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