Hornady V-Max for deer?

[brand]

Hi guys,

I have a .243 which is legal calibre for the 3 smaller deer here in VIC and have been working up some loads.

I've tested a few loads included V-Max from Hornady in 87gr which works well in my rifle. I'd like to continue using them.

At the time I bought them to just give them a go, didn't ask for any feedback.

Buying another box today I asked the guy what he thought and he said great Varmint bullet, but not so keen for deer?

I'd only be stalking fallow and chital, not monster sambar deer. I'd think these would be fine?

Really hoping to keep them as they shoot so well.

[Wheelbarrow]

If you were shooting 60gr or something light, no.

Nothing wrong with 85-100gr bullets for small deer if they're hunting rounds (not match bullets etc.)

[Wes]

Strictly speaking it's not a bullet designed for deer sized game. I suspect that's what he meant to say, even if he didn't express it clearly.

In terms of calibre and load though, your in the right neighbourhood for what you want.

If Hornady is your brand you could always look at the SST's as a "deer" bullet which would hopefully share pretty much the same results you've got with the V-Max.

[VICHunter]

In any case, no reason you couldn't keep it as a target/varmint round and get yourself a second load for deer.

Try some 95gr Hornady SST or Nosler Ballistic tips. They'll put a Fallow down quick smart.

[Blackened]

You could get some perfectly clean kills with them with reasonable distance and good shot placement.

Adding a few more gr to the bullet and switching to a pure game bullet could work wonders though.

[brand]

If Hornady is your brand you could always look at the SST's as a "deer" bullet which would hopefully share pretty much the same results you've got with the V-Max.

My store was out of V-Max last week when I needed some stuff. I've picked up some 95gr SST to try instead

Range day this weekend!

[Norton]

Have no doubts over SST's.

Find your accurate load and they will put deer down all day long.

[Lorgar]

I was shooting 150gr SST's in my .308 Ruger when I had it.

Top round for accuracy and damage on game.

[Westy]

Well here's a pic of 110grn V-max at work on a fallow doe!!!huge damage broke the leg entered the chest broke it's heart and never left her body all at 110yrds I'll be using them again and again

[Lorgar]

Yep, they're good.

.87gr V-Max was the bullet of choice when I had my .243.

[Westy]

This was achieved with a 300 blackout

[batter]

Either way that's good news for OP.

The .243 would be doing more damage with the extra velocity too?

[brand]

Tried out my new SST's.

They shot just as well as the V-Max so it's good either way

Nice to have a second load if ammo is short for the other.