Author Topic: 243 & Hornady 58gr V-Max (Read 717 times)

kkeetr · « **on:** March 01, 2005, 12:32:45 PM »

I just got a couple of boxes of the 58gr V-Maxes in the mail today. I am really interested in hearing about any loads you may have cooked up for this bullet. I'll be shooting from a Tikka WH. Thanks for the input!

kkeetr · « **Reply #1 on:** March 06, 2005, 11:53:04 AM »

Going once, going twice....

Nobody out there has ever loaded this bullet?

Catfish · « **Reply #2 on:** March 07, 2005, 03:07:09 PM »

Your so close to 60 grns. that I would recomand that you just use data for 60 grn. bullets.

kkeetr · « **Reply #3 on:** March 07, 2005, 04:28:53 PM »

Yeah, that's what I was leaning toward. Have you shot this bullet? If so, what kind of accuracy did you get and what was the rate of twist in your barrel? Thanks for your reply, Catfish.

Casefiller · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2005, 02:05:02 AM »

This may or may not help you. I have shot the 60gr. H.P. in my 6 mm Rem. My powder of choice is Varget. I also have begun to load the 58gr. V-Max. with the same data provided for the 60gr. I have the latest Sierra manual, let me know if you don't have it , I can send you some accuracy loads for the 60 in .243

Good Luck in your loading,

CF

ricciardelli · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2005, 02:58:47 AM »

http://stevespages.com/243_2_58.html

kkeetr · « **Reply #6 on:** April 17, 2005, 04:47:08 PM »

I only had time to check one load before I went hunting. I used 45.5 grains of Varget and Rem 9 1/2 primers to get nearly 3800 fps and groups about 3/4".

I did not sight my rifle in to that new load before I went prairie dog hunting so I missed a few but the ones I hit were devastated. I watched through my binocs as my buddy took a shot with them at 185 yds. Before the shot, the p dog was just standing there looking at us. At the shot, I saw him disappear except for a single piece swinging in the air about 5 feet over where he'd been. When we got to where he was, he was a mess. He was hit center mass and there was only a thin piece of skin on each side of the hole that was holding the two pieces together. The hole was just about fist sized.

Bottom line: those bullets are awesome!!! I cannot wait to get back to prairie dog country!

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #7 on:** April 18, 2005, 04:18:38 PM »

From Hornady

3300 start 3800 max
IMR 3031 35.2 40.2
3300 start 3700 max
Viht N 135 34.9 40.2
'' 3700 max
H 4895 35.9 40.7
'' 3600 max
AA 2520 35.6 40.3
'' 3600 max
RL 12 36.8 41.0
'' 3700 max
IMR 4320 36.9 42.6
'' 3800 max
Varget 37.6 44.1
'' 3800 max
IMR4064 38.5 43.5
'' 3800 max
RL 15 39.0 43.4
'' 3800 max
Viht N 140 38.8 44.0

I don't know about the others but the 3031 load cranked out almost 4000fps out of my NEF .243 handi rifle and will print MOA@ 100yrds one helllofa crack when it leaves town.

Nobade · « **Reply #8 on:** April 19, 2005, 01:55:48 AM »

Haven't used this bullet, but used the 55gr. Blitzking over either Varget or IMR4895 at 3950 fps with great results. Very accurate and the effect on groundhogs back East was impressive. Like the other post said, fist sized hole all the way through.

Reed1911 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 19, 2005, 01:49:27 PM »

Varget works very well for top velocity but N135 works the best in accuracy. We go with the N135 as the small difference in velocity is less a concern than the accuracy for a varmint load.