7 wsm 168 vs 180

[trailrider121]

So i will be rechambering to a 7wsm but undecided with either using 168 or 180 hunting VLD's. This will be a hunting rig, but will be used as tactical rig in off season and plan to shoot 1K with it. So what is the big difference between 168 vs 180 vld's? I see lots use 180's.

 

[VKC]

Re: 7 wsm 168 vs 180

I shoot the 180gr bergers for my 7wsm. It has an advantage over 168gr with higher BC and more retained velocity past 1000 yards.

 

[Jeffvn]

Re: 7 wsm 168 vs 180

for what you are doing there is not a huge performance difference between the two, unless you run them at the same velocity (in which case the 180s are better on retained energy and less wind hold).

Most guys that shoot the 168s near me tend to run them 75-100 fps faster than the guys running the 180s. If you run the 168s faster, then they tend to perform pretty closely in terms of wind hold out to approaching 1,000 yards (at least that is what the guys using them tell me).

I have always run the 180s, but I run my 7WSM at and beyond beyond 1,800 yards. At those distances, the 180s perform better in the wind.

 

[GrantB]

Re: 7 wsm 168 vs 180

If u want to shoot flatter then get the 168s inside 1k.
If you are trying to fight wind get the 180s.

 

[trailrider121]

Re: 7 wsm 168 vs 180

Thanks guys. I figured the 168's would run right with the 180's. Like you guys said the 180's do carry the energy down range, not to mention buck wind better.

I think I'm going to lean toward 180's, but anyone here load them under 3.00" COL? That's my max mag length, so around 2.980" col for loaded round. This in a savage centerfeed blind mag, SA.

 

[CanSniper]

Re: 7 wsm 168 vs 180

Dont forget twist rate! make sure your barrel has a fast enough twist for the 180.

 

[trailrider121]

Re: 7 wsm 168 vs 180

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CanSniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dont forget twist rate! make sure your barrel has a fast enough twist for the 180. </div></div>

Good question,my barrel has a 1:9 twist. According to Berger site says 1:9 twist recommended. However, it may be on the edge to stabilize them.

 

[VKC]

Re: 7 wsm 168 vs 180

I load my 7mm WSM to 2.945" COAL and can get the 180VLD pass 2950fps.

I would go with a 1 in 8.5" or in 8" instead. You may want to try the 190gr bullets someday.

Take a look at this article comparing the 168 vs 180gr bullets:
http://www.appliedballisticsllc.com/index_files/7mmNumberTwo.pdf

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: 7 wsm 168 vs 180

I run the 168's at 3,049fps out of a 24" 1:9tw barrel on my 7wsm with H4831SC. It's a very accurate setup. I've never shot it past 1,050yds, but its awesome. As far as down range energy retention, I'm still poking holes right thru 1/4" plate steel at 775yds like a hot knife thru butter. Im not sure how much energy that takes, but im pretty sure it's enough to blow thru a elk's shoulder bones.

I've often thought of trying the 180 hybrids, but my current load is amazingly accurate and inside 1200yds, I see no benefit.

 

[ncboiler]

Re: 7 wsm 168 vs 180

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: trevor300wsm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I run the 168's at 3,049fps out of a 24" 1:9tw barrel on my 7wsm with H4831SC. It's a very accurate setup. I've never shot it past 1,050yds, but its awesome. As far as down range energy retention, I'm still poking holes right thru 1/4" plate steel at 775yds like a hot knife thru butter. Im not sure how much energy that takes, but im pretty sure it's enough to blow thru a elk's shoulder bones.

I've often thought of trying the 180 hybrids, but my current load is amazingly accurate and inside 1200yds, I see no benefit. </div></div>

Are you jumping the 168's at all?

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: 7 wsm 168 vs 180

I run 180 VLD in my 7WSM. getting 2980 FPS and great accuracy with the 1 in 9 twist Broughton. The 180 VLD really shines in less than ideal conditions.