7.62x39
- Thread starter hakx
- Start date
I had great luck with 26.5gr of H4198, and a 123gr Hornady SST(or vmax whatever the label says, same bullet). lightly roll-crimped into the cannelure
I tried a few loads on the way up, and that was max, and the most accurate.
Chronographed at 2375-2400 out of my 20" SKS.
I tried a few loads on the way up, and that was max, and the most accurate.
Chronographed at 2375-2400 out of my 20" SKS.
The SST and VMAX are very different bullets. The SST is a bonded bullet meant for big game hunting (deer and up) while the VMAX is an unbonded varmint bullet meant to fragment. They do appear similar on the outside but they behave quite differently on game.
SST isn't a bonded bullet. For that you'd be looking at the Interbond.
The SST does have the interlock ring though, which is supposed to keep the jacket and lead core together during expansion. Supposed to have reliable expansion down to 2000fps. I've heard good reports about these on deer-sized game but I hear they are not stout enough for reliable performance on larger game. Too explosive not enough penetration for moose/elk.
The V-max is a fragmenting varmint bullet, designed to fragment on impact and not cause pass-through wounds on fur-bearing animals. Supposed to expand reliably down to 1600fps.
OP what do you plan to hunt with these? Have you done any work on accurizing your SKS? They aren't exactly the most accurate gun... I was thinking about bedding mine and trying to get it down below 2MOA for a coyote gun...
Good post. There is also another difference in the V-MAX and SST. The V-max has a very thin, consistent jacket thickness while the SST jacket gets thicker towards the base, just off the ogive.
Dangit, knew it was interlocked but was using the word bonded in my mind for some reason. Brain fart.
There are a number of accurate bolt action rifles in 7.62x39 on the market that could more greatly benefit from more accurate, handloaded ammo.
There are a number of accurate bolt action rifles in 7.62x39 on the market that could more greatly benefit from more accurate, handloaded ammo.
Apparently the 7.62 .310 123gr SSTs were incorrectly labelled as V-MAX bullets in the first production run.
They subsequently relabelled them as SST bullets as that is more inkeeping with their construction (i.e interlock cannelure).
I have since seen them for sale labelled as SSTs, and they are no longer listed as Vmax on Hornadys website, the bullets look identical to me.
This is what I was referring to, correct me if I'm wrong.
Maybe I'll buy a newer box from wholesale, and crossection it to confirm this.....
Either way, these bullets have a good reputation for deer and antelope
I shot two deer last fall with 25gr/H4198/123 Hornady SP at about 100 yards and at 30 yards.Both chest shots behind the shoulder.Both bullets complete pass throughs breaking ribs coming + going.Deer one made it about 75 yards and deer #2 ....3 body lengths[no heart]I picked up a partial box of Barnes 123gr X bullets in .310 that I will poke a cow moose with this fall if I draw a tag.The load cuts under 1/2" using .......yes magnum primers instead of regular that shot under an inch.[Privi brass] Firearm CZ527 carbine.Harold
