The 7mm Shooting Times Westerner has a storied origin in its design and conceptual development coming from longtime Shooting Times contributor Layne Simpson. The cartridge gains new capabilities in the Hornady lineup, thanks to the launch of the new Precision Hunter collection, complete with the Heat Shield ballistic tip. While testing with Doppler radar, Hornady engineers made a startling discovery. Their polymer bullet tips, designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency, were actually melting under the heat of friction! To solve this, Hornady developed its Heat Shield ballistic tip, which is used in its new Precision Hunter lineup. This cartridge collection is so-named, because it offers match-grade performance unparalleled in its class of hunting bullets.

• Bullet weight: 162 grains
• Muzzle velocity: 3,050 fps
• Muzzle energy: 3,346 foot-pounds
• Ships in quantities of 20 rounds

Inside of 400 yards, the Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X Heat Shield tipped bullet expands under high velocity, providing deep penetration and 50-60 percent weight retention. Outside of 400 yards, the hardened tip of the bullet drives rearward upon impact, initiating expansion and allowing for deep penetration with a large, mushroomed bullet retaining 85-90 percent of its weight.