Why so many 7mm Mag in New Mexico?

[Sniper X]

I have been all over the states, and usually, what people use for Deer and Elk is a 308, or 30-06, and occo a 30-30. I rarely saw any 7mm or 7mm Mags ANYwhere in the states but here in New Mexico. When I look for a hunting rifle used here in NM, ALL I see are 7mm Mag! Wonder why that may be?

 

[oneounceload]

I used nothing but my 700BDL 7 mag when I lived in CO and NV with great success - Being LH meant you didn't have a lot of choices 30+ years ago - it was 270, 30-06, 7mm mag - the 7 shoots flatter, IMO and does a great job

 

[jmr40]

Folks in NM must be smarter than average. I don't know which states you've been in before NM, but there is a lot of open country and shots tend to be longer than average there. The 7 mags are the best choice in an extreme long range caliber.

The 308, 30-06 are very capable, but the 7 mag gives you a little more range without beating you up too bad with recoil. At one time they were probably the most common round found in the western states. They have lost some appeal lately, but are still the best choice for that type of hunting in my opinion.

 

[BrocLuno]

What he said

 

[unwise11]

Because they don't know about 7 WSM
In reality, it's flat shooting, not too harsh recoil wise, and was chambered in the Remington 700.
I personally would rather own a .260 rem or .264 Win Mag, because the 6.5's have such great BC.
But I'm happy with my .308 that is not too hard to learn wind / elev with so I've heard, but I haven't had a chance at using it past 300 yards.

 

[d2wing]

The 7mm Rem mag is an excellent long range hunting round. Many hunters consider it the optimum North American Cartridge. To me it's a toss up with the 30-06.

 

[blackops]

I don't know what states you have been to, but I've personally seen more 30-06 and 270's for hunting far more than any other cartridges. Not sure how far guys are shooting in New Mexico, but if there going to a magnums because of the distance of shots than they need to evaluate their hunting skills more than their cartridge of use. Just my opinion. No need for a mag on deer, but I'd rather a guy shoot a mag than a 223 any day. It all boils down to the individual. All I say is use what you can drop the animal with no question. If I felt a desire to go long range it would be with a 7wsm and 190 vld's. For now my 165 gmx's out of my 30-06 handle everything I need them to.

 

[unwise11]

At 600 yards, a well placed shot from a .308 would be better than a shoulder shot with a 7 Mag.

 

[Intruder6]

With bullet weights typically used for Deer & Elk - 150 Gr to 180 Gr,. the 7mms have a better BC, for better velocity, less drop, and greater energy beyond 300+ yards. I used a .284 Win. for years before trying a 7 Mag, but ended up with a .300 WSM, which performed great on an Oryx at over 450 yards. I think this one of the short mags will be around the longest, although the 7WSM is perty good!!

Also, knowing how "frugal" many New Mexicans are, the ammunition for 7mm Rem Mag is frequently priced on par with .270, .308, and .30-'06, when using "standard" bullets. Add to that that the 7mm Mag has the magic "MAGNUM" attached to its name, meaning to some less well-informed "hunters" that "if you hit it, you'll kill it" adds a little sales psychology to the mix.