Thoughts on 180gr VLD Targets vs Hunters on Elk

PingGong3

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2020
Messages
138
Location
Birmingham, AL
I've talked to some people that say the targets are better on tough game because they have a thicker jacket and can penetrate a little deeper before exploding. Has anyone tested this or found this to be true? Thanks
 
I think the 180 hybrid is the peak of efficiency from most 7s. I've shot the 168s plus many other 7s as well as the 215/230 bergers. I've found the 230 hybrid to hold up better than the 215 after shooting several with each. I'm running the 180 target hybrid at 2850 from a short barreled saum. Only killed a few deer and hogs so far but it's deadly.

I will say that I shot a bull elk with a 230 at 547 yards last year with a mv of 2980. Perfectly placed shot just tight to the shoulder center punching both lungs. We found the base of the jacket and a few fragments on the off side skin. He didn't take a step but somehow rose to his feet and received a second bullet high shoulder. His lungs were completely mushed.

I'm having a hard time deciding which to take this year on a muley hunt. Both hold .5moa to 800.
 
Last edited:
That is what I'm planning to build is a 7saum with an 18-20" barrel because I will be running it suppressed. What speeds can I expect to get with the 180? I have H1000 and H4831SC with ADG brass and CCI250, Fed 210 and Fed 215 primers I can use.
 
I'm running a 21 inch suppressed saum with a .195 freebore. I hit 2900 and was a 100% capacity with H1k, 210Ms, 180 hybrids and adg brass. Best accuracy came at 2850.

From what I've read that's on the fast side for this combo.
 
Last edited:
180 Hybrids:

My son I I shot 2 elk this past fall with them. His was like 360 yards mine was 380. His pretty much dropped in tracks. Mine did the stumble thing and went down 1 second later. His MV was 3,050' mine was 2,930'

Shot numerous deer with the very devastating. Hogs destroys them.

I think of the 180 Hybrid just as much as the 215 Hybrid in 30 cal.
 
I'll be happy with 2800-2850fps. Sounds like I can get that with a 20".
You should hit 2,850' easily with N560 or N565. I'm guessing in that shorty N560 will be the better of the two. I load 6 of the 7 SAUMS currently and I've found these two powders to be Golden! If they don't work I'd try RL26. It's a great powder also in it, but I'm 95% sure the first two will be the ones.
 
Top