Can anyone explain the difference (performance and otherwise) between the "Nosler Ballistic tip" and the "Hornady V-Max" bullets? Personal experience with either/or, are welcome.

In my out to 220 yard 223 experience the Nosler cost more and group slightly better than Hornady. Of course with less expensive bullets you can use several extra shots if you need that 1/8 inch Nosler better than Hornady group. I have been using Sierra BT's that are also shoot well enough to kill groundhogs. In my CZ 204 Ruger the Sierra work better than Hornady with normal groups under 1/2 inch at 100 yards.

Nosler takes a little more care in packaging. Perhaps their tolerances are tighter? I couldn't say. I generally go with Hornady 1st, if I can't find a bullet that satisfies, then I'll look at Sierra or Nosler. Most times Hornady works for me and I can't justify paying more.

I'm not sold on any one company yet. I am shooting in a 243 (one on ten twist) that likes Sierra 85 HPBT (1/2 inch group) but can't shoot the 100 gn game king under an inch. If I am shooting ground hog I use the 85 if I am going after white tail eastern deer I will use the 100.

The minute of "ground hog" is smaller than the minute of "deer" so both will work on their intended target but the groups are bigger on the 100 gn.

My experience with both (55 gr. .22-250 and 40gr. .204 Ruger) gives more "splat" with the Hornady; a little more penetration with the Nosler, at least on groundhogs.

I have been impressed with V maxs in three different calibers in a whole pile of different guns. I will use them any chance I get because generally they are less money and shoot with anything else I've tried. I don't use Nosler bullets...I had a customer service issue with Ballistic tips that was never resolved to my satisfaction (I still have the letter the dickhead sent me back). Never bought any more of them.

I have used both extensively (both 50 and 55 gr) and can't see any discernible difference. I buy whichever is on sale.

Until this year, I used Hornady VMAX in my .223, .22-250 and 6BR. When we were loading for this years trip we couldn't find any VMAX bullets so I gave the Nosler BT's a try. They were just as accurate and killed the Pdogs just as dead. Now I have all my loads sighted in with Nosler BT's.

When we compare the 40 Gr bullets Sierra's BK has a flat base. Some guns may like it better.

In the 50 Gr range, all three bullets have a boattail and look alike. The Nosler is said to have a thicker bottom and a higher price. My guns can't tell the difference between the Sierra BK and the V-Max.

In the 55Gr range the V-max has a flat base. One of my guns prefers bullets with a flat base.

The companies show a difference in constrution. The Nosler seems to hang together and go deeper than the Sierra. On small varmints this difference isn't worth the extra price. For larger critters like the coyote where tougher bullets are need the Nosler may be best.

Your gun should have the last word, which bullet does it group best? To answer that question you will have to load more ammo, go to the range, and shoot more groups that sounds like a good thing.