Alright broz, I'm sure you're about to learn me something, but I have to ask anyway. Why are you suggesting one of the Berger bullets that are not "hunting" bullets? Can I really trust the hybrid for reliable terminal performance on game? I'm guessing that you have used them successfully...is this the experience of most shooters with this bullet? Thanks for explaining.
Through my own real field experience I have learned that if you want the most from any bullet,,,, Get over the " Target" "Hunting" "Premium" " Magical super Sonic" or any other label that may be placed on them. Learn how it is constructed, how it works at your rifles velocity, how it will react close or far etc. Then use it to your best advantage. Your post specifically asked for a "Long Range" 7mm hunting bullet. For long range I first want long range accuracy and low drift, so High BC is a must. Then I want a bullet that will expand and fragment so if your point of impact is off, damage is still done. If it gives you some kind of comfort in using a bullet that is labeled " Hunting" then use the 180 HVLD. I would never recommend a bullet I have not tested, we have taken coyotes, antelope, deer and elk out to 907 yards with the 7mm 180 Hybrid. To me a bullet that I have seen hammer a Bull elk at long range is indeed a "Hunting" bullet. If fact, I was blown away with how the 215 Hybrids hammered 19 big game animals from 200 yards to 1285 yards for us this year all dead with only a few or no steps at all.
To some long range may be 500 yards. To others it may be 1000. You asked for the most range you could get and also named elk. That to me is a no brainer. Accuracy, low drift, expansion and as big of a weight as I could get.
Really guys, the name is on the label, it's what the bullet does when in the field that counts. I only shoot "Target Bullets" at targets and I only shoot "Hunting Bullets" at game. But 100% of the time they are the same bullet.
Jeff
PS: Joe mentioned this thread. You can see for yourself my results. Also know I hunted for years prior with the 210 HVLD from the same rifle and on the same game animals. We have done the same comparison with the 7mm 180 HVLD and the 180 Hybrids. Just not to the extent we did with the 215's. But enough I feel confident in recommending them.
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/cmparing-berger-210-vld-215-hybrid-88657/
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