Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Disintegration at high velocity?

How tolerant of over rotation are the Hornady V max line of bullets? Specifically, I am hoping to buy a large quantity of .243 87gr V maxs for use in an 8 twist barrel at 3300-3400 fps.

My concern is that they are lightly constructed and may come apart in flight due to over rotation. I would appreciate knowing the experience others have had with this bullet in faster twist barrels. Thanks.

call the Hornady Tech line... 800.338.3220, and they will tell ya how many RPMs they will hold up at...

I can't speak to the .243 diameter. They may be a bit more sensitive to rotational self-disassembly due to their larger diameter. But when I was working with a hot .20-cal round, the Hornady V-Max was among the most resistant to "gray puff" syndrome.

Of course, that was at 4300 fps...

No one has personal experience either good or bad to share using this bullet? It seems there are quite a few Interlock fans, I am one. Not so many lovers of the SST. Just wondering what the consensus is on the V max? Thanks

They WAY over penetrate..

Just sayin'..

Just looked in my 8th edition Hornady Manual and they list them at 3200 out of a 1 in 8 243 WSSM

Heck they are pushing the 75 grn vmax at 3500 with that 1/8 243wssm

And the 58 grn at 3900

I'd say try them.

Or pick up the phone and call Hornady, they have always been helpful for me.

can't speak to your .243, but I've had the .224 40 gr. v-max to 4200, without disintegration prior to impact. A very accurate bullet and withstood the forces on it very well.

What barrel are you using? That can play as big a part as anything. 3 grooves are known to undress bullets, they are tough on jackets.

Have only used a few hundred of the 87gr Vmax, if I have an 8 twist in 6mm (.243) most often I would use the 105gr A-Max because of the better B.C.
In my mind there is no question that Hornady A-Max,V-Max,Z-Max have the softest most frangible bullet jackets in the industry, they can be suspect in what you call "over rotation" at high velocity but especially with 3 groove barrels. with the combo you are talking about I hope you have a 5 or 6 groove barrel.
Dont buy too many unless you try them out, my choice would be the Berger 95gr VLD or the 107gr SMK.