Nosler BT vs Hornady VMax in my 223

[jeff223]

i just got back from the range and i found the Hornady Vmax bullets to be great shooters out of my rifle.55gr bullets were used and were shot with a max load of BLC-2 powder.the bullets were seated a loooong ways out just like i seat the Nosler bullets.will i change to the Vmax?the answer is no.the Noslers shoot tighter groups still.the Noslers seem to shoot the best out of all i have tried.these Vmax bullets are real close to the Nosler. though.you 223 shooters should try both in your rifles.with the added length of the 55gr bullets and if you seat them a long ways out you will get better accuracy out of your rifles.the lighter bullets  may shoot good for you now but i will bet money one of  these bullets  will shoot better for you.these Hornady Vmaxs will shoot 1/2 inch groups with no problem at 100 yds out of my gun.try both and i think you will be happy you did

[MSP Ret]

Thanks jeff223, they are both on my list to try when I get dies for my .223....<><.... :grin:

[Maine Woods]

Hi Jeff223 what are you ending up with OAL ( did I say that right over all cartrige lenght ? )

[jeff223]

2.5 inch is the OAL

[like2shoot]

I tried both in my 223 HB and the V-max shot better. I use the Hornadays in several different guns . They perform well in the field also.

[mag41vance]

Hey Jeff,
 How hot do you shoot your barrel? Mine doesn't seem to shoot as well the more it's shot.
  Do you let the barrel rest between shots?
                           RV

[jeff223]

RV,from what i have found with these handi rifles is they shoot good with a cold barrel.when they get hot the groups get bigger.i shoot the rifle slow with time between shots.i take another rifle or two to the range to shoot also.i shoot  muzzle loaders alot,22 rimfires sometimes and other centerfires.

with the 223 it will shot great groups for up to 10 rounds or so then i set it down and shoot something else for a while.i try to keep it cool.i dont know if all these handi rifles are the same but it sure looks like it to me.they sure are great low dollar hunting rifles.i sure enjoy them

[mag41vance]

I have observed the same. If I take three firearms minimum to shoot, and rotate the every three shots(with my first in every three being at a site-in target then two in the group), my groups are better. It's a real pain when your trying to develope loads, cause I don't like to be loading a bunch of different calibers and charge weights, bullet weights etc.... to much for my brain to keep in order. Plus to do a good job on testing, it takes more time than I have.

 How many do you load to test?
                     RV

[jeff223]

RV,i start out with 9 of each and go from there.i will shoot three 3 shot groups and then go to the next load.if one of the loads show something like what i am looking for i will load more of them and then i will try them again.once you get up near max you should watch for sighs of pressure though.if you see signs of pressure you should stop there and pull the bullets on those rounds.some of these rifles shoot best at max.our 223 rifles seem to be that way.my 270 handi i shoot down from max about 2 grains.you get up near max with that you get stuck cases and the accuracy falls off.

[Wlscott]

I tried the 55 grain Nosler BT's in my Ultra.  They would print a little over an inch.  

When I tried the 50 grain Hornady V Max's, they printed under an inch.  I haven't tried 55 grain V Max's yet.  I am tweeking that 50 grain load right now to try to get it as tight as I can.

[jeff223]

boy its funny how these rifles vary from rifle to rifle.some like one bullet and others like another.you would think one kind of rifle would shoot the same bullet weight about the same but thats not the case.hopefully everyone can find the right setup for their rifle

[223Shooter]

The accuracy with my NEF 223 Handi is very good. I load a 55gr Hornaday SP with W-748 powder and it will shoot 3/8" groups at 60 yds in my backyard. My oal is 2.300. It likes a cold barrel too. I really like my NEF. May order another !!   :lol:

[Ditchdigger]

Mine likes the 40 gr. moly V max's over 26.5 grs. of H 335 best,the 50's and 55's not so hot. I've got a box of 50 gr. moly V max's I hav'nt tried yet, got a new 280 and 45 70 barrells to play with right now. Digger