Author Topic: 7mm 120gr Hornady Spire Point (Read 1160 times)

Crudders32 · « **on:** October 03, 2005, 09:48:37 AM »

I was thinking about trying these bullets in my Savage 11 7mm-08 for deer. I have used the 139gr variety of these in the past with pretty good results, but wanted to try the 120gr. with reduced loads for less recoil. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these and any projection on how they will perform and shoot. Most of the shots will be in the woods and under 100yds. Thanks.

Slamfire · « **Reply #1 on:** October 03, 2005, 07:56:22 PM »

Sounds like something you'd consider for one of the pistol cartridges like the 7mm TCU. I wonder if Hornady even rates them for medium game. I'd think about the 130 grain Speer, it is.

Brithunter · « **Reply #2 on:** October 03, 2005, 10:27:34 PM »

Hi There,

Well I know of a gentleman in Alaska who uses the 118 Grn HP 7mm loaded up to as near max as is accurate in his rifle and he is very happy with the one shot kills on Caribou using it. Using the HP bullet like this he does not get an exit but explosive expansion inside the chest cavity, never had to track one as htey only ever take a couple of steps if any at all.

Loaded properly I cannot see why the 120 grn would not work with correct bullet placement, I know that the 120 grn 6.5mm bullets work well so why not the 7mm?

Slamfire · « **Reply #3 on:** October 05, 2005, 05:16:54 PM »

The 120 grain 6.5 has a higher sectional density than a 120 grain 7mm bullet, meaning it is longer in relation to its diameter. It is a pretty good indication of penetration ability, given similar construction a 7mm would have to weigh 140 grains to have the same sectional density.

Chuck White · « **Reply #4 on:** October 06, 2005, 03:44:29 AM »

I used 120 grain Hornady Spire Points in my 7mm-08 for a few years, then quit!

I shot several deer with the 120's, but I was not really satisfied with them because I never got an exit hole and a blood trail was almost nonexistent!

So, I went back to the 139 grain Hornady Spire Points, and that's what I still use!

I do think that something like a Nosler, or other premium bullet would be ok in a 120 grainer!

lowertroll · « **Reply #5 on:** October 06, 2005, 10:02:12 AM »

Chuck: Did you need an exit hole or a blood trail to find any of the animals shot with the 120s? If so, what was the shot placement?

jro45 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 06, 2005, 11:42:25 AM »

I have some loaded for my 7mm Mag . I was thinking maybe they were n't going fast enought to go threw the deer or did they brake up?

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #7 on:** October 09, 2005, 12:57:08 PM »

I checked the col for the 120 in my 7mm mag and to seat that bullet properly its going for a big jump to hit the lands. The 139-140 is the lightest bullet for my 7mm mag, which works fine for most shooting purposes. For Elk size game (if I could get a tag) I would have to go heavier, or bigger cal.
Jim

Chuck White · « **Reply #8 on:** October 10, 2005, 11:09:55 AM »

lowertroll
QUOTE:
Chuck: Did you need an exit hole or a blood trail to find any of the animals shot with the 120s? If so, what was the shot placement?
END QUOTE:

The deer was hit in the middle of the ribs, about 6 inches behind the ball and socket joint where the shoulder blade connects to the leg bones!

I didn't really need an exit hole! The deer was about 25 yards away when I fired and she turned and went "just" out of sight, approximately 30 yards and crashed! I heard her crash! We followed the tracks and we never saw a drop of blood!

I switched to the 139's when I got the 120's shot up! They usually punch through and I have a blood trail! But, usually they don't go far! I've never had one travel more than 40 yards after the shot!

Dragon31 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 10, 2005, 03:18:12 PM »

Last year I got the bright idea to use the 120's loaded to around 2500 ft per sec for the grand kids 7-08 deer rounds. I figured low recoil and would still do the job. The round grouped well and off hunting we went. The doe was about 50 yard in and open pasture and the shot was good, just behind the front leg high and angling down (we hunt from a high two man stand) Doe just stood there. Grand daughter handed me the rifle and I chamber another round and the doe just started slowly walking away. At about 80 yards the Doe stopped and grand daughter popped her again. This time the shot broke her back bone and the deer dropped on the spot.
When I cleaned the deer the first bullet transversed the deer taking out one lung hitting the other and breaking a rib on the way out. The exit hole was not over dime size and almost no blood. The second shot penetrated the on side shoulder and fragments broke the back. I could not find anything larger that small pieces of copper.
Did the bullet work? Sure, granddaughter got her deer. Some how though in the back of my mind I figure that deer should have shown more effects from as good a hit as that bullet put on it. This year I think I try another bullet.