For some reason today I got to wondering if anyone had ever shot a deer with a V-Max bullet and how effective it was. It's not a bullet type I would recommend or consider for deer sized game but I do have some 75gr ones loaded to about 3600fps that I would shoot a wolf with given a broadside shot. Barnes has some 80gr TSX that I will probably load up next year for deer. This year I'll be using my 30-06.
V-Max and deer
- Thread starter KDX
- Start date
tactical870
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Buckhorn, Ontario
I guess it all depends on if you plan on eating it...... So much for the saying "eat right up to the hole" 
Northman999
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Yukon
Do an internet search.
I found a fellow had developed a V-MAX load for his 6.5x55 for shooting deer at long range. His notion was that since the V-MAX would explode at high velocities, maybe at really low velocities (long range) it would just mushroom like a normal bullet. Apparently it worked well for him, and he really liked the very flat trajectory of the 6.5x55 with 95 gr V-MAX bullets, comparing it to a 22-250 in terms of trajectory.
No experience with it myself, but I have toyed with the idea of trying V-MAX loads on black bear on nice broadside shots.
I found a fellow had developed a V-MAX load for his 6.5x55 for shooting deer at long range. His notion was that since the V-MAX would explode at high velocities, maybe at really low velocities (long range) it would just mushroom like a normal bullet. Apparently it worked well for him, and he really liked the very flat trajectory of the 6.5x55 with 95 gr V-MAX bullets, comparing it to a 22-250 in terms of trajectory.
No experience with it myself, but I have toyed with the idea of trying V-MAX loads on black bear on nice broadside shots.
As I said, "well placed"
My buddy used one of his V-Max coyote loads on a small white tail buck last year, (I think it was the 58 grain) in his Remington 721 chambered for .244 (not 6mm)
He hit the deer a bit to high for the heart but it would never have penetrated that far anyways. The "entry hole" broke 3 ribs and turned one lung to mush. It was a quick kill but penetration was rather lacking, if it was a quartering or straight on shot it may not have turned out so well.
Sure it can be used effectively but there are better choices out there.
He hit the deer a bit to high for the heart but it would never have penetrated that far anyways. The "entry hole" broke 3 ribs and turned one lung to mush. It was a quick kill but penetration was rather lacking, if it was a quartering or straight on shot it may not have turned out so well.
Sure it can be used effectively but there are better choices out there.
- Location
- Dah Soo,ON
A good friend of mine has throttled a few (3-5 maybe?) with 95 grain Vmaxs in his 26" .260. Ranges were 100-300 I believe. Anyways he swears by them. All deer shot were DRT. And no damage to the meat. Just a 1" hole in, exploded vitals and thats it. Obviously if he hit a shoulder he'd be in trouble. Its not my cup of tea but I'll be damned if I argue with his results.
After seeing the effects on a coyote, I'd not use them on a deer. Unless you are shooting only at long ranges, 250yd+, and are willing to hold off on closer shots.
Personally, I'd buy some cheap soft points...
110gr @ 3500fps
Impressive. What were you using for this?
- Location
- Ottawa origanally Muskoka
Right behind the ear,drop where they stand.
... and if you miss by one inch ...
now really, back in Europe in a country with less regulation than Canada I've heard "hunters" bragging about felling a deer with a well placed 22 cal bullet behind the ear. As it happens, only a LUCKY few managed such a shot. Many more just had to track the wounded animal for way longer than they expected.
Is it such a big deal to carry a proper big game caliber?
I have no intention of using them, just curious as a question popped into my head. I might load up some 80gr Tipped TSX next year for deer with this rifle (.257AI). I will be using my 30-06 with 150gr Federals this year as I have every other year.
It certainly can be done, but very carefully. Tuck one into the ribs right behind the front shoulder, or let 'em have it at the base of the neck and head. Otherwise, it is going to be one heck of a red mist and one wounded deer.
Here's an idea... why not throw a hatchet at them?... seriously, as hunters we have a duty to dispatch our animals as quickly and humanely as possible... I'm not saying we should usee cruise missiles but at least a rifle that is worthy of the task and won't cause a long drawn out death for the animal if you are off by 2 inches at 300 yards....
