Remington Magnum
For decades, the 7mm Remington Magnum has been a cornerstone of big game hunting. Born from the legendary Remington company, this cartridge took the hunting world by storm, and for good reason. It combined a relatively flat trajectory with significant energy on target, making it a versatile choice for everything from deer to elk and beyond. It established itself as a dependable and readily available option for hunters across the globe.
The 7mm Rem Mag’s legacy is built on a foundation of excellent design. It boasts a belted case, a hallmark of many magnum cartridges, providing reliable headspacing. The 7mm projectile itself is inherently efficient, its high sectional density allowing it to maintain velocity and energy downrange better than many other calibers. This characteristic combined with its inherent accuracy, has made it a favorite for hunters and target shooters alike. Its adoption by rifle manufacturers further cemented its place in shooting history.
One of the greatest strengths of the 7mm Remington Magnum is its widespread availability. Rifles chambered in 7mm Rem Mag are easy to find at almost any gun store, in a multitude of configurations and price points. The ammunition selection is extensive, with a wide variety of bullet weights and designs readily available. Whether you prefer a high-performance hunting bullet or a match-grade target round, the 7mm Remington Magnum is likely to offer something to fit your needs. This accessibility has made it the go-to magnum for many hunters.
However, no cartridge is perfect. The 7mm Remington Magnum, while effective, is a product of its time. Compared to newer cartridges, it may exhibit a slightly less optimized ballistic profile. Some shooters may find the recoil to be somewhat stout, particularly in lighter rifles. The cartridge’s belted design, although generally reliable, can sometimes create headspace issues if not properly managed.
The Modern Powerhouse: The 28 Nosler
Enter the 28 Nosler, a more recent contender that has quickly gained a devoted following. Developed by Nosler, a respected manufacturer of premium bullets, the 28 Nosler was designed to push the envelope of 7mm performance. Its creators envisioned a cartridge that could achieve even greater velocities and flatter trajectories.
The 28 Nosler is built on the same family of cases as the 26 Nosler and .30 Nosler, offering advantages in case capacity and overall design efficiency. It achieves its power through a carefully designed case and a focus on modern ballistic principles. This translates into exceptional velocity with a flatter trajectory and greater retained energy at extended ranges.
This focus on performance results in remarkable advantages. The 28 Nosler provides significantly higher muzzle velocities than the 7mm Remington Magnum, enabling bullets to reach their targets faster and retain more energy downrange. This increased performance equates to a greater effective range, less wind drift, and, in many cases, greater terminal performance on game.
The 28 Nosler is still relatively new to the market compared to the 7mm Remington Magnum, but it has quickly developed a reputation for exceptional accuracy, due to the consistency of its components and the precise manufacturing tolerances used in its construction. Its growing popularity indicates that it will quickly become a favorite in the hunting world. The cartridge is becoming increasingly popular among long-range hunters, offering a potent combination of velocity, accuracy, and energy.
A Detailed Comparison: Ballistic Prowess
To truly understand the differences between these two powerful cartridges, we need to examine their ballistic performance. Let’s consider a few common bullet weights and compare their performance at different distances. (Note: This data is representative and may vary depending on specific loads and barrel lengths.)
For the 7mm Remington Magnum, let’s assume we’re using a well-regarded 160-grain hunting bullet with a ballistic coefficient (BC) of .531. This represents a common choice for elk and similar game. For the 28 Nosler, we’ll look at a 160-grain bullet, a common bullet weight, with a higher ballistic coefficient, let’s say .600. The higher the BC, the better the bullet will cut through the air.
Muzzle Velocity:
7mm Rem Mag: Approximately 3,000 feet per second (fps).
28 Nosler: Approximately 3,200 fps.
Drop at 300 Yards (Zeroed at 200 Yards):
7mm Rem Mag: Approximately -4.5 inches.
28 Nosler: Approximately -3.5 inches.
Drop at 500 Yards (Zeroed at 200 Yards):
7mm Rem Mag: Approximately -25 inches.
28 Nosler: Approximately -20 inches.
Drop at 1000 Yards (Zeroed at 200 Yards):
7mm Rem Mag: Approximately -240 inches.
28 Nosler: Approximately -200 inches.
Wind Drift at 500 Yards (10 mph Crosswind):
7mm Rem Mag: Approximately 10 inches.
28 Nosler: Approximately 8 inches.
The numbers speak for themselves. The 28 Nosler, due to its higher velocity and often better ballistic coefficients, exhibits a significantly flatter trajectory and less wind drift at longer ranges. This means that when shooting at distant targets, you’ll need to compensate less for bullet drop and wind, increasing your chances of a successful shot. The reduced flight time of the 28 Nosler also can increase accuracy as well.
Practical Factors: Considering the Real World
Beyond ballistics, several practical considerations will influence your choice between these two cartridges.
Ammunition and Rifles:
As mentioned earlier, the 7mm Remington Magnum has the advantage in availability. Rifles and ammunition are widely available at virtually any gun store. The 28 Nosler, while gaining popularity, may be less common, requiring a search at more specialized retailers. Ammunition prices may also vary, with the 7mm often being more affordable.
Rifle Selection:
Both cartridges are typically found in bolt-action rifles. The 7mm Remington Magnum is offered in a wider range of rifle models, from lightweight mountain rifles to heavy-barreled target rifles. The 28 Nosler is often found in custom or high-performance rifles designed for long-range shooting.
Reloading Potential:
Both cartridges are excellent candidates for handloading, allowing you to fine-tune your loads for optimal accuracy and performance. This can be particularly beneficial for the 28 Nosler, where custom loads can maximize its advantages.
Hunting Applications:
Both cartridges are capable big game hunters. The 7mm Remington Magnum has proven its effectiveness on animals of all sizes, from whitetail deer to moose and elk. The 28 Nosler shares the same capabilities. The superior ballistics of the 28 Nosler at longer ranges can give it an edge in scenarios requiring extreme long-range shots.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Let’s summarize the key strengths and weaknesses of each cartridge:
7mm Remington Magnum
Advantages:
- Wide availability of rifles and ammunition.
- Generally, more affordable ammunition.
- A proven track record of success in the field.
- Less recoil than the 28 Nosler.
Disadvantages:
- Slightly less ballistic performance compared to the 28 Nosler.
- More wind drift at extended ranges.
28 Nosler
Advantages:
- Superior long-range ballistic performance.
- Flatter trajectory and less wind drift.
- Higher energy levels on target.
Disadvantages:
- Higher ammunition costs.
- Less availability of rifles and ammunition.
- More recoil.
Making the Right Choice
So, which cartridge is the best choice for you? The answer depends on your specific needs and hunting style.
If you are looking for a dependable, readily available cartridge with a long history of success, the 7mm Remington Magnum is a solid choice. It is an excellent all-around performer suitable for a wide range of game. Its affordability and widespread availability make it an easy choice.
If you’re a dedicated long-range hunter who prioritizes maximum ballistic performance and is willing to pay a premium for it, the 28 Nosler is a serious contender. It’s ideal for those who consistently take shots at extended ranges and are willing to manage the increased recoil.
For the hunter that wants the best ballistics possible and can handle the recoil, and availability issues, the 28 Nosler may provide some clear advantages. For a hunter who is a bit more recoil-sensitive and may take more shots at closer ranges, then the 7mm Remington Magnum may be the better choice.
Ultimately, both cartridges are capable of bringing you success in the field. Researching each one, assessing your own capabilities, and your hunting preferences is key to making the right decision.
In the end, both of these cartridges have proven themselves in the hunting world. No matter which one you choose, remember the importance of ethical shot placement, responsible hunting practices, and a respect for the animals you pursue.
