Nosler 7mm 120gr BT and Hornady 7mm 120gr V-Max
- Thread starter SteveOak
- Start date
HandgunHTR
Gold $$ Contributor
I use both in my 7TCU (I have both a 10.5" Contender barrel and a 16" rifle). I use the NBT in my shorty 7-08 and my 7-30W Contender.
The 7TCU rifle prefers the V-Max and the Contender prefers the NBT. I have not worked up a load for the 7-30W using the V-Max yet, but that is mainly due to the NBT load that I have shooting as good as it does.
Both perform very well on hogs, whitetails, and black bears. The NBT is a bit tougher than the V-Max. Such that I almost always get exits on with it, even at impact speeds below 2000 fps. The V-Max absolutely destroys chest cavities however. Thinking back on it, I don't think I have had anything go over 50 yards after being shot with the V-Max bullets (within the velocity windows I am using them in). Also, they will punch through shoulders just fine. I shot a 230+ boar with the 7TCU rifle and a V-Max and shoulder punched him. He nosedived for about 15 yards before piling up.
The buck in my avatar was shot with my 7TCU rifle, BTW.
The 7TCU rifle prefers the V-Max and the Contender prefers the NBT. I have not worked up a load for the 7-30W using the V-Max yet, but that is mainly due to the NBT load that I have shooting as good as it does.
Both perform very well on hogs, whitetails, and black bears. The NBT is a bit tougher than the V-Max. Such that I almost always get exits on with it, even at impact speeds below 2000 fps. The V-Max absolutely destroys chest cavities however. Thinking back on it, I don't think I have had anything go over 50 yards after being shot with the V-Max bullets (within the velocity windows I am using them in). Also, they will punch through shoulders just fine. I shot a 230+ boar with the 7TCU rifle and a V-Max and shoulder punched him. He nosedived for about 15 yards before piling up.
The buck in my avatar was shot with my 7TCU rifle, BTW.
HandgunHTR
Gold $$ Contributor
For longer distance target shooting, I would recommend the 120 NBT over the V-max if only because the NBT has a better BC.
If you are not married to the 120 grain bullets, then the Speer 130 grain SPs are another boat-tail bullet that is very cost effective and are easy to load for and if you can go to 140 grains, then the Hornady 139 grain SST and FMJs are both good choices as well.
If you are not married to the 120 grain bullets, then the Speer 130 grain SPs are another boat-tail bullet that is very cost effective and are easy to load for and if you can go to 140 grains, then the Hornady 139 grain SST and FMJs are both good choices as well.
It would seem that you are using a bullet too light to perform well on paper at 600 and even worse at a 1,000 {falling out of subsonic and wind}.
You have not mention cartridge but unless you are shooting some sort of pistol than I would suggest that you consider bullet weight in at least 165gr category.
Well, for one thing, the Hornady is a varmint bullet. While the Ballistic Tip is a big game bullet.
My daughter and I have both used the 120gr Ballistic Tip on deer. Her 7X57 Mauser and me 7mm-08AI.
And they perform well in that role.
Even though to me, a dead coyote is a dead coyote, I don't purposely load up the Ballistic Tips for coyote hunting.
And I'm not about to use a varmint bullet to hunt deer.
My daughter and I have both used the 120gr Ballistic Tip on deer. Her 7X57 Mauser and me 7mm-08AI.
And they perform well in that role.
Even though to me, a dead coyote is a dead coyote, I don't purposely load up the Ballistic Tips for coyote hunting.
And I'm not about to use a varmint bullet to hunt deer.
The VMAX is a varmint bullet, while the NBT is a hunting bullet. It is said to be built just like the 140g NBT.
I have some of the 120g NBTs for the wife's kimber lightweight 7/08. They make for a great mule deer round.
I have some of the 120g NBTs for the wife's kimber lightweight 7/08. They make for a great mule deer round.
WAMBO
Gold $$ Contributor
It would be supersonic but just barely.
If you insist on using lighter than appropriate bullets for 1000yd shooting, the 140 BT would be a much better choice.
Wind drift would be approximately 20 inches less in a 10 mph wnd with the 140.
We've had people trying to shoot lightweight bullets at 1000yds in our matches and they never work out well.
If you insist on using lighter than appropriate bullets for 1000yd shooting, the 140 BT would be a much better choice.
Wind drift would be approximately 20 inches less in a 10 mph wnd with the 140.
We've had people trying to shoot lightweight bullets at 1000yds in our matches and they never work out well.
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I've shot, the 120gr. NBT's to 500 Yards, from my, 21" T / C, single Shot, in 7 x 30 Waters and,.
It's pretty Accurate but for,.. 600 to 1,000 Yards, get yourself, a 6.5 Creed, .260 rem. .260 Ai, 6.5-284 or, or 6.5 PRC and,.. launch 140 ELD-M's, 142 SMK's or, 144 Hyb Bergers,.. as Your Wasting your TIME with, the 120 gr. NBT's,.. much past, 500 yds,. IMO.
If, using a 7MM go with, a High BC, 162 or, 168 gr Bullet, as Minimum, w/ 175 to, 184 grain Bullets,.. BETTER !
It's pretty Accurate but for,.. 600 to 1,000 Yards, get yourself, a 6.5 Creed, .260 rem. .260 Ai, 6.5-284 or, or 6.5 PRC and,.. launch 140 ELD-M's, 142 SMK's or, 144 Hyb Bergers,.. as Your Wasting your TIME with, the 120 gr. NBT's,.. much past, 500 yds,. IMO.
If, using a 7MM go with, a High BC, 162 or, 168 gr Bullet, as Minimum, w/ 175 to, 184 grain Bullets,.. BETTER !
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THIS,.. ^^^^
I have only shot out too 300 yds with them. I was using my 280 Rem. Even used both bullets on deer. Both worked good for me. I would pick the Nosler because of the bc.
Orr89rocz
Silver $$ Contributor
Yeah, start it at 3400 atleast it will be supersonic….but why
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