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53gr vmax in a 223?

Bullet Pusher

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 21, 2013
84
31
TX.
What powder are u guys using would like to know if anyone is using varget in a 223 if so how does it perform i have the sps tac. 20'' bar.THANKS
 
I'm using a 55 grain Ballistic Tip, which I believe is similar to the Vmax.

Using 24.4 grains of Benchmark I can get 1" groups at 100 yards in a Stevens 200, 22" barrel, 1/9 twist.

It's good enough for me, but not so good for the local jackrabbits.

What's the twist rate of your barrel?


Sent from my Galaxy S2
 
I've had the best results with 8208 xbr and benchmark shot out of a couple of ARs. The 53 grain vmax is the most accurate bullet I've shot in both of those rifles. I can't quote charge weights off the top of my head, but they were close to book max.
 
I've used AA 2230 with Sierra's 53gr HP Match King with good results. It meters like water through my powder measure too
 
I have had the best luck with heavy bullets in 223 using varget like 69 matchkings or 68 hornadys. You will find out the velocity sucks with light bullets.
 
I shoot the 50gr Z-Max (V-Max equivalent) using Fed 205M and H322 (23.8gr out of a 24" 1/9 twist Savage). I get sub 1/2 MOA. I could probably get 1/4 MOA if I tweaked the load, but 1/2 MOA is good enough for my needs.
 
My 16" S&W MP15 AR (1 in 9 twist) loves 60 gr. V-max over 25.3 gr. H335. Am planning on doing a complete OCW test here shortly, but 25.3 worked pretty well. Sorry, haven't tried the lighter 53 gr. V-max.
 
My 16" S&W MP15 AR (1 in 9 twist) loves 60 gr. V-max over 25.3 gr. H335. Am planning on doing a complete OCW test here shortly, but 25.3 worked pretty well. Sorry, haven't tried the lighter 53 gr. V-max.

I shot the Nosler version of the V-Max using a similar charge and it was definitely an accurate round. When I do my part, I could get 1/2 MOA out of my DPMS 24" 1-8 bull. I could occassionally get 1/4 MOA, but the stars had to align just right.
 
Well if i can find some 8208 i want to use it, like a dumbass i found some at BassPros a few week's back and didn't buy it so i guess the search is on.
 
Found some imr 8208 on line and ordered 5 pounds of it heck even after haz mat. and shipping fees its still cheaper than driving to S.A. or Buda.Thans fellas.
 
heres my groupson my sako 75 using 1:17 twist 53 vmax and 52 smk.im setled on 52 smk.i did tried 50 52 53 55 vmax.all in varget powder started load 26.60
53 vmax.
20130401_122616_zpscca2a4eb.jpg


52 smk
20130104_203547.jpg

52 gr smk @ 200 yard
20130104_202247.jpg
 
Just working up a load in my savage 10 Max 1. So far I've hit 1/2 moa with 26.7 gr bl-c(2) as its what I had around. 2230 has been giving reasonable accuracy at 100 but poor velocity spread. I suspect faster burn powder may improve things. I ran one load with varget at just under 3/4 moa, but that was my very first load with the 53's. I will keep u posted if I come up with a good combo.
 
Redleg84 had similar results to my tests. 16" light profile AR, similar charge of TAC, and the 53 vmax got me down to a .288" group with a mil spec trigger. I was very impressed. Don't have my notes in front of me,but I remember it liked being pushed hard.
 
I got enough bullets,powder,and brass now for my 223 all i need now are some small rifle primers so if you fellas have a line on some that would be great i swear i won't buy them all.Thanks to the folks that help me find the stuff i needed.