7mm Remington Magnum Federal Fusion Tipped Ballistics Gel Ammo Test

Get early access to videos by becoming a Channel Member!
/ @masonoutdoors_masonle...
7mm Remington Magnum Federal Fusion Tipped 175 grain ammo ballistics gel test using a Tikka T3X with 24 inch barrel.
Leather gear: www.masonleath...
Range gear: masonoutdoors.com
Amazon Storefront: amazon.com/sho...
All shots are fired from a distance of 100 yards to encompass the majority of common real world hunting scenarios.
I will be shooting into 10% ballistics gel from www.clearballi... that has been calibrated to meet the FBI ballistics testing protocol.
While ballistics gel isn’t an exact proxy for big game, small game, predators or defensive situations, it does provide a repeatable medium through which to test various bullets and ammunitions against each other.
With each type of ammo tested I collect data on bullet penetration depth, bullet weight retention, bullet expansion, muzzle velocity and impact velocity.
For reference, bullet expansion is measured at the widest expanded point using a calibrated Frankford Arsenal Digital Caliper.
Bullet weight is measured using a calibrated Frankford Arsenal Digital Scale after having removed as much ballistics gel as possible from the expanded bullets.
Muzzle velocity is measured using a Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph. Impact velocity is a mathematical estimate.
My goal with these ballistics gel tests is to provide hunters like you and I with the most objective information possible to help us make the best choice for our particular hunting situation.
The results of these tests are my own and I cannot guarantee the same or similar performance on your part. The views and opinions expressed in this video are solely my own.
All videos are filmed in a safe and controlled environment on a private range with all applicable safety precautions by a trained professional.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Get early access to videos, become a Channel Member! www.youtube.com/@masonoutdoors_masonleather/join Get your handmade leather gear here! www.masonleather.com Get my favorite range and outdoor gear here! www.masonoutdoors.com Visit my Amazon Storefront! www.amazon.com/shop/masonoutdoors Let me know what you think about the video and please share, it’s a big help! Visiting the websites above directly supports the channel and helps me bring you more awesome videos!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

*edit: this was supposed to be the first 7 Mag load on the channel, it was filmed first, but for reasons the Corelokt 175 went live first.

[@Panzer_ze_tank]

Looking forward for more content for 7mm rem mags, Sir.

[@PassivePortfolios]

From my sources out West (around Yellowstone) , the 7 mm mag remains the favorite cartridge of the local hunters. It has delivered the goods for decades.

[@brianklamer3328]

85 percent expansion with a polymer tipped bonded bullet is great, thanks for the video.

[@rangetime6779]

Another solid choice. Thanks for the test

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service, thanks for watching!

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Great job as always. Thank you for featuring the big 7. Excellent results here. I was a little disappointed with velocities under 2800 at first but I can't complain with these results. Inside of 400 yards I would use these for anything in North America. Impressive.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service, thanks for watching!

[@atairuy]

Awesome ammo for 7 mag. If ammo was as easy to find as 30-06 in my country it would be my caliber of choice together with this ammo

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

What country are you in?

[@atairuy]

Uruguay, between argentina and brazil, we have axis deer and wild boars here

[@Accuracy1st]

@@atairuy If you can't get this Federal ammo, try Norma Bondstrike 165 grain in 7RemMag or 180 grain in 30-06.

[@atairuy]

@@Accuracy1st I can get fusion in 30-06 and love it, but factory ammo here costs $95 per box (fusion specifically but most are around 100) so we try to reloading to keep the cost down. I can’t get the fusion as component bullets, only sierra gk and winchester power point. There are only a few factory offerings in 7 mag here and no chance to get good bullets that won’t blow out

[@nathanbailey9153]

@@atairuy Don't feel bad about the 30-06 at all. It's a great cartridge and works very well for nearly all large game, except maybe for the biggest and most dangerous (like Cape Buffalo or Elephants). Plus with the modern powders (if you have access to them) and modern bullet designs (especially things like Barnes TSX, TTSX and LRX, or some of the cool Federal Terminal Ascent bullets, the North Fork bullets, Swift A-Frames, even Nosler Partitions are great) - the 30-06 is a great cartridge. Sure, the 7mm Rem Mag shoots a little flatter and a bit further, but the vast majority of the time it's not enough to make a difference. Especially if you're a decent hunter (and get as close as you reasonably can instead of taking long pot-shots at animals).

[@scottythebody0811]

Man, Fusions are nasty. Thanks for posting.

[@yomamasbeefcurtains]

Definitely want to see the 160gr Accubond and Partitions!

[@wahyasaquii7563]

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. John Nosler has entered the chat…

[@mogulrider]

The old fusion bullets hit like a truck and expand like crazy. Still the cream of the crop imho.

[@Eye_Guard]

You've made a fan out of me with your 7mm Rem mag (& your SS Tikka Laminated stock, good looking rifle 👍).

[@danielnalepinski3884]

Pretty gnarly looking bullets!!

[@johnnorman7708]

Gotta say it. That speed for a bullet of that weight coming out of a 7mm magnum cartridge is just not quite anything to write home about. The crazy expansion of these bullets is something to write home about. Could Federal be backing off the fuel because these bullets are already hyperactive for expansion? These tests show the results quite well. But they do cause us to ask questions. And try to figure out the reason for the results.

[@Dale37]

I am surprised that you are the only person to mention that. I know reloading and other ammunition options change that, I am just not impressed by what was used in this video.

[@wahyasaquii7563]

Agreed. I’m kinda thinking these tipped bullets are just a marketing tactic/response to the tipped Corelokt. Federal should not look to fix things not broken in this economy.

[@benson8686]

Just picked up a 7 mm rem mag so im excited to see you start testing this caliber.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service, thanks for watching!

[@BlackArcher221]

As you have shown, this fusion stuff is no joke. I have some in 300WSM that I have yet to shoot to zero. I’m hoping that it shoots well in my rifle. If it’s ballistically as good as it performs in gel, I’m on it. I don’t have the tipped stuff yet but I’m looking.

[@EricChmelarsky]

Looks like Whitetail medicine to me. The fusion line-up has always been touted for being an excellent Whitetail bullet. It is difficult to make a bullet to work at a wide range of velocities. I think Federal has done a great job here, whether it be the tipped or standard version. I use heavy for caliber bullets most of the time. This is very interesting to me.

[@BrockOBauma]

I'll never own a 7 mag, but I still didn't hesitate to watch this video.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service, thanks for watching!

[@billhendon1017]

Awesome bullet !!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Good stuff

[@WayneGent-t2l]

Hopefully will be able to get them to handload soon I have seen loaded ammo but not bullets

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Unfortunately I doubt anytime soon, based on the lack of availability of the standard fusion

[@WayneGent-t2l]

@@masonoutdoors_masonleather ya federal one of the hardest to find I getting ready to try the terminal accent tomorrow behind h4831 will see how it goes awesome channel thanks for the hard work 👍

[@kevinwagenfehr4148]

Mason, love your videos. I see on federals site that 7 PRC is an option for the Fusion tipped line. With all the controversy over Hornady loaded 7 PRC ammunition, I think there is a market for your expert analysis on this cartridge. Any chance we are going to see a PRC in the future?

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Yes at some point

[@patrickrodriguez320]

Idk im liking the classic fusions more

[@JacStocker]

I have a 270 win (which works fine) but I would like a 7mm rem mag...

[@jackbolen5001]

Lmao I’m looking at a new tikka and a 7 mag is on the table. I specifically searched for this test today and was surprised you didn’t have it now a few hours later… you deliver!

[@Accuracy1st]

Get that Tikka. I have a mint T3 Hunter Deluxe wood/blued, a T3x blued/black stock, a stainless T3x superlite and a regular stainless T3x lite - all 7RemMag. Each one shoots extremely well.

[@CharlesRyan-f3j]

I have a a tikka 7mm mag lite stainless model. I love it. I love 3006 and 308, but 7mm when loaded to full power is almost magic.

[@jackbolen5001]

@@Accuracy1st I’m looking at the T3X Lite Roughtec with black and white web. Trying to decide 7 mag or 6.5 PRC! Thanks for the reply.

[@Accuracy1st]

@@jackbolen5001 I have a 6.5PRC Roughtech tan stock black web and I took a Hunter 300WM blue/wood to my gun builder with a 6.5mm Brux barrel 8 twist to convert to 6.5PRC. He pillar bedded and spot bedded the wood stock. The receiver and barrel are getting cerakoted a nice stainless color and the bolt will be cerakoted black. Depending on what you want to do with it I'd go 7RemMag first and then a day later buy the 6.5PRC! That gives you a whole 24 hours to save money up.

[@jackbolen5001]

@@Accuracy1st 😂 I like that idea

[@Bggred]

Thanks for another good video. Look forward to the other 7 mag tests. What personal load do u shoot from your 7 mag when hunting?

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

I don’t hunt with a 7 mag at all.

[@Looscannon94]

This bullet is almost certainly better suited for the 7 PRC but it still did okay

[@Dale37]

I am honestly a little surprised at the velocity. It seems low to me for a "magnum" cartridge firing a 175 grain bullet. My .35 Whelen using factory 180 grain Barnes TTSX ammunition is chronographing over 2900 f.p.s.

[@shanerhodes925]

How did that load group out of that Tikka. Just wondering how it might do out of mine.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Everything shoots way plenty good enough to hunt with to any reasonable range.

[@Mountainghost72]

New subscriber 👍🏾

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service, thanks for watching!

[@johnanon3081]

Tikka's are sometimes known to have relatively higher felt recoil for a given caliber. I've shot the Tikka T3x SS in .308 with stock recoil pad. Do you think I'd notice much difference in recoil between it and a Tikka in .30-06 or 7mm with an added Limbsaver recoil pad? How about the difference in recoil between the Tikka .30-06 and Tikka 7mm? Can you speak to the difference in felt recoil? Thanks for any feedback

[@Savie_G]

My 7mm kicks good bit harder than 30-06 but not too bad overall

[@liverpool6380]

I have a sig sawtooth 7prc Are you able to make somthing for that?

[@dakotabruhy420]

WHERES THE 30-06 FUSION TIPPED??????????

[@frostypreppersk3593]

What's the twist rate of that barrel? Should be 1:9.5. That bullet won't stabilize very well.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Whatever it is it shoots it just fine

[@frostypreppersk3593]

@masonoutdoors_masonleather no. It doesn't actually. You obviously know nothing about balistics and bullet weights vs barrel twist. 🙄

[@peterschmidt2849]

😊🇺🇸🤙🏻😎

[@treybenoit1372]

Would love to see you try the Federal Premium Swift Scirocco II in 7 rem mag

[@camwinston5248]

I believe this stuff is...the bees knees.

[@mr.mr.3301]

Not sure I’ll be switching to the tipped. Standard fusion performance is more my speed.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Hard to beat the originals

[@wahyasaquii7563]

I think the exact same way. The Speer Deep Curl was and is a perfect bullet for me. It’s not flashy, it just walks in the room, puts meat in the freezer, steals some guys girlfriend and drinks his beer all at the same time. 😂 I’m obviously kidding, but there’s really no argument. The originals just WORK.

[@Yetified_Mayhem]

Keep up the great work. Stoked I found your channel.

[@MattC-eo6ep]

Those bad boys really tossed the blocks around....nasty!! Nice performance. That's a great elk round. Thanks for the videos!

[@larrysayers1377]

Great review. Love those Fed Fusions and now this version. I just wish they would offer different weights like 140/150/160 and the 175. Lots of rifles only prefer certain weights. My Sauer 101 7 Rem likes most 175gr weights but not 150. Tried the Fed Fusion in 150 but wouldn’t group at all. But this rifle loves 160gr bullets.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

I’d like to see that as well, it’s a brand new line, hopefully they’ll expand it.

[@llkj7944]

Isn’t that velocity very similar to a 180gr 30-06? I mean obviously the 7mag works as the gel test showed but I am sure 30-06 with a 24 in barrel would be might close for a non magnum.

[@Simon-talks]

Just the Tip!

[@Logan-py8we]

Lmao

[@CircleBrewery]

I think the tip initiates rapid expansion and will lose some weight compared to the old fusion rounds 😊

[@bradcannell6573]

To me the noslet partion is still the king pf hunting bullet's

[@garrettstiles7808]

Was really excited to see this one, thanks sir!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service, thanks for watching!

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

Hmm. Mixed feelings about this one. Ostensibly, this is the 7mm load I've been waiting 20 years for. However, the velocity is lackluster, and I think it is hampered by the slow twist rates and SAAMI COAL. When I see large variations in penetration depth from a bullet like this, my immediate reaction is that the bullet is only marginally stabilized. I am interested in whether Federal has a published recommended minimum twist for this load. I 175 gr spitzer boat tail could potentially be long enough to need a twist faster than 1:9 to optimally stabilize. A marginally stabilized projectile can be accurate, but won't achieve the published BC, or more importantly in this case, may show inconsistent terminal performance. If Federal offers this as a component bullet, it would provide serious competition to the ABLR and ELD-X. I bet seating it out closer to 3.6 inches in a magnum long action, like my M700 BDL, with a faster twist could achieve optimal stabilization and much better velocity. As is, I suspect this bullet's length seats it too far in the case for good velocity at 3.34 inches COAL and only marginally stabilizes with to 9 to 9.5 twist on most factory sporting rifles. Still not terrible performance, but leaves me wanting more.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

The lack of uniformity in expansion can also be an indication of marginal stabilization. When a bullet is fully stabilized, the tip is static in front of the bullet's center of mass and in line with the bullets vector in flight. This presents the lowest amount of surface area (drag) perpendicular to the bullet's vector, and means the bullet will hit consistently point forward and center. In a marginally stabilized projectile, the tip stays in front of the bullet's center of mass (no keyholing, as with an unstabilized projectile), but traces tiny circles around the bullet's vector in flight. This presents more surface area as it cuts through air, resulting in a lower BC, and means the bullet may strike with the tip slightly off center, resulting in erratic penetration and a lack of uniformity or consistency in expansion.

[@Deerslayer1912]

For all the reasons you mentioned, the 7 prc exists

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

@@Deerslayer1912 Yep. But some of us don't have a 7mm PRC. The 7mm Rem Mag has been THE 7mm for 60 years. Even when I rebarrel my M700, I'll probably stick with 7mm Rem Mag just because the PRC really doesn't offer much in the way of performance advantages over the Rem Mag in a magnum length action. If I want to go with more expensive components in a relatively obscure cartridge to eek out more performance, I'll go with a .28 Nosler.

[@greasydot]

​@@MTMILITIAMAN7.62perfectly said.

[@chriswigington1572]

Loving the 7 mag videos!! Thank you!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service, thanks for watching!

[@tubbyshvfd9110]

I wonder if they will offers calibers in different weights

[@tubbyshvfd9110]

Another fine looking rifle .

[@andrewhirsch6472]

Seems like a superb load for the larger northern whitetails, muleys and caribou. For bull elk--no, except maybe at longer range. For animals weighing 500 lbs. and up, more penetration is needed.

[@dantep5570]

No, more penetration is not needed. I dont understand peoples obsession with this, a moose isnt wearing kevlar, and the my 308 with eldm's punched through both shoulders on 1. This load is fine for everything short of dangerous game.

[@andrewhirsch6472]

@@dantep5570 Then, by all means, go in that direction. Perhaps, at my age, I'm getting more risk-averse. Also, where I live, shots on elk are likely to be short-range.

[@kylecasetta4091]

Thousands upon thousands of elk bears and moose have been killed with 175 or 180 gr core lokts and federal power shock ammo in the 280 and 30cal range I can't see how these a better bullet design would be inappropriate in your opinion. They work as advertised and better.

[@andrewhirsch6472]

@@kylecasetta4091 : Where I live, shots at elk are usually under 100 yards, often closer to 40. For open-terrain hunting this load would likely do fine as you say, but I would still worry about over-expansion on a big Roosevelt bull elk at short range. Other loads carry no such worry, so that's where I'd stand.

[@donwyoming1936]

Never been a fan of the 175gr in any 7mm. The 160gr can do it all with significantly less recoil.

[@PassivePortfolios]

The 160 grain is about the perfect weight for the 7 mm mag for optimal velocity, expansion and energy.