New to me Encore 21" barrel 7mm Remington Mag **what ammo? **

[ccoorreeyy]

I just picked up a new to me Thompson Encore with custom shop 21" barrel in 7mm Remington Mag. My question is what ammo should I use. I know im loosing out because of the short barrel but should I use a really fast light bullet like the new Federal 110gr barns that claim 3500 fps or somthing slower like a 140-150 grain balistic tip Winchester silvertip? I really want to go with the Federal 110gr but wanted to know if I would be wasting money because of the short barrel length. Im using Federal 110gr barns 270's in my Remington 700 and those claim 3400 fps and let me tell you they FLAT OUT KNOCK DEER OFF THEIR FEET!  I guess what im asking is what will loose the least amount of UMPH because of the short barrel?

What do you guys think?

[Grumulkin]

The best loads for long barrels are generally the best for short barrels as well.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a bullet (this list is not exhaustive) which include:

1.  A lighter bullet starts out faster but will also lose velocity faster than a heavier bullet with a higher ballistic coefficient.

2.  On paper, a fast light bullet may have high energy but less momentum and thus less penetration than a heavier bullet with a higher sectional density.

Given your particular situation, I would probably go with 140 gr. bullets.

By the way, velocity loss will probably only be in the range of 25 fps/in. of barrel loss so your bullets should still be going fast enough.

[ccoorreeyy]

That 21" barrel grew to 22" when I pulled a tape on it yesterday!    I picked it up from the gunsmith after getting it flutted and now am digging the looks of it!  I ordered a dednutz base/ring mount and bought a used Zeiss scope for it.  When it all comes in i'll take a pic and post it.  I am loving this little custom gun.

[ccoorreeyy]

Well that Federa Hyper Velocity 110gr Barns tipped bullets that are advertized at 3500 fps are really zipping.  Im only loosing 100 fps I guess.  Today the chrono was reading 3391-3405 fps!  I am happy.  I shot 4 three shot groups at 100 yds and its a shooter at 0.77" - 1.10" groups.  Now I just have to wait 9 months for deer season to come back in to see how it works.

[ccoorreeyy]

I just took a pick of my little cusom 22" 7mm.  I had it flutted, unlike the prohunter flutes thes are deep and do reduce the weight.