VMax or HP that is the question!

B

burris

New member
Finally got to the ranch today and got to put quite a few reloads down the barrel of my new CZ 22 Hornet. Out of the bullets I tried the 35 gr VMax and the Sierra 40gr HP shot groups almost identical at 50 yds (little cloverleafs). Have not shot it any further yet. Both loads were 13gr. of little gun, small pistol primer.

I reload both bullets for different cals. 60gr VMax for my 223 and 85gr sierra HP's for my 243.

Question: If you had to choose which bullet to stick with and toss the other to the side, which one would you choose to shoot? I will be using the Hornet for coons, grey fox, bobcats and yotes out to 150yds. I am torn between the two, so help me make the decision! Thank you.
 
The 40 grain Sierra HP is a fairly tough bullet, designed more for 22-250 velocities, I think it would act like a FMJ out of the hornet, I should say I know it will because I have shot some of them. I like the 40 grain Sierra hornet SP, it is accurate and about the cheapest bullet I have found. I just started experimenting with some Speer 33 grain HPs, may be something fun. I have shot some of the 35 grain V-Max bullets and they are allright, they seem to shed velocity fairly fast because of their design but they shoot good and work OK on PDs, that is all I have shot with them.
 
I have found that while the V-max will drop a coyote like a hammer, it can be tough on the fur for foxes and bobcats. The bullet seems to expand pretty violently. I would look for something a little more controllable like the HP.
 
If you want to blow holes in fox & cats shoot the Vmax. If you want a small entrance & a dime size exit (or smaller) shoot the Sierra.

The 40gr sierra is a hard bullet & will act like a barnes or monolithic almost, keeping a larger weight retention. It will open though at
 
When in doubt, stay with the Sierra's. May not be the best bullet out there, but they just work for whatever.

Just my opinion, and I'm sticking to it.

Tony
 
I like the V-Max, and use it for all of my 223 rifles that I hunt coyotes and bobcats with. Last year, I shot 2 bobcats with the 50 grain V-Max in 223. I mounted the largest cat, and had the other hide tanned. The holes coming out were not much larger than the entrance holes, and were of no concern to the taxidermist whatsoever. On the other hand, my son recently shot a bobcat with a 243 using a Sierra 85 grain HP and the exit wound was the size of a softball. I think it depends on where they are shot as to whether or not a particular bullet does a lot of damage.
 
Which hide is worth the least? Coon? Go try both on them and see the results. Not too much size difference between fox, coon and bobcat. It'll give you an idea of what to expect with the others.
 
I load and shoot both in my Hornet and both are very accurate. If I had to pick only one, it would be the Sierra HP. Sierras have always been my go to bullet.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
 
Back
Top