I think in the near future, at least some areas we hunt will require lead free ammo for big game. One state is offering a $60.00 rebate for lead free ammo purchase. My wife and I now both shoot 7mm-08’s. 140 gr. Fusions and 140 gr. Ballistic Tips are our choices. We do not reload. Any suggestions for a quality factor load of lead free ammo ? Whitetails are our main game animal with an occasional elk hunt mixed in. Ranges inside of 300 yards.
Suggestions for Lead Free Hunting Ammo
- Thread starter F250
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SixPoint
Well-known member
I’ve had really good luck with Hornady 139 gr CX. They shoot really well out of my 7-08. they are really lethal and they aren’t that expensive. Past two seasons my rifle has shot 11 deer and only one required a follow up due to poor placement.
A few things you want to keep in mind as you make this transition:
1.) Don't be afraid to drop down a weight in bullet. You want speed more than weight with copper. Take a look at some offerings with the 120's. But if the velocity on the 140's is still within spec at 300-400 yards, you may want to stick with that for elk. I load a 140 TTSX in my 7mm Mauser AI at 3050 fps, for example. Nosler's data shows their loading at 2850 - still acceptable for what you've described.
2.) This means you still need to find a load that shoots well in your rifles, so get a few different brands to try. Get a few different boxes and test until you find one that has the accuracy you're looking for.
3.) Any major manufacturer will have quality offerings. Barnes, Federal, Nosler, Hornady, etc. I'm partial to Barnes bullets, personally - having had great luck with them in terms of both handloading and terminal performance.
1.) Don't be afraid to drop down a weight in bullet. You want speed more than weight with copper. Take a look at some offerings with the 120's. But if the velocity on the 140's is still within spec at 300-400 yards, you may want to stick with that for elk. I load a 140 TTSX in my 7mm Mauser AI at 3050 fps, for example. Nosler's data shows their loading at 2850 - still acceptable for what you've described.
2.) This means you still need to find a load that shoots well in your rifles, so get a few different brands to try. Get a few different boxes and test until you find one that has the accuracy you're looking for.
3.) Any major manufacturer will have quality offerings. Barnes, Federal, Nosler, Hornady, etc. I'm partial to Barnes bullets, personally - having had great luck with them in terms of both handloading and terminal performance.
Mountain Mule
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2021
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Barnes. Ive killed most of my critters with it and so have many of my hunting partners. Anything from antelope to elk, 50 yards to 450 yards.
SD_Prairie_Goat
Well-known member
Best I've found for my gun is federal trophy coppers. Get good groupings plus the bullet performs great.
You won't be disappointed with the transition away from lead.
Best part about copper, hardly any wasted meat where the bullet hits bone or muscle
You won't be disappointed with the transition away from lead.
Best part about copper, hardly any wasted meat where the bullet hits bone or muscle
My personal feelings would be to avoid a "Ballistic tip" copper bullet. MY experience has been that the Hornady CX bullet, (a ballistic tip), creates MASSIVE shock trauma that damages a lot of meat on whitetails. I did not have this issued with a Barnes TSX-BT all copper projectile.
LuketheDog
Well-known member
I have had great results with Barnes TTSX and Nosler E-Tips...
Sheltowee
Well-known member
Hammers are my copper bullet of choice if you are a handloader. Go light and go fast.
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