Why ammunition selection matters for the Remington Model 7600

The remington model 7600 is a rugged, reliable pump-action rifle that has earned the trust of hunters, ranchers, and recreational shooters for decades. Like any firearm, its performance, point of impact, recoil behavior, and terminal ballistics are highly dependent on the rounds you feed it. Choosing the right ammunition helps you get consistent accuracy, safe cycling, appropriate terminal performance for your intended game, and a satisfying shooting experience. This article walks through the best ammunition choices for the Remington Model 7600—caliber-specific guidance, bullet construction, load selection, and practical tips for accuracy and reliability.

Understanding chambering and platform compatibility

Common chamberings for the Remington Model 7600
The 7600 has been produced in several popular chamberings, the most common being .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, and .243 Winchester. Each caliber offers different ballistic envelopes and therefore different optimal ammunition choices:

• .30-06 Springfield — a versatile, long-proven hunting round with a wide selection of bullet weights and constructions. It’s a go-to for deer, elk, and many big-game applications.

• .308 Winchester — slightly more modern in profile and ballistics similar to many .30-06 loads in practical ranges; often preferred for consistency and widespread factory load availability.

• .243 Winchester — a flat-shooting, lower-recoil option excellent for varmints and medium game when paired with appropriate bullets.

Always verify the exact chambering stamped on the barrel of your rifle before selecting ammunition. Never substitute calibers or use cartridges that are not explicitly designed for your rifle.

Bullet types and construction

Soft point and bonded core bullets
For most hunting in a 7600, soft-point (SP) or bonded-core bullets strike a good balance between expansion and penetration. Soft points expand reliably at typical hunting ranges while retaining sufficient weight to reach vital zones on medium to large game. Bonded-core bullets (where the jacket and core are bonded) offer superior weight retention and deeper penetration—valuable for larger or tougher game.

Polymer-tipped and ballistic-tip bullets
Polymer-tipped bullets combine aerodynamic profiles for flatter trajectories with controlled expansion. They can be excellent choices for the remington model 7600 when you want improved long-range performance out of a hunting load, particularly in .243 or .308 where ballistic coefficient matters.

Hollow points and varmint bullets
For varmint control and small predators, hollow points and specialized varmint rounds fragment aggressively to minimize pelt damage and over-penetration. In a .243 or .308 chambering, these rounds offer devastating terminal effects on small targets at typical varmint ranges.

Full metal jacket (FMJ) and practice rounds
FMJ rounds are suitable for practice because of cost and consistent feeding, but they’re not recommended for hunting due to poor expansion and high risk of over-penetration. Always use brass-cased or high-quality practice loads to maintain reliable cycling in the 7600’s pump action.

Choosing bullet weight and velocity

Balancing recoil, trajectory, and terminal performance
Bullet weight and muzzle velocity significantly affect recoil, trajectory, and terminal energy. Lighter bullets (e.g., 100–130 gr in .243) deliver flatter trajectories and milder recoil, making them appealing for long shots or shooters sensitive to recoil. Heavier bullets (e.g., 150–180 gr in .308 or 150–220 gr in .30-06) typically offer deeper penetration and more energy transfer, important for larger game at moderate ranges.

For the remington model 7600, match bullet weight to your intended target and typical shot distances. A common practical approach is to choose a versatile mid-weight hunting load—one that balances ethical terminal performance with manageable recoil for follow-up shots.

Factory loads vs. handloads

Pros and cons of factory ammunition
Factory ammunition offers convenience, consistent headstamps, and readily available ballistic data. Modern factory hunting loads from reputable manufacturers are well-suited to the 7600 in most hunting scenarios. When buying factory loads, prioritize quality brands and bullets that match your intended use—e.g., bonded or premium expanding bullets for big game.

When to consider handloads
Handloading allows you to tailor performance precisely—optimum accuracy, reduced recoil for practice, or specialized loads for a specific game species. If you handload for the remington model 7600, work carefully using published load data, verify consistent pressure signs, and start conservatively. Handloads can extract peak accuracy from a given rifle, but they require time, knowledge, and safe practices.

Reliability and feeding considerations

Feeding in a pump-action rifle
The 7600’s pump action is generally forgiving, but reliable cycling depends on ammunition overall length (OAL), case shape, and primer/crimp quality. Use ammunition that is within spec and known to feed well in tubular magazines and pump actions. Short, stubby hunting loads often feed cleanly, while handloads that are excessively short or long can cause issues.

Case types: brass vs. steel vs. aluminum
Brass-cased ammunition is preferred for reliability and shooter safety. Steel-cased ammo can be cheaper but may not extract or cycle as consistently and is harder on extractors and the chamber. Aluminum-cased rounds are sometimes used in lower-cost practice ammo but can be less reliable. For the Remington Model 7600, especially for hunting trips where a malfunction matters, prioritize brass-cased ammunition from reputable manufacturers.

Accuracy and sighting-in

Choosing a zero and verifying point of impact
When you select a new load for your remington model 7600, always bench-test and sight-in at the range. Ideally, pick one or two candidate loads and shoot groups at 100 yards (or your typical hunting distance) to determine which performs best from your rifle. Many shooters then choose a pragmatic zero—either 100 yards or a shorter practical zero that accommodates typical shot distances.

Barrel break-in and consistency
If your 7600 has a new barrel or has been rebarreled, follow recommended break-in procedures and avoid immediately running magnum hot loads. Consistent cleaning and ammunition selection help lock in a repeatable point of impact. Record which load provides the best groups and use that as your primary hunting or competition round.

Recoil management and shooter comfort

Mitigating recoil in heavier calibers
The Remington Model 7600 can be chambered in potent rounds. Recoil can be managed through ammunition choice (e.g., moderate-velocity or reduced-recoil loads for practice), proper shooting technique, and fitting the rifle ergonomically to the shooter. Heavier bullets generally increase recoil; consider softer practice loads and reserve heavier duty hunting rounds for the field.

Safety and legal considerations

Match ammunition to legal hunting requirements
Different jurisdictions have legal minimums for bullet type and energy for hunting certain species. Ensure your chosen ammunition for the remington model 7600 meets local hunting regulations—many regions require expanding bullets for big game, and some restrict certain bullet types.

Range safety with high-velocity and fragmenting rounds
Some rounds fragment aggressively; when shooting at ranges or near populated areas, consider backstop and downstream risk. Always follow range rules and common-sense safety to avoid ricochets or fragments traveling unexpectedly.

Top recommended load categories by use

All-around big-game hunting (.30-06 / .308)
For deer, elk, and most North American big game, bonded-core or premium soft-point bullets in mid- to heavy weights (150–180 gr in .308, 165–180+ gr in .30-06) provide a solid balance of expansion and penetration.

Medium game and general-purpose (.243)
Select controlled-expansion polymer-tipped or bonded bullets in the 95–100 gr range for deer-sized game; heavier 100–105 gr options deliver good penetration at moderate ranges.

Varmint and predator control (.243 or lighter .308 loads)
Use high-velocity, fragmenting bullets or hollow points designed for rapid expansion at close ranges to minimize pelt damage and over-penetration.

Practice and training
Use economical, reliable brass-cased practice loads or reloads with reduced recoil for extended sessions. This preserves your shooting hand and builds skill without excessive cost.

Conclusion

Summing up the best approach for ammunition selection
Choosing the right ammunition for the remington model 7600 comes down to matching caliber and bullet construction to your intended use, prioritizing reliability and safety, and validating performance through testing. Start with reputable factory loads for your chosen caliber, test a few options at the range to find what your rifle likes, and then optimize from there—whether that means switching to premium hunting bullets, trying handloads for maximum accuracy, or selecting reduced-recoil practice rounds.

Buy firearms responsibly: always use ammunition that matches the rifle’s chambering, follow local laws and hunting regulations, and practice safe handling and storage. With the right loads in a well-maintained Remington Model 7600, you’ll get dependable cycling, effective terminal performance, and a rewarding shooting experience in the field.