My third tag is now filled. Shot this broken horn buck today with the Brown XP 7T/CU. This makes two for that gun now but this time I used a 120gr V-Max. I was hunting on a bench that overlooked a small ravine when he came out of the brush beside me. Range was about 35yds. He ran about 20yds and just tipped over. It seems that 7mm 120's at 2450fps from the T/CU kill deer but leave me wanting for bigger exit holes. They are there, but virually useless for bloodtrailing. Both deer had shoulder entrances with rib exits and displayed the same damage pattern. The big doe from Monday dropped on the spot only because the impact was slightly higher than what you can see on this deer. But today, he hardly leaked a drop even with a fresh layer of snow to follow on. If the weather had been bad or he had made it out of sight, trailing would be have tough. So I'm thinking I need to revise my bullet choice for next year.

Used to hear that the 120 V-Max was the same as the discontinued SSP bullet, but that doesn't appear to be the case any more. Congrat's on a great season Dan.

Thanks. It was a really good season.

I'd hate to jump up to a 139/140gr class bullet since I like the velocity, trajectory and mild recoil of the 120's. The BT's may be an option but they are pricey for as much as I like to shoot. Also, the Hornady 120gr HP and V-Max have exactly the same POI out to 200yds (longest range tested).

Nice job Dan!

Dan,,,,,,I am from SE of Pittsburgh about 12 miles. Where are you able to handgun hunt now?

Dan,

I've been using the 120gr BTs in my 7GNR which is running only slightly faster than your TCU. I haven't had a lot of luck getting a sizeable exit wound with them either, but honestly haven't needed it as the few deer I've used them on all dropped on the spot. The core on the BT seems to separate too easily when it hits bone so I've typically gotten the core going one direction and the jacket another with one or both creating small exit wounds.

Danny, good for you on the deer... The bullet? Wish I could help...

JUst not enough powder capacity in 7 TCU to get decent velocity and exits with 120s. Have to go lighter- 90 to 100 gr.

Dan,
I always thought the v-max bullets were a varmit bullet that more or less explodes on impact. I know they do because I have shot some yotes with the 55 grain .22 caliber variety. I have never messed with any 7mm, 120 grain though.
It's hard to beat a good ole fashion lead tip bullet on deer.

Nice shot on the deer BTW. And good news, there was no tracking.

it's a little heavier Dan but the 130gr hot cor bullets has worked extremely well for a friend shooting a 7-30 waters.

I'm in southern Indiana County.

Nice going Dan; 3 deer is indeed a good season. Is your freezer big enough?

If not...

Those vmax bullets along with other varmint bullets dont give such explosive results at pistol velocities. I use Hornady 22 hornet bullets in my xp, chambered in 221 fire ball and the recovered bullets show perfect mushrooms. I'm sure they would be more dynamic in a 223 rifle.
When it comes to the 7 tcu, i still favor Noslers 120gr BTs. Granted they are expensive, but there are cheaper options available for punching paper.
Congrats on this years harvest! I used to stomp around Somerset county as an under-grade from Penn State. SWPA is beautiful.