Acrobatic projectiles

[DDelle338]

  I reloaded and shot my first batch of ammo for this barrel. The barrel is an Eabco 26" .223, with a 12" twist. The 12" twist is supposed to be good for 40-50gr bullets. I loaded Sierra 45gr spitzers, Hornady 45gr Hornets, and Winchester 46gr HP's. I used H335 for all. I loaded 4 different weights of powder for each bullet. Starting about a medium pressure and moving up towards the max listing.
The first bullets fired were the Sierras, nothing to brag about, not very good honestly. But the first Hornady fired went throught the target sideways! Out of 20 rounds fired, 8 were tumbling when they hit the target! What's the deal? Am I pushing them to fast with a mid range charge, to slow? I would expect this from a 70gr bullet, but not a 45. Oh, yes, I meassured the twist at 12" with a cleaning rod and tight patch.  Any ideas? Opinions?

[Davemuzz]

If your using the Hornady 45 grain Hornet bullet in your .223, your using the wrong bullet. The Hornet bullet is constructed to fly out of the 22 Hornet cartridge at about 2700fps and hit whatever game at that speed, or slower, and then explode inside the varmit. Your probably pushing the Hornet bullet at 3200 to 3400fps which is way past what it is built for. My guess is when it comes out of the barrel it's already beginning to come apart, which would explain it's erratic flight behavior.

So, if you want to shoot Hornady bullets, buy the V-max in 224 diameter.  They are made to fly at the speeds that a .223 and a 22-250 can push 'em at. You won't see any tumbling with a V-max.

Dave.

[DDelle338]

  Thanks Dave;
  What you said makes sense. Plus, After speaking with Ebon Brown of EABCO, I measured the bullet diameter. Even though the box is marked .224, these bullets were .223" in dia. I will be contacting Hornady today to see if they will replace them with a box of V-Max bullets of the propper dia.

[DDelle338]

  Thanks Dave;
  What you said makes sense. Plus, After speaking with Ebon Brown of EABCO, I measured the bullet diameter. Even though the box is marked .224, these bullets were .223" in dia. I will be contacting Hornady today to see if they will replace them with a box of V-Max bullets of the propper dia.

A new box is on the way.

[Davemuzz]

A new box is on the way.

It's always nice to do business with a good company!

MHO

Dave