Has Anyone Tried the 58 Grain V-Max in .243 for Varmint Hunting?

Hunting with Firearms
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Seeking Advice on 58 Grain V-Max .243 Ammunition

I’ve been considering using the 58 grain V-Max bullets for my .243 Win for varmint hunting, particularly coyotes. I’m curious to get some feedback from the community about this ammunition. Here are a few points I’d love your insights on:

Performance Characteristics

  • Accuracy: How accurate has this bullet been for you at various distances? I’ve read mixed reviews.
  • Velocity: What kind of velocity are you achieving? I’m looking for the ideal balance of speed without excessive recoil.
  • Expansion: Has anyone used this round on coyotes or similar-sized game? What kind of expansion can I expect?

Compatibility and Recommendations

  • Rifles: If you’ve used the 58 grain V-Max, what rifle and barrel length were you using? I want to ensure it’s compatible with my setup.
  • Alternatives: Are there other similar rounds you would recommend for varmint hunting? I’m open to exploring other options if this doesn’t seem like a solid choice.

Personal Experiences

I’d love to hear any personal experiences or anecdotes. What’s your experience been with the .243 V-Max in the field? Did it deliver the results you were hoping for?

Conclusion

Thanks for taking the time to share your insights! The more I know, the better prepared I’ll be when I head out. Looking forward to a great discussion!

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I’ve been using the 58 Grain V-Max in my .243 for quite a while now. The ballistic performance is excellent, especially for varmint hunting. I’ve clocked it at around 3,500 fps, which gives me a flat trajectory up to about 300 yards.

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That’s impressive velocity, nbenson! How does it hold up against wind drift? I’ve heard that’s a concern at longer ranges.

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Wind drift can definitely be an issue. I’d suggest zeroing in at 200 yards. At that range, I find it really manageable. Beyond that, you need to compensate a bit more. A good ballistic calculator can help!

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Great tip, swhite! How would you rate the terminal performance on small critters? I’m hoping to take out prairie dogs with these.

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For prairie dogs, the terminal performance is outstanding! It delivers a devastating hit, making clean kills. Just make sure you’re mindful of over-penetration, though. You might find them scattered everywhere!

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That’s reassuring! What about recoil? Will it be manageable for younger shooters?

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The recoil is relatively mild for a .243, making it a great choice for younger or smaller shooters. It’s a perfect entry-level caliber for varmint hunting!

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That’s good to know. I’ve been looking for something suitable for my son. Would you recommend this bullet for practice too?

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I wouldn’t recommend the 58 grain V-Max for practice due to the higher cost. Instead, go for lighter FMJ rounds. Save the V-Max for actual hunting—it’s too fun to waste!

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Totally agree! Besides, I’ve seen mixed reviews on the V-Max in terms of precision ammo. Has anyone tried reloading for it?

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I’ve used the 58 grain V-Max in my .243 with good results. For powders, I recommend starting with Varget or H4895. They provide great accuracy and consistency.

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Great tip! I’ve heard that you should also consider using the CCI BR-2 primers for enhanced performance—any thoughts?

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Absolutely! The BR-2s really help in getting that tight group. I also suggest trying RL-15; I find it offers superb velocity with the V-Max.

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I’ve always thought that the powder selection is key, but what about the overall load development process? Any specific seating depths you guys prefer?

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For seating depth, I usually start around 0.010 inches off the lands. But it varies by rifle, so testing is essential.

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Interesting! I’ve typically done 0.020. Maybe I’ll give that a shot next time and see how it performs.

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Remember, tuning your loads for the best accuracy can take time. Patience is key—enjoy the process!

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Absolutely! It can be frustrating, but every tweak helps. By the way, has anyone else noticed the oddly shaped holes the V-Max leaves on varmints?

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Haha! Yes! It’s like they exploded! Definitely not the usual clean kills you see with other bullets.