I have notice that my Starline Valkyrie brass takes more effort to load than I think it should. I had about 60 rounds prepped from my last shooting trip . I was surprised on measuring the necks that the cartridge has that much spring back. I was getting .218 after sizing. Too much tension. Last year I built a brass annealer and set it up to lightly anneal the necks. Still had a lot of tension, so I ran those cases through the sizer die only letting the expander go through the neck. Much better I'm getting about .222 to .223 now and a lot less seating pressure to seat the bullet.
- Thread starter Niles Coyote
- Start date
Hornady is releasing more .224 ammo
75BTHP in their black line at 3000 fps and also a 60 V-Max at 3300
75BTHP in their black line at 3000 fps and also a 60 V-Max at 3300
The best load I have so far is 26.2 of RE 17 and the 95 SMKs. They are holding 1/2" or a bit less over several five shot groups. 2649 fps. Win 760 seems to be a good powder also with the heavys.
What barrel?
Well...I finally broke down and bought a Craddock Precision Rock Creek 6.7t 20" +2 in .875 Dia barrel. From what I've been seeing from others on here...CP is the way to go for the 224 Valkyrie. Does anyone have the Rock Creek 6.7t barrel here and how's it shooting?
I have two of the JP bolts and they're the new updated ones which they claim has better geometry and some other tidbits. As far as I can tell its excellent quality but I'm sure there are alot of other great options.
Ive got the same barrel...have you had a chance to shoot the 88gr ELDM factory loads through it yet? How is it doing? With 75gr ELDM im doing excellent.
I have one from Craddock, finished at 22". It's a hammer. So far, I've just shot factory ammo from it, but it has done well with both the Federal Fusion 90g and especially likes the Hornady 88g ELDM.
Next, I need to get she'll holders and dies for it and try out the 50 pieces of Starline brass their rep gave me. I'll co-develop loads for it and for the once-fired Hornady brass at the same time for comparison.
Stay away from airborne arms. I'm stuck with my piece of shit Airborne Arms "premium" pathfinder barrel . I've requested warranty work because they have a 1 MOA guarantee. The best group I've ever gotten in 650 rounds is not any better then a 4 year old could get with a sling shot. Its a ridiculous piece of junk and the owner Ryan Morgan is a bigger piece of junk. He is claiming that I abused my barrel and that he is voiding the warranty without being able to provide any evidence of this "abuse." Beware, if you have a problem he will be a weasel and blame you for his shitty product. He also has never test fired the barrel.
The Airborne Arms website looked shady enough that I'm not surprised you're having issues.
This should remind people to spend your money on a good barrel and competent smith that knows how to make a good chamber. You can save money elsewhere, but if you want good consistent accuracy, spend your money on a good barrel and chamber.
This has been a public service announcement. That is all
This has been a public service announcement. That is all
It's a 24" shilen 6.5 twist. .875 dia
I'm sorry to hear that you're having such a bad experience...that's aggravating when you spend your hard earned money on a product and it doesn't perform to your liking but worst of all is shady customer service. I'm curious, what where you shooting through it? Have you measured your leade? Are you reloading or using factory only? How was the rifle assembled? Are you using a torque wrench? Most manufacturers are able to at least get close to MOA now a days with CNC machining. I hope you get some results.
I have an 18" Rainier Arms Rock Creek rifle +1 that I can't get to group with most loads I'm loading. With 75gr ELDM, I'm able to keep it under MOA with 27.1gr of PP2000-MR at 2.270" but with the 88gr ELDM I can't get it to group but maybe 3/5 shots. I always get random flyers and groups are never really clustered together like I'm used to with my 223 Rem based uppers. My 6.5 Grendel shoots inside a nickle with little effort with most of my loads. I've tried CFE223, PP2000-MR, and even 8208XBR but haven't gotten good results. So far I've used both Sierra's and Hornady's load data. From Sierra with PP2000-MR I loaded from 24.4gr all the way up to 25.5gr in Starline brass using Wolf Magnum, Remington BR, CCI400, and CCI450 seated from 2.260" all the way up to 2.280". With Hornady's load data I loaded from 25.3gr all the way up to 26.4gr seated at their recommended 2.260". With the CFE223 and 8208XBR it was basically similar. I'm not sure if the RCBS SB dies are to blame or not but I did order a new Forster FL die and a Hornady MicroJust and Hornady 224 Valkyrie Seating die with the Amax stem so maybe that'll help. My build is all premium components. 18" RA Rock Creek barrel, Cerro Forge M4 upper receiver, BCM Alpha Keymod Rail, JP Enhanced 6.8/224 Valkyrie bolt, Geissele SSA-E two-stage trigger, JP SCS gen1 with 2 tungsten weights, and barrel nut torqued to BCM's recommended 50ft lbs. I've built well over 20 AR's over the years and never had this much trouble getting one to group.
I just ordered a receiver lapping tool, and I was able to find Reloader 15 locally so maybe that'll help. I also just bought a Craddock Precision 6.7t 20" +2 .875" barrel in hopes that maybe I can go back over my load data and try some of those loads in the CP barrel just to compare. When I talked to Paul he said that there could be a number of things but Reloader 15 should help alot more and that 1/2x28 threads for a 224 Valkyrie isn't the best. I think he has a point there because I've seen this improve accuracy in other 223 setups in the past.
Any advise? I know there's some really skilled reloaders on here and maybe I'm missing something in the reloading department. I know Niles has this same barrel and I've tried his load. I contacted Rainier Arms and they're willing to stand by their barrels and told me that if I want I can ship it back and they can inspect and even re-thread it to 5/8x24 as I mentioned. I told them about Paul's recommendation and obviously he's respected even at Rainier Arms because I was met with the reply "Well if Paul said it then there must be something there". From my understanding Craddock Precision and Rainier Arms were the only two companies that had the correct reamer from JGS. I measured my lead and used a Hornady COAL gauge and Paul confirmed it was correct. I'm even considering buying a neck turning setup just to uniform my necks. I wish Redding made a Type S bushing die for the 224 Valkyrie because with my Grendels it's improved accuracy and consistency just from proper neck tension. Any help?
I just ordered a receiver lapping tool, and I was able to find Reloader 15 locally so maybe that'll help. I also just bought a Craddock Precision 6.7t 20" +2 .875" barrel in hopes that maybe I can go back over my load data and try some of those loads in the CP barrel just to compare. When I talked to Paul he said that there could be a number of things but Reloader 15 should help alot more and that 1/2x28 threads for a 224 Valkyrie isn't the best. I think he has a point there because I've seen this improve accuracy in other 223 setups in the past.
Any advise? I know there's some really skilled reloaders on here and maybe I'm missing something in the reloading department. I know Niles has this same barrel and I've tried his load. I contacted Rainier Arms and they're willing to stand by their barrels and told me that if I want I can ship it back and they can inspect and even re-thread it to 5/8x24 as I mentioned. I told them about Paul's recommendation and obviously he's respected even at Rainier Arms because I was met with the reply "Well if Paul said it then there must be something there". From my understanding Craddock Precision and Rainier Arms were the only two companies that had the correct reamer from JGS. I measured my lead and used a Hornady COAL gauge and Paul confirmed it was correct. I'm even considering buying a neck turning setup just to uniform my necks. I wish Redding made a Type S bushing die for the 224 Valkyrie because with my Grendels it's improved accuracy and consistency just from proper neck tension. Any help?
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I'm glad to hear that, I've got high hopes for the 88gr ELDM for LR Target and the 90gr Fusion for hunting.
The Federal Video had me until they said that the 1:7 stabilizes the 90gr and the all the other Federal loads too. If you are making a long range beast, maybe universality with varmint loads isn't the biggest thing on your mind?
Yeah I'm a bit suspicious of the video too but who to believe? One thing for sure though, my 1/7 twist barrel hasn't shown good accuracy with the 88gr ELDM but it has with the 75gr ELDM and I haven't been able to find 80gr ELDM anywhere. From what I'm seeing the 88gr ELDM is longer than the 90gr SMK? I can measure them to get specifics since I have both bullets. Anyways point is I think the 88gr ELDM does need at least a 6.7t based on the length which I should be receiving soon from Craddock this upcoming Tuesday.
You're in Fort Worth? Gibson's in Weatherford actually has the 80Gr ELDM's in stock (I think they had 3-4 boxes when I was there a couple weeks ago). Don't buy all of them, I'm going back to buy another box soon
I've got a Bison Armory 24" 1:6.5t. Tried cfe223, Varget, RL17, WIN 760 and Superformance on the 88 ELD. Shot several 1/2" groups (best groups with cfe223 and SuperFormance), but nothing ever ended up being consistent. 1/2" one day, 1" another day with identical loads.
Ended up trying the 80 ELD, and it's shooting 1/2" or better, after multiple trips to the range.
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You're in Fort Worth? Gibson's in Weatherford actually has the 80Gr ELDM's in stock (I think they had 3-4 boxes when I was there a couple weeks ago). Don't buy all of them, I'm going back to buy another box soon
I've got a Bison Armory 24" 1:6.5t. Tried cfe223, Varget, RL17, WIN 760 and Superformance on the 88 ELD. Shot several 1/2" groups (best groups with cfe223 and SuperFormance), but nothing ever ended up being consistent. 1/2" one day, 1" another day with identical loads.
Ended up trying the 80 ELD, and it's shooting 1/2" or better, after multiple trips to the range.
I had a Bison 18" and it was a great shooter kinda regret selling it now. With 75gr ELDM I was able to do like you're doing. The Rainier Arms Rock Creek 18" that I bought after is a dud. RA customer service is excellent though and they've processed a RMA and they're sending me a 18" Ultramatch 6.5 Grendel per my request since I am already getting the Craddock 6.7t in tomorrow. Thanks on the heads up for the 80gr ELDM I'll check them out! I usually only get one box of any new bullets I start to test incase it doesn't shoot. This way I'm not stuck with em.
I shot my 95 grain loads last weekend from 500 to 1000. They are 26.2 RE17 and going 2649 fps. I was very pleased, they shoot a solid 1/2" at 100. The wind was really bad switching then sudden let ups. We got some good first round hits, also some misses, but most were wind age.
My longest first round hit was 900 yd's on a. 8" plate. It took me 3 to hit 1000. My buddy made a first round hit at 1000 on an 8" then repeated it. At 5-600 I was mistakenly using my creedmoor dope and it was working.
I want to get it out in good conditions and see what it will do, since it produced some sub MOA groups in stiff wind.
Shilen 24" 6.5 twist, happy customer.
My longest first round hit was 900 yd's on a. 8" plate. It took me 3 to hit 1000. My buddy made a first round hit at 1000 on an 8" then repeated it. At 5-600 I was mistakenly using my creedmoor dope and it was working.
I want to get it out in good conditions and see what it will do, since it produced some sub MOA groups in stiff wind.
Shilen 24" 6.5 twist, happy customer.
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Hey guys. Joined the forum just to participate in this thread. I'm a "poor boy" compared to you guys, but I don't care.. I'm having fun anyway. Rifle is Aero M4E1 Gamer builders set, PSA 20" 1/7 Valkarie barrel and nitride BCG combo(original release if it matters). Primary arms 4-14x ACSS FFP .308 DMR scope. Larue MBT 2 stage, Luth-AR MBA-3 stock. The first 100 rounds I thought I made a mistake. Shooting Federal 75 FMJ I was getting 2MOA groups. After that though I'm getting 1MOA or less groups with that same cheaper ammo. I've only shot 90gr fusion as an alternative and it shot about 1-1.5MOA with occasional fliers at 100, but would reliably hit steel at 400 so I dunno about that ammo.
I have a good stock of brass now. Getting dies shortly. I bought a pound of IMR 4451 and CFE 223 at a local store for a pile of $. Local stores are ripoff $ for powder. I only have TAC, H355, Winchester 748, and IMR 4064 otherwise(plan to order some 4350, RL16), . Will be loading 80gr ELD match bullets and may try some Hornady 75gr HTBT as well as 88gr ELD matches. Will update as I get along with the process. Thx for motivating me!
BTW I've been reloading for 2-3 years now, and I can do well with lighter .223/5.56 reloads getting sub MOA, however I must admit I have had fits trying 68 and 75gr pills in .223/5.56. I'm starting to hammer out my faults so please be kind with me if I noob it up. Will try not to bug u guys!
I have a good stock of brass now. Getting dies shortly. I bought a pound of IMR 4451 and CFE 223 at a local store for a pile of $. Local stores are ripoff $ for powder. I only have TAC, H355, Winchester 748, and IMR 4064 otherwise(plan to order some 4350, RL16), . Will be loading 80gr ELD match bullets and may try some Hornady 75gr HTBT as well as 88gr ELD matches. Will update as I get along with the process. Thx for motivating me!
BTW I've been reloading for 2-3 years now, and I can do well with lighter .223/5.56 reloads getting sub MOA, however I must admit I have had fits trying 68 and 75gr pills in .223/5.56. I'm starting to hammer out my faults so please be kind with me if I noob it up. Will try not to bug u guys!
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The MTM boxes for 22-250 and 7.62x39 work well, I got four of the 50 rounders from Amazon.
The Caldwell 7.62x39 boxes noted below are working well for me and the price is hard to beat - just $10.20 for a pack of 5 boxes.
Caldwell Ammo Box 5 Pack (AK 7.62x39) Small, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RPAGOAS/ref=cm_sw_r_em_taa_xO8ZBbTNF18QH
Caldwell Ammo Box 5 Pack (AK 7.62x39) Small, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RPAGOAS/ref=cm_sw_r_em_taa_xO8ZBbTNF18QH
It’s been a long 10 month fight with Airborne Arms but they finally agreed to buy back the barrel. I shot every factory load offering and hundreds of hand loads. Ryan Morgan from Airborne Arms assembled the upper. I measured the freebore and it is 1.8290”
I have been playing with 85 gr RDF’s and 90gr SMK’s. I’m shooting them from a 22” Rock Creek 1:7 from Craddock Precision. I have been getting some amazing groups with the 85’s but nothing all that spectacular with the 90’s. I’m about out of the 90gr match kings and lan to try the 88 ELD-M hopefully with better results. I have been loading the 90’s with 26.2 gr of CFE223 and getting 2680fps. It consistently shoots sub MOA but as I said nothing spectacular. The 85’s on the other hand are amazing. I got sub .5 MOA groups with RL15, 8208XBR and CFE223. The CFE223 is the killer load though. This is 25.5gr of CFE223 loaded to an OAL of 2.26. I’m sure all the stars aligned when I shot this group but every 5 shot group I shot with that load was sum .3moa at 100 yards.
This is a 5 shot group even though it appears to be 3 shots.
This is a 5 shot group even though it appears to be 3 shots.
Thanks for the link. I have been having one heck of a time finding a box that is the right size. It has either been for 223 and to small or for 308 and the round rattle around in the box. As you said it is the nice price too and should work for my 6.5 Grendel as well.
YEEEES! Thats what I'm talking about! Makes me happy I bought a Craddock. re you sure it's 1/7? I thought the Rock Creek was a 6.7t?
You're in Fort Worth? Gibson's in Weatherford actually has the 80Gr ELDM's in stock (I think they had 3-4 boxes when I was there a couple weeks ago). Don't buy all of them, I'm going back to buy another box soon
I think this is the first time I have heard someone point out Gibson's in Weatherford at a source for anything. My In-Laws live there and have spent a lot of time in that store.
For those reloading 224 Valkyrie, how are you all dealing with loose primer pockets in the Federal brass? After the first firing of factory ammo the primer pocket on my brass is pretty loose. New primers slide in with little effort at all.
My barrel is the 1:7 twist 24" CMMG, which is hot garbage. Nothing will group out of that thing so far.
Your answer is to use starline brass, I have yet to try Hornady but I am confident it would be better than Federal as well.
Does anyone have an opinion on tactical ordnance barrels? Me and my cousin built our valkyries with them (they were supposed to be BHW but that's another story). 24 inch 1-7, had some really decent groups of factory and some poor ones with the same ammo.
I'm new to reloading and this weekend is going to be the test run of some 88 eld loads.
I'm new to reloading and this weekend is going to be the test run of some 88 eld loads.
You are right. The barrel on the one I was shooting was my criterion. I have a Rock Creek on my other rifle. The barrel is a 1:7.
Nevermind this post...Ive since returned the RA barrel. The CP barrel shoots extremely accurate groups.
While it doesn't necessarily apply to load development I'm putting this here. Gavin has a great thing going on a cartridge we love.
More to come and I'll add them here.
More to come and I'll add them here.
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Solid, Niles! I was just thinking about a 224 Valk Bolt gun.
Here's my initial OCW tests with 88 ELD/CFE223 and 80 Amax/8208XBR in virgin Starline brass. Really like the CFE223 testing and the consistent low SD's. I shot 20rds of 25.5gr/88 ELD just to foul the new barrel before shooting this test and the SD was 6.4 over those first 20rds. Next up is a seating depth test then I will confirm the load to ensure Im in the center of the node with the 1xbrass and tweak as necessary.
22" Rainier Ultramatch +2 Gas 1:7
22" Rainier Ultramatch +2 Gas 1:7
Here's a seating depth test I ran today with the 88 ELD's and 25.5gr CFE223. I am done with 8208XBR. I tried the 80 Amax's again today and tried an OCW with 88 ELD's and 8208. This powder does not want to cycle the rifle reliably no matter what gas block setting or buffer setup. CFE223 runs 100% reliably so Ill explore other powders but done with 8208 in 224V.
Very happy with this load. Its accurate and very soft shooting. Velocity is 2650 and single digit SD's.
Very happy with this load. Its accurate and very soft shooting. Velocity is 2650 and single digit SD's.
As much as I love the Valkyrie, I'd prefer it in a gas gun. When stepping up to a 700 action, I'm much happier with the Creedmoor...more hunting class bullets and where I'm at, Creedmoor ammo is cheaper than the Fusion load.
Gavin is doing both and will be turning and drilling the AR barrel next.
Exactly. The best thing about the Valkyrie is long range 22 caliber performance within the length constraints of the AR15 platform. Unless you’re a guy who only wants to deal with one caliber, I can’t imagine choosing a Valkyrie bolt gun over a fast twist 22-250, 22-250AI, or 22 Creedmoor. I’m pushing 75gr ELDs at 3,000fps in my 20” Valkyrie which I’m happy with because it’s an AR. Dedicated predator bolt gun? Guys are getting 3,000fps out of heavier/better BC 6mm loads. I don’t buy the more recoil argument because most people are running heavier barreled hunting rigs.
What powder are you using with the 75 ELD's??
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