105 Grain AMAX bullets for Groundhogs?

[DalesCarpentry]

 I am just getting into reloading. I have 175 Hornady 105 grain AMAX bullets. Have any of you ever shot any Groundhogs with these bullets. I think they probably would not expand on a Groundhogs though. I just can't see not using them since I have them. I know they would be great for Deer but I will never use a 175 of them on Deer in my life time. Dale

[Dave in WV]

Dale, IIRC the A-Max bullets are target bullets. If that's correct why would you want to use them for deer? I'm sure it can be done but why not use a hunting bullet?

[DalesCarpentry]

I could be mistaken but I always though the Hornady AMAX bullets were big game bullets. Well if they are target bullets do you think they would work ok on Groundhogs? Dale

[DalesCarpentry]

After reading into it more. I do find they are mach grade bullets. Dale

[OR-E-Gun Bill]

Dale, since you seem to be a big Hornady fan, here's a link to sign up for their 2008 product catalog:
http://www.hornady.com/free_catalog.php

It's got lots of good info on all their bullets plus their ammo & other Hornady products.

Got mine in less than a week after submitting.

Bill

[LaOtto222]

The A Max should put down a ground hog, it will pass through without opening up, but still should put one down. They may crawl to their hole before they expire??? I try to use fragile bullets to cut down on ricochet problems, not because they will not put down a ground hog.

[LaOtto222]

Thank You Bill. I too am a fan of the Hornady bullets, I really like the 50 grain V Max for my .224 guns and the XTP bullets for my handguns.

[DalesCarpentry]

Yea I do like the Hornady bullets. My 243 loves the 58 grain VMAX. A member here sent me 175 Hornady AMAX 105 grain. He said his rifle did not like them.  It says on the box to use a 1 in 9 twist barrel. My rifle is a 1 in 9 1/8 twist. I think that is probably close enough. Yea ricochets would be a problem for me. Where I hunt my Groundhogs there is a lot of cattle around and I would not want to hit one by accident. Do you know if these type of bullets expand at all? I have read on the net of people taking white tail with these bullets but it would seem they were not designed for that. Bill thanks for the link. I do go to Hornadys site often and I did order a catalog a couple weeks ago and have not received it yet. Thanks Dale

[Savage]

I in 9 1/8" twist? Well, that's better than the  1-12" in your other rifle. The 1-9" should be good for the 50-60 gr bullets. I would think the 1-12" would be way too slow for anything heavier.
Savag

[DalesCarpentry]

I in 9 1/8" twist? Well, that's better than the  1-12" in your other rifle. The 1-9" should be good for the 50-60 gr bullets. I would think the 1-12" would be way too slow for anything heavier.
Savag

Huh I have a 1 in 9 1/8 twist on my Remington 700 SPS Varmint 243. That is a fast twist barrel. I believe that the 1/8 diference should not matter to much. I think it should be able to stabilize the bullet without key holing. The 1 in 9 1/8 twist should be good for a 105 grain bullet. Dale

[huntswithdogs]

Dale,
I've not hunted with the AMAX, only shot them. Like the others have stated, these were meant to be target bullets, but may do well on something tougher than a groundhog. Ricochets could well be a problem when shooting at them. I'll have to check my book, but it seems like I was loading H4831 behind mine and staying under an inch at 100 yds.

HWD

[huntswithdogs]

OH YEAH!! If ya need any help shootin' 'em up let me know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


HWD