Hornady bullets: 3142 vs. 3142G, V-Max or SST?

nullshine

nullshine

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Hey guys,

Getting a little confused here.

I purchased a couple boxes labelled as:

Hornady V-Max
7.62x39
.310"
#3142G
123 GR V-MAX
GRAF

This number isn't listed on Hornady's website. The closest thing I can find is #3142 (no "G"), which is an SST bullet. The G references Graf and Sons, which DOES list the 3142G as a V-Max, and doesn't carry the 3142. Hmm.

The image of the 3142 SST bullet on Hornady's site shows it to be flat base, my V-Max's are also flat base. Most other SST bullets are depicted as boat tail, with the exception of only a couple calibers.

ht tp://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=4&f=54&t=135859
This thread mentions a guy ordering some loaded 7.62x39mm ammunition all having the same bar code, some is labelled as V-Max, some as SST.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=465182&highlight=3142&page=2
Post #11 in this thread (from early 2010) lists the #3142 as a V-Max.
Many online retailers list #3142 as V-Max, some are starting to list as SST.

So... I guess my question is: WTF? Are these still constructed as V-Max bullets, but now labelled as SST because of the lower velocities of 7.62x39mm? Or do they actually have the interlock feature? (which seems to be mostly what separates V-Max from SST, possibly a thicker jacket and boat tail as well)

Also, does anyone have a box of #3142 labelled as SST? I'd be willing to chop one of mine in half and do a picture comparo to get the bottom of it.

PS:
I also noticed that the (7.62x39mm .310") SST and the Z-Max (not V-Max) bullets have the same sectional density and BC. The Z-Max description keeps blabbering on and on about Varmints... coincidence? Did they re-brand the V-Max as a Z-Max (and switch to green plastic) and are now selling the same bullet with red plastic as SST? So far I can't find any other calibers and weights in the SST and Z (or V) Max lines that coincide. But between the Z and V-Max lines there are quite a few that are the same (except for the colour of their plastic tip).

The loaded ammo:
8078new.jpg

116209_1.jpg


Can't find pics of the boxes of bullets.
 
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Tried to, no matter what I try, they always tell me I entered the wrong verification code. (On their "Contact Us" page).

I just sent a message to Graf and Sons to see if they know what's up... since they seem to have special ordered the 3142G which retains the V-Max packaging, and don't carry the 3142 (now apparently packaged as SST). They carry the 3142G, packaged as V-Max instead.

Funny coincidence: Graf and Sons carries every single other SST bullet that Hornady lists on their website. But not the 3142.
 
The stuff I have is #3142G, packaged as V-max, so it shouldn't have the interlock ring.

I need someone with #3142(or 8078 loaded ammo), packaged as SST (both these #s were previously sold as V-Max), which theoretically should have the interlock ring, if indeed it is manufactured that way, and not V-Max constructed bullets, packaged as SST. Be that as it may, the V-Max may act similar to an SST (in this caliber) due to the lower velocities the 7.62x39mm puts out.

EDIT:

joe-nwt:
You might be on to something, I just found mention of this whole issue being a marketing mix-up (problems with the label printer), so maybe I will hack one of mine apart to see what she looks like inside.

I'd still be interested in any information others have. Especially if someone had some bullets or ammo actually labelled as SST.
 
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Looks like my rebranding conspiracy theories have been shot down. LOL

Graf's got back to me this morning. Apparently Hornady only makes the 123 gr V-Max specifically for Grafs. They didn't answer my question as to why they don't carry the SST version, but all other SST bullets in Hornady's lineup.

I chopped one of mine (#3142G, labelled as V-Max) apart. Looks like a uniform thickness jacket, doesn't appear to have any type of interlock.
 
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