105 HVLDs

[J300UM]

Anyone have experience with these little pills with impact velocities above 3000fps? My little guy has a hog hunt in two weeks and he’ll be using my 243 running 3150fps. Shots will only be 60-70 yards. I’m plenty confident on a shot in the crease but in the event he sticks one in the shoulder, the thought of a splash is weighing on my mind a little. He’s pretty solid with his marksmanship for a 9 yr old and shouldn’t have an issue putting the bullet where he needs to but I’m still trying to prepare for any “what ifs”.

 

[FURMAN]

I don't buy into the splash idea and physics does not support it. I would not worry about it and have fun. Good luck. I look forward to the pics!

 

[J300UM]

Always appreciate your input man. The concern is stemming from having it actually happen several years back. I hit a bull in the scapula (not my finest moment) on a follow up shot with a 210vld at ~3100 impact velocity. The meat and hide on the shoulder was completely shredded and none of the bullet made it through the scapula. Broz and I discussed it at one point and we’re both of the belief that the 3 groove Lilja barrel I was using was a potential contributing factor. Compromised jacket maybe 🤷. That’s the only time I’ve seen it actually happen. I’ve taken a train load of critters with Bergers since then without any issues but that one instance still lingers in the back of my mind a little. We’re gonna run the 105 load and plan to fill the coolers with some swine. Porkapalooza ‘22 in T minus 2 weeks!

 

[FURMAN]

There are only a few ways this could happen and one, the most likely, is a mechanical bullet failure most likely from high RPM or a jacket failure or both. The other would be a very shallow shot angle. I have witnessed numerous 147s not make it to the target or a pond damn for a backer. I have no idea when the cause was and stopped using the bullets.

 

[Broz]

Whats the groove count and twist rate of the .243?

The 3 and 4 groove barrels are not a good match at all for some of the very thin jacketed bullet like the 147's or A-Tips. I dont even like a 3 or 4 groove with cup core bullets at all. We seen it long ago with some fast twist high velocity 7mm's. And I predicted it again with the 6.5 PRC with 3 and 4 groove's with 7 twists. And sure enough it happened.

 

[FURMAN]

The issue with those theories are it’s not the norm. I’ve had several 3 and 4 groove barrels be perfectly fine.

 

[Broz]

The issue with rouse theories are it’s not the norm. I’ve had several 3 and 4 groove barrels be perfectly fine.

Who said it was the "Norm" ? But, I am here to tell you it can happen and the combination of fast twist, high velocity with quick acceleration rate combined with thin jacketed bullets in a 3 groove are the perfect storm. Sorry I have just lived it too many times to dismiss it.

The OP asked about using the 105's on thick skinned animals with impact velocities above 3000 fps. I would not do it with a 3 groove and 7 twist. However I would with a 5 or 6 groove with a 8 twist even though it was stated the bullet is a HVLD with the thinner jacket.

 

[J300UM]

It’s a 6 groove 8t Carbon six.

 

[Broz]

It’s a 6 groove 8t Carbon six.

Then in my opinion I would go for it and like you said stay off of thick shoulder joints

 

[Stumpm2]

I have shot several animals with the 105 HVLD at a muzzle velocity of 3210 fps out of an 8 twist barrel. Ranges have been 80-600 yards (most around 300 yards) and they have been completely devastating. No hogs, but several whitetails, mule deer does, and antelope. They have went through bone and most have exited with softball size holes.

 

[J2shooter]

It’s a 6 groove 8t Carbon six.

Tagging in.
I want to see how your boy does on this hunt. Shooting pigs is a good way to test this bullet too IMO. Good luck!

 

[J300UM]

I’ll definitely follow up with terminal results.

 

[Stumpm2]

I have shot several animals with the 105 HVLD at a muzzle velocity of 3210 fps out of an 8 twist barrel. Ranges have been 80-600 yards (most around 300 yards) and they have been completely devastating. No hogs, but several whitetails, mule deer does, and antelope. They have went through bone and most have exited with softball size holes.

I forgot to mention this is a 3-groove Lilja barrel. No issues to date with the 105 VLDs with probably 700 rounds through it.