Will the 120 Hornady VMax replace 120 grain SSP bullets in the 7mm TCU?

How about the 6.5mm 95 grain VMax, will it hold up for anything medium game sized at TCU or maybe even higher velocities?

Louis-

The 120 grain V-Max is not a true replacement for the two discontinued Hornady 7mm SSPs (#2811 and #22811/lead and polymer-tipped, respectively).

Early versions were far too brittle in the upper portion of the jacket. And Hornady even would not recommend it for game at TCU, BR or Waters speeds. But when the supplies of the SSPs dried up, Hornady changed their story, even changed the bullet design somewhat and now recommends it for these applications.

Some versions have gone to the opposite extreme and were as stout as the standard 7mm, 120 grain Hornady. It is not the best choice out there, expecially at TCU speeds.

I recommend either the 120 grain Nosler BT or the 110 grain TNT if the deer aren't overly-large.

Th performance of the 120 grain Nosler is about as consistent as one could ever hope for, and on smaller big game (say 200 pounds and under), the TNT has been doing quite well. It won't penetrate as well as the BT but still gets the job done.

The 95 grain V-Max in 6.5mm is far too soft for even TCU applications. If a lighter game bullet is needed, the 100 grain Ballistic Tip or even the 100 grain Hornady SP will serve you nicely.

And while the 95 V-Max may not be explosive at TCU speeds, it turns itself inside out in a hurry and penetrates minimally, particularly when impacting the resistance of bone. A shot through the shoulder of even medium-sized deer could be asking for trouble. With careful shot selection, it will do in a pinch, but it would not be anywhere near my first choice for deer.

For coyotes, 'cats and similar game, though, it is absolutely lethal, but if you are thinking about saving pelts, it's not the bullet you want..