36gr Barnes Varmint Grenade in a 1-9" 223

[sk330lc]

I've been playing with the Barnes 36gr varmint Grenade, In a 16" AR-15 1 in 9" twist 223. 
Reloader 7 , BL-C (2) , 2230, and IMR 4198 All produced 1" and under Groups with Reloader 7 being the best with a 5/16" Group. Thats three shots at 100 yards. The Load I ended up using was a near max load of BL-C (2) in a 05 LC case with a Rem 7 1/2 primer.   I took the Carbine out last night Groundhog Hunting and had great Luck.  Shot one at  165 yards  head shot , Not much left . The Second was at 9 yards    Body hit  Big exit.  For under 200 yards I've found a new love.  The wind has a big effect on the Long light bullet so take care with the wind. I was unsure when I started this venture if the 1in9" barrel would spin them to fast . I got my answer. 

[stimpylu32]

Thats good to know that they will work , most of the time when someone thinks 1 in 9 for a 223 they automaticly think HEAVY for cal bullets not lightweights .

I have tried the little 35g V-max in my 1 in 12 and was sadly disapointed , looked more like a shotgun pattern than a group . 

stimpy

[saltydog]

I have had excellent response from the Vmax bullets from 35 gr. to 60 gr. in my .224's as well as other larger calibers. They have been my go to bullets for reloading for varmit and predator shooting as well as special purpose ammo in larger calibers. In 224's from the Hornet to 22-250 they group as well as or better than with any other bullet. In the lightweight configuration I have had the most trouble getting the Speer 33 gr. TNT's to group accurately. I would rate the Barnes VG's in the middle of the pack as I would pick a Nosler and Sierra first. The VG's have taken me more load development time to come up with a best fit load in particular as they are pushed to higher velocities.

[sk330lc]

The reason I wanted to use the Light bullet. Was for the speed at witch I could push them out of the 16" barrel.   The 50 through 60 gr V-max are My bullets of choice .  My 20" 1-9" RRA Loves the 60gr V-max .. 3/4" groups at 200 yards are the norm.   

[paul105]

I've been playing with the Barnes 36gr varmint Grenade, In a 16" AR-15 1 in 9" twist 223. 
Load I ended up using was a near max load of BL-C (2) in a 05 LC case with a Rem 7 1/2 primer.

If it's allowed, would you mind sharing the load?

TIA,

Paul

[LaOtto222]

Even though the 36 grain VG is light, it also long for weight. There are 1 - 14" twist barrels that will not stabilize them unless they are pushed over 3200 fps. I have two Hornets with 1 - 14" twist barrels that will not stabilize them. I think they act more like 52 - 55 grain bullets as far as stabilization is concerned.

[sk330lc]

I've been playing with the Barnes 36gr varmint Grenade, In a 16" AR-15 1 in 9" twist 223. 
Load I ended up using was a near max load of BL-C (2) in a 05 LC case with a Rem 7 1/2 primer.

If it's allowed, would you mind sharing the load?

TIA,

Paul

It is I'm sure But I wish Not too.  It would be Much better and more fun for you to work up slow and see what your rifle Likes.  The Data I used came from the Newest Lymann Manual.   I would hate to give you the Load and you Try it. to only have it be over presure for your rifle.

Even though the 36 grain VG is light, it also long for weight. There are 1 - 14" twist barrels that will not stabilize them unless they are pushed over 3200 fps. I have two Hornets with 1 - 14" twist barrels that will not stabilize them. I think they act more like 52 - 55 grain bullets as far as stabilization is concerned.

 
 This Is very true. If you put a 36gr next to a 55gr V-max the bearing surface is all but the same . The length is also.