bullet performance 7mm hornady v max 120 gr

[less9toes]

just a little info for those that hunt. shot a smallish doe other mornin w 7-30 waters in 14in tc,load was healthy charge of h4895 under 120 v-max  hornady in reformed rem case. i had asked horn rep to predict if this bullet/cartridge combo would act as a game/varmint  round he stated game. spine in front of shoulders hit at 98 yds,bullet came unglued, fragments only found, would not use on deer again. should make a fine varmint bullet but way too soft or medium game.

[Ranger413]

I've heard several negative comments about the various "plastic-tipped" bullets out there on deer sized game.  No doubt they are explosive on vamints.  I've had great luck over the years with 130 gr. Hornady Spire Points.  They are flat base pointed soft points that really look kinda dated.  No fancy boat-tail, silver tip, partition, or moly coating.  But, like I said they perform great and are MOA accurate.  I load them in my .308 and to date I haven't lost a deer or had a deer travel more than 30 yards with a vital hit.  I've also never had a complete pass-through with this set-up either.  My father and I believe that the bullet is "dumping" all of it's energy in the animal.  Meat damage has also been minimal.  I guess this has been my reason for sticking with the lighter range of bullets in the .308.  

Ranger413

[sjf]

I used the 120 vmax over 35.o gr of RL 15. very accurate and quite effective on deer. Shot a large mulie doe at 125 yds. Got full broadside penetration and good expansion.  :grin:

[jhalcott]

I've seen better "game " bullets than the 120 V max come apart on the spine of deer.Also that area is full of tough muscles.Seems to me the bullet did a good job since you found the deer.I avoid neck shots if possible because it is such a tough area.  jh

[Graybeard]

Dunno who you spoke with at Hornady but when I asked about the use in a 10" 7TCU I was told NO! It is a varmint bullet pure and simple and not for use on big game at any velocity from any gun.

GB

[Hawkeye]

Took a doe last year with my 7-30 Waters and a 120grn V-Max loaded with 32 grn of IMR 4895. Did a number on the deer. Traveled about 20yds after shot. Did do a lot of damage inside but had an exit.
I went to the 139grn Hornady SST and took a buck two weeks later with my 12" 7-30 Waters and the 139grn SST. Good double lung, 1" exit hole. Buck traveled maybe 10 yds, stood there a second and went down. I'm sold on them within 150 yds. I was told that they might not open like they need to after 150 yds from my 7-30 Waters. I sure like it.
The 120 grn V-Max works good on coyotes.

Mike

[7bru]

the 7mm 120 hornady sspb #22811 has the same poly tip as the vmax. I have had real good sucess at all ranges out to 300 yards with a 14 inch contender in 7mm bellm @ 2350 fps. I believe the vmax has the same bc. the poi was the same within a 1/2 inch at 100 yards. two bullets recovered from deer shot at 270 yards weighed 75 and 65 grains. I hope this helps.  BRU

[less9toes]

thanx for all the input. my intent was not to knock the v-max, an extremely accurite varmint bullet, only to point out that imho it was not a deer bullet. in the instance cited the spine was in fact broken, the deer went no where, but there was not the 4-6 inch chunk missing that i'm used to with other bullets that i consider deer bullets. gb i talked to one of the reps at shot show did not get position or name but doesn't matter. an appeal please share your experiences as we all stand to learn something.

[Graybeard]

The only three bullets I have on game experience with in the 7-30 is the old original Hornady 120 SSP which I think is now discontinued, the Nosler 120 BT and the Sierra SSSP. I was satisfied with the performance of both 120s but these days the ONLY bullet I use for the 7-30 is the Sierra. I have taken a wide assortment of game including white tail deer, exotics and hogs with it and it has performed flawlessly for me on all. It is THE bullet I recommend in this chambering.

GB

[cbagman]

:eek: V Max, no thanx... I use them in .223 loads.. In 7MM pistol and carbine I had good results with Sierra Spitzers and Nosler ballistic tips.. Full pass thru down to 2200 fps and not a lot of damage on deer.. Made the mistake of taking a doe with a 120G Hornady hollowpoint early this season with a 7x30 Waters carbine.. Was not a pleasant field dress task.  :shock: Cbagman