Author Topic: Maxi Scored! (Read 1114 times)

parson48 · « **on:** November 14, 2011, 04:52:00 AM »

I took a nice Hoosier doe Saturday morning. About a 75 yard shot through the lungs. She ran about 150 yards before piling up. God thing is that she fell in a place where I could drive the truck right up to her! Sometimes ya just get lucky.

The 180 grain SSP bullet stopped inside the skin on the far side. Retained 145.5 grains. Bad thing is that there was no exit wound and very small entrance would. Absolutely no blood trail. Good thing that she fell out in a field and required no tracking.

These grain fed Indiana deer sho' nuff taste good!

Rodland · « **Reply #1 on:** November 14, 2011, 06:28:57 AM »

Great! Now get over to the Handy success thread and post up there. We got to get the Maxi's numbers up.

AA080 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 14, 2011, 01:50:38 PM »

Congrats Parson!

Would you be able to post a picture of the recovered bullet at all?

Thanks,
Matt

cwlongshot · « **Reply #3 on:** November 14, 2011, 03:05:13 PM »

I'm surprised at the lack of penetration. Especially on a lungs shot. With a hi retained weight I'm expecting a lighter loading say 15-1600 MV? Maybe 13-14 impact velocity.

Congrats on the deer!
CW

Lon371 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 14, 2011, 11:17:11 PM »

Congrats

I keep telling people we need centerfire. Our deer are becoming bullet proof

Lonny

parson48 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 15, 2011, 01:38:38 AM »

Will attempt to post a pic later today. I don't have a chrony, but the bullet was loaded over 27.5 grains of AA1680.

I couldn't guarantee that it didn't hit a twig on the way to the deer, but it hit where I was aiming.

Anyway, she's in the freezer now. All except some backstrap that me and momma had for supper!

parson48 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 15, 2011, 02:06:39 AM »

Hope this worked.

Vic49 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 15, 2011, 04:48:29 AM »

I may have to rethink my choice of of the 180 SSP's. Where i hunt the need to anchor them quickly is important, sure don't want to have one run 150 yds onto the neighboring property where I am not allowed to go. Got some 200gr. FTX's loaded up but the are loaded light?

25.2grains of 1680.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #8 on:** November 15, 2011, 05:32:46 AM »

In my #1 maxi I'm loading over a full grain less powder, getting close to 2200fps and the last two deer I shot at <50 yards had bullet fragment on shoulder bones!

Lungs offered little resistance and always resulted in thru and thru with quarter sized exits.

CW

Vic49 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 15, 2011, 05:44:14 AM »

CW, What ya think about the 26.2 gr. load of 1680 under the 200gr. FTX bullet? Any idea what FPS I would be getting?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** November 15, 2011, 05:55:52 AM »

If you want a little tougher pointed bullet like the SSP, the Speer 180gr would be a good choice, BC is .245 compared to .248 for the SSP, virtually identical as far as Maxi range is concerned. Speer lists this bullet for the 357Maxi, 27gr compressed A1680 max with a COL of 2.145" @1884fps in a 14" barrel, the COL for my load at 26½gr is 2.285", so lots of room for more powder to the point of compression.

Tim

http://www.suitorsgarage.com/gunstuff/35remington/35rempart2.html

parson48 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 15, 2011, 05:56:24 AM »

My performance seems contrary to what I have read about this bullet. My experience with it is very limited, but it is what it is.

I plan on hunting Thursday morning with the maxi, I have some 180 gr. XTP bullets loaded up over the same charge of 1680, 27.5 gr. They shot well at the range, I hope to see how they perform on a deer.

I know that if you hunt enough, you'll get some unexpected results. Based upon all that I've read here I have to believe that my recent results with the SSP isn't typical.

Lon371 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 15, 2011, 08:35:55 AM »

Parson8

Mine have a small hair more powder. I am still carring my doe tag. If I get a chance to squeeze the trigger we can compare notes.

Lonny

parson48 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 15, 2011, 09:19:21 AM »

Lon371

I hope that you fill that tag soon.

I was able to get a lifetime license before they discontinued them, so I gotta bunch of "tags" left! I hope to get a couple more deer this season.

Tim, I may try some Speer bullets next year. I've use a lot of their 30 caliber bullets and I like them.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #14 on:** November 15, 2011, 10:31:15 AM »

I need to look for some of my recovered bullets...
But, I went to the Speer bullet after the first "poor performance" from the SSP bullet. I shot a couple deer with it form the 35 Rem and one form the maxi. I found it much tougher, almost too much so for lung shots but good for bone shooters like me. Again, I cannot call it ailure as the shot was DRT. But in my mind this is still bullet failure.

I like to anchor a deer, mots of my shots are bow close so its easy to place the bullet nearly exactly where I want it. BUT when I push the distances to 100 plus I move to just behind the shoulder, push the distance past 200 and center of the lungs is my target. These is what I base my findings upon.

I decided to go back to the 180 XTP and 180 SSP. Both shoot very well and both preform as expected. If I was to need to press the maxi into a 100-150 yard gun I would likely go back to my favorite magnum bullet. The 158 XTP FP at max velocity and enjoy the flatter trajectory. (I feel 130 yards or so is max for this caliber.)

I have said it many times all guns are different and Parson you said it very well,

Quote

I know that if you hunt enough, you'll get some unexpected results.

Truer words have not been spoken.

CW

cwlongshot · « **Reply #15 on:** November 15, 2011, 12:13:54 PM »

Here is a couple pics of what I found after my 180 SSP struck a bucks shoulder at about 35 yards broad side.

Here is another, same bullet, same velocity 50 yards nearly identical point of impact

CW

Lon371 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 15, 2011, 01:44:09 PM »

Ok 28 gr of 1680 under Hornady 180 ssp. One doe at 50 yards, button buck at 60 yards. Little bitty hole going in, 1.25 - 1.50 coming out. blew hole thru both hearts. distroyed the lungs in the button buck, chunks missing out of the does. Button Buck went about 60 yards and doe went STRAIGHT UP 6'(off the ground) at the shot, then stumbled 15 yards.

I will say using the speer 180 last year, At intrance 6" circle of meat was distroyed along with 4" of spine. Exit was about the same 1.25-1.50. He was climbing a hill going away from me 65 yds I think.

I will probably stick with the Hornady's for a while.

Tomorrow will be the Maxi Contenders turn

Lonny

parson48 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 16, 2011, 12:48:07 AM »

I want to add that, since I mentioned specific loads above, that load data is within that currently published by Accurate Arms for longer TC loadings. I do not crimp these loads in cannelure.

parson48 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 22, 2011, 01:34:02 AM »

I wanted to update this thread because of something that I just noticed yesterday. I was looking at my fired cases, I had 5 that I had laid on my bench after hunting. 1 I had shot my deer with, the other 4 were target shots. Anyway, 1 of the 5 had a very much less flattened primer (none were overly flattened).

It is possible that one I shot the deer with was a light load. I load on a Dillon 550b and will weigh every dozen or so, and try to visually inspect all before seating bullet; but I suppose one could have slipped by with a little lighter load.

Just wanted to post this to say that I don't want to blame the bullet if I was at fault. I'll likely weigh all my hunting rounds in the future. I do that with all my rifle rounds anyway.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #19 on:** November 22, 2011, 01:42:32 AM »

Kinda scarry to find that as if it we t the other way.... Boom. Not so good!!

Sure it's quite likely and would all but completely explain the mediocre perform
Ance of such a good bullet.

But no worries, you got the deer and no harm. I would think about pulling and closer inspecting. Or get new powder measure!

Good luck & load safe!

CW

parson48 · « **Reply #20 on:** November 22, 2011, 02:37:43 AM »

Sure woulda hated for it to be off in the other direction! However, the powder measure that I use, Lee Pro Auto Disk with adjustable charge bar, maxes out with the 27.5 grains of 1680.

I don't know for sure that it was a light load, but the "evidence" such as it is, indicates that possibility.

In reloading, anything that gets our attention to make us more cautious is a good thing.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #21 on:** November 22, 2011, 03:27:22 AM »

Most know my feelings and history with lee products. ( I am no fan!)

Scales and powder measures are two things Lee should have never made!! Please, Invest in a "real" powder measure.

CW

parson48 · « **Reply #22 on:** November 22, 2011, 08:22:56 AM »

This one has charged thousands of rounds for me and as far as I know it has always been accurate. As stated, I frequently weigh a charge every dozen or so. I'm just guessing about the light load possibility.

I do have a Lee scale, but I also use a Lyman and have never had a discrepancy between the two.

I can appreciate those with different preferences, but I have a few years of reloading experience and my equipment has proven to be "real".

cwlongshot · « **Reply #23 on:** November 22, 2011, 11:28:34 AM »

Your last words give me pause, No personal insult meant.

Maybe you haven't herd my story, I come by my feeling towards Lee honest and truly.

First off, I too have been reloading for more then 30 years myself, but I have also been selling firearms and reloading supplies as well as education folks on reloading for more then twenty. In that time I have sold untold numbers of all kinds of reloading equipment to unknown tens of thousands plus customers.
In that time, I can count on ONE HAND the number of Dillon, Lyman, Redding, RCBS and Hornady equipment that was returned. But looking at Lee near 50% will return with broken parts, incomplete parts or simply equipment that did not work. When selling a Lee product I nearly always cringe because its a damn good chance the guy is gonna return and be mad with me for selling him that crap. I do my best to steer folks to used better name stuff to save them $$. Some listen, some don't, but they all know I care and try to sell them a long lasting quality product. The biggest problems with LEE are with scales and powder measures. IMHO They are GARBAGE! I do everything in my power NOT to sell them. I have even sold better name scales at my cost to repeat customers bent on buying Lee because I fear they will hurt them selves using them!!
The warranty with Lee is equally a joke. Long turn around times and wrong replacement parts are the norm. Not to mention most times they come with a surcharge. Some times we eat that fee other times we pass it on.

In the off chance a big name part breaks, its sent out fast and free! But problems with other manufacturers I sell are rare.

I myself probably have near 100 sets of dies. I load for most all of them. I have ONE STD Lee die set. It was for the 500 S&W and it broke after about two boxes of shells. I had the parts replaced and was back loading... a short time later the carbide cracked!!! I have loaded tens of thousands of rounds thru carbide dies NEVER have a hint of a problem with ANY ONE'S carbide die... Lee broke after less than 2-300 rounds...
I have flat worn out two lee primer tools....

BUT I also have 6-7 Lee Collet die sets that I do like. The Lee trim tool is a nice thing as well. So you don't find me a complete hypocrite. My opinions about Lee Products are not one mans opinions. I think all can see they are far broader and further reaching than the average re-loader would see in ten lifetimes.

So again, I did not intend to insult, but if my comments make you think twice and double or triple check you powder measure or better yet buy a good name product. I will have served my intent. I can live with your thinking ill of me if you or anyone I can convince not to use these products does NOT GET HURT because of them.

CW

tacklebury · « **Reply #24 on:** November 22, 2011, 11:36:10 AM »

Hmm, haven't been going as long as you, but never had any Lee Die set or press break thus far.

I have 10 calibers for a total of 13 sets because some I have collet dies for some also. I couldn't afford to reload even at RCBS prices, let alone Dillon. They might be quality, but they are too pricey for my income...

parson48 · « **Reply #25 on:** November 22, 2011, 12:49:59 PM »

CW,

No ill thoughts of you. I find what you add to this forum to be enlightening and usually am in agreement with you. A definite weakness of e-communication is that much can be lost, or misread without the personal interaction.

It would simply seem that we have had different experiences with certain lines of products. As I wrote above, mine has served me well. I am not a High volume reloader, neither was I saying that my experience was greater than, nor equal to yours. I was simply saying that I am not a novice in this arena, and for my needs the products that I chose to purchase have been acceptable.

I have some pretty strong opinions concerning most things in life, but I don't remember a time that I've told someone that their choices are crap and garbage because there were better choices that they could made IMHO.

So, I guess, thanks for the warnings and advise.

Fred McIntire · « **Reply #26 on:** November 22, 2011, 04:31:16 PM »

Hey Preacher Man !

I scored with my Maxi, too. I took 2 deer last Tuesday, a button buck and a doe.

I'm loading a 185 grain, flat nose, gas checked, cast lead bullet from Beartooth Bullets over 20 grains of H110. I'm getting 1" to 1 1/2" groups at 100 yards.

Both of the deer I shot only went about 25 to 35 yards from where they were shot. The button buck was a pass thru shot that blew up the vital organs in the abdominal/chest cavity. The doe was taken with a shot that entered the right rear ham and exited the left front chest cavity.

Great performance from these Beartooth Bullets !

Lon371 · « **Reply #27 on:** November 22, 2011, 07:27:22 PM »

Great Job Fred. Maxi's are taking their share this year

Fred make sure you post in the Handi success page. http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,244198.120.html

Lonny