Hornady 308 Win Vmax Projectiles

[loneranger]

Hi Guys,
This is not a technical question about target shooting, but actually people's hunting experiences using Hornady V Max bullets. Perhaps this should be in the Sport/Hunter forum, but given it is a technical question, I thought I'd try here.

I am having less than spectacular results on medium game (feral goats) with my go to 308win hunting load over the past few years using 125 Nosler Ballistic Tips. Majority of my shots are well placed, but I have noticed that most animals walk a few steps before dropping, whereas they used to drop on the spot, I mean like they were hit by lightning - 125gn Nosler BTs in my 308 used to be really explosive, but over the past several years I have noticed that they are not near as effective as they used to be. Done some research and discovered that Nolser apparently increased the jacket thickness some years back, which I didn't know until recently - apparently American hunters complained about meat damage when using BTs, so the company changed the bullet, which accounts for my experiences.

I am thinking of converting all my hunting loads to Hornady, probably V Max bullets, as I have heard nothing but good stuff about accuracy and the explosive stopping power of these projectiles. Has anyone had good experience with either 308 win 110gn or 125gn V Max projectiles in terms of accuracy and knock down power?

[Rich4]

If you’re not committed to a plastic tip? The Speer 125 TNT takes some beating, bulk pricing is good too, they’re 130 is even more explosive

[Jason72]

Hi Loneranger

In my hunting rifle I use A’s, V’s and also ELD’s from time to time but am using 155’s so can only comment on them. They are all super accurate and mainly use them but you do need to shoot on larger properties only or absolutely know what is behind what you are shooting at. Because at closer ranges (I am talking 100m or less) they all go straight through and out the other side. I have seen dust behind what I am shooting dozens of times. I have found lead tips to fragment better inside the carcass better. Not quite as good a grouping as ELD’s etc. Lead is still accurate enough out to 300 or 400 metres which is a long shot in the bush. I have tested all of them out to 900m. Most of my shooting is in scrub so 150 metres and less is the norm. Hope this helps.

[Rich4]

Very true, but not just 30’s I’ve had doubles and pass throughs on Roos with 223/55g blitz kings, undulating timbered county is much safer that way, but backstop is imperative with every trigger squeeze

[loneranger]

I do also believe that lead tip bullets are probably the best stoppers, but I have never found an accurate lead tipped projectile.
I thought V max bullets were very good as a mate of mine swears by them in his .222 - I have seen him shoot clover leaf groups at 100 and take down pigs with 50gn Vmaxes, so I thought 110gn 308 Vmaxes might work well.

[Jason72]

I use the Eld 52 grain in my .223. They work well on roos, don’t go through plus go alright on pigs as well. I shot three a couple of weeks ago no problem. The 110’s might be aok in the .308, might just have to try them and see how they go.

[BATattack]

If you’re not committed to a plastic tip? The Speer 125 TNT takes some beating, bulk pricing is good too, they’re 130 is even more explosive

Sorry but do not bank on these projectiles expanding . I've used a fair few TNTs in other calibres with great results but had myself and 3 other experienced shooters scratching their heads with bullets going straight through. Even went to the extent of doing a heavy medplat trip and centre drilling the HP open and still had the same results. Another person I know also had a non expanding batch and there are reports of it OS as well.

Used a fair few v max in other Cal's. Pretty much a go to for price and performance.

[Toddy]

I have had the most success with Speer 130gn varmint in 30cal, for soft skinned game. They are super explosive and super accurate in all 308's myself and my mates have used. Around 48 gns of 2206H is the ticket.

[loneranger]

Thanks fellas...

[Barossa_222]

I run Vmax pills is a lot of my rifles with good results. Very accurate and kill like lightening, but found they can be finicky with regards to seating depth in some rifles. I do really like Nosler Varmageddon pills and Sierra Blitzkings. I have some 135gr Sierra Varminters for my 30/06 I have yet to try, these look like a good pill for what you are doing.

[loneranger]

Well been doing more load development with 110gn Vmax pills in my 308win and they do shoot well. I am getting consistent 0.4 to 0.6 MOA @ 100 with 46gn 2208 in Lapua cases and CCI 200 primers so they appear very accurate - time to test them at longer ranges and then on game animals.
I will report back with some feedback as to how they perform on game animals.