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.243 Hornady 58gr V-max

bwheelerscbwheelersc Member Posts: 48 ✭✭
edited March 2009 in Ask the Experts
Just wondering everyone's opinion on this round. I have heard that they do a hell of a job on coyotes. Plus they shoot extremely flat and there are rumors of great accuracy. Is there a need to try and not hit the shoulder. I'm guessing it wouldn't matter at distances less that 300yds. Thanks

Comments

  • nononsensenononsense Member Posts: 10,928 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    bwheelersc,

    It's a good cartridge loaded with a great bullet but it's a lot of powder for one very light bullet.

    I have rarely been disappointed by any of the VMAX or AMAX bullets. As to hitting the shoulder, it will depend on whether you save pelts or not. If you save the fur, don't shoot the shoulder. If you leave them lay where shot, who cares? The shoulder shot will basically blow them up but I've also spine shot a couple and cut them in half. They are not that heavily fortified, skin one and see how small they really are.

    Best.
  • bwheelerscbwheelersc Member Posts: 48 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    thx. I don't save pelts, I was just mainly worried about penetration, and of course i like to know where i hit 'em. I read a couple of post talking about the v-max expanding quickly and not penetrating well. I did not really believe them but I thought it is something I should check out. I found a good price on some hornady's and with their reputation i thought i'd give them a try.
  • bpostbpost Member Posts: 32,669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I was not able to develop a load that shot very well in my 243 and 6MMBR. The 80 grain Berger bullets shot a lot better.

    Your luck may be better.
  • sandwarriorsandwarrior Member Posts: 5,453 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    bwheelersc,

    That 58 gr. bullet will kill coyotes are far out as they shoot flat...no problem. They will also kill them cleanly if you have to hold for wind or elevation. Around 500 yds is where that might get to be more tricky than I want to handle in calling wind and elevation.

    As far as penetration goes, it will get into the center of that coyote and do all the damage it needs whether or not you put it through the shoulder. If you're worried about energy remaining you have enough at 500 yds to still do the job.

    I would worry more about over-penetration more than under-penetrating. Coyotes are smart but they haven't come in armour plated models yet. Bottom line it's a good round for varminting. But, like nn said, you ain't going to save many pelts using it.
  • 5mmgunguy5mmgunguy Member Posts: 3,092 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    In the 1-10 twist barrels I think the Nosler 55gr is a little more accurate. But either bullet will totally ruin a coyote's day!
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