Author Topic: Tried out the 55gr Vamxes today (Read 811 times)

handirifle · « **on:** June 10, 2005, 04:07:49 PM »

Well Itried a load of the 55 gr Vamx's today. So far not impressed. I used 24.2gr of H335 for an avg velocity of 3070 and a spread of 190fps.

Groups at 50yds (I quit experimenting with new loads at 100) were in the 1.5 to 2" range. Tried my tried and true 40gr Vmax at the same dist and got three in 3/8th in. So it wasn't me.

Anyone have a diff powder suggestion for the heavier bullets (55gr)? Maybe H335 isn't the best choice for it.

rimfiregimp · « **Reply #1 on:** June 10, 2005, 04:27:06 PM »

you mean VMAX, dont you? not "VAMX"

mt3030 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 10, 2005, 05:52:18 PM »

Handirifle:
Tried the VMAXs in what caliber? I'm guessing your talking about the 223 Remington. I don't think you're operating in the right pressure range. Every 55 gr (soft point, hollow point or FMJ) that I've worked with in the last 14 years has performed the best close to 25 gr of H335.

Even while working with the black rifles and MIXED MILSUP cases, I've settled on 55 Rem Hollow Points, which are available in bulk, over 25.0 gr H335. Here I just use any case that has been inspected and checked for length due to the fact that so many of them are lost.

(Of couse, as always. these loads have proven safe and very accurate only in about 12 semi, bolt, and single shot 223 chambered rifles, so others must start at least 10% below and work up.)

Also, I have never gotten the accuracy from VMAXs that I get from Nosler Bal-Tips, in my 222, 223, or 22-250 rifles. I'm sure there lots of shooters with the opposite findings.

Since 1991 my Remington 700 VS has eated nothing but the 50 gr Bal-Tip over 27 gr H335, fired by CCI 400s in R-P cases. Once in a while I might get a pierced primer per 50 rds, so once this season is over I might back off to 26 grains, IF they shoot as well. These I use only in stated firearm. The above 25 gr load in everything else.

Wally

Norseman112 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2005, 06:01:27 PM »

handirifle

my .223 ultra liked 40 gr V-max better than the 55 gr V-max. Only powders I tried were IMR 4198 and IMR 3031. I will try some different recipes for the 55's though.

Norse

cheatermk3 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2005, 07:54:30 PM »

For me the 50 grain bullets work best in the 223-
Rem M700PSS-M700-M788(3 of these and 1 more that belongs to my friend Craig).
I like the 45 and 40 grain pills too.

I use H322, AA2230 and surplus DATA2200 which is 5%slower than AA2230. For me 24.0 grains of any of the above powders is close to max for 50 grain bullets.

I think that 55 grains is a bit too heavy for the 223 in anything slower than 1 turn in 10 inches twist rate. The military started with the 55 grain fmj; back when they first came out lotsa guys were pulling the military hardball bullets and replacing them with 50 grain pills, for better accuracy.

The military hardball ammo operated on the ragged edge of stability, with devastating terminal ballistics. Which is the name of the game for military applications.

JMHO, of course.

handirifle · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2005, 09:54:45 PM »

rimfire
Sorry phat phingers :grin:

Yes it was in my 223 UV. I love the performance I get with the 40gr Vmax, pushing nearly 3600fps.

mt3030, I'll try stepping up the load a notch or two before I give up on H335.
Thanks for the feedback all.

Paul5388 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 11, 2005, 04:56:01 AM »

Handi,

I would suggest trying the Hornady 60 gr VMax. I know everyone likes the lighter bullets and for good reason, but the 60 gr VMax is designed for 1 in 12 twist barrels. I have been using 27.0 gr Varget with it and getting pretty good results.

I haven't tried any BTs, but the Nosler 45 gr solid base .224" doesn't shoot good with the powders I have tried.

I bought some BLC-2 this week and plan to give it a try in .223 and 30-30.

mt3030 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 11, 2005, 07:28:19 AM »

cheatermk3:

I totally agree with 50 grainers proving more accurate. I've settled on the Rem 55 HP for the black rifles only because 1) they have a cannula 2) they are cheap! and 3) wanted (as close as possible) to duplicate factory 55 fmj loads. That way when I come across a good buy on factory 55 gr loads at the gun shows I can get it and not have to deal with sight adjustments. For serious work in the 788, 700vs and Handis have found I still can't beat the 50 gr loads.

Wally

cheatermk3 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 11, 2005, 12:20:46 PM »

Handi-
Got your MO today.
THANKS!

Swift One · « **Reply #9 on:** June 11, 2005, 12:26:38 PM »

I experiemented with the 55gr VMAXs and never was able to get them to shoot consistently. I became very fond of Sierra Blitzking bullets.

McLernon · « **Reply #10 on:** June 13, 2005, 09:13:39 AM »

I shot some 55 gr Vmax bullets in my Handi and got patterns not groups. It looked like they were marginally stable so I checked the twist used a tight patch on a cleaning rod. Average twist rate over 13 inches was 1:13. The instantaneous twist rate at the muzzle could even have been higher than 1:13. The twist rate of course should be 1:12. I have had stability problems at low temperatures with similar rates. So it may be that you are marginally stable with the 55's. I abandoned them for my Handi and use 50's.

Nuttinbutchunks · « **Reply #11 on:** June 13, 2005, 06:03:16 PM »

My Handi shoots 26 grains of Varget with a 50 grain Amax, or Vmax bullet. Goi' PD blastin' Saturday with them. Lt ya know how it did.