.223 + 60gr. V-Max, Varget, 1:9", 20" barrel

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

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Hey guys~wondering if you have loaded 60gr. V-Max using Varget in a 1:9", and what charge worked best for you? I loaded up to the Hornady-given spec. of 27gr., and it shot best there compared to the lower charge I tried of 26.5gr. In the event the charge was the issue and not the icy wind blowing into my eyes...have any of you loaded these same 60s (using Varget) any hotter? The 27gr. charge shot under an inch @ 100, but my 55gr. V-Max loads shot even better. I'd like to get a sense of whether or not the 60gr. V-Max is likely to hold better accuracy potential, or if I should be playing in the 53gr.-55gr. range. I've been told "55gr. and heavier" for my rate of twist, but I've had people suggest I give 53gr. a chance too.

Application~groundhogs. Desired effect~V-Max destruction, but would take a little less of that if accuracy potential is increased. And yes...I'm new @ reloading. :)
 
You will love the 60 grain Vmax's as they have been one of the, if not thee most accurate bullet out of any of my .223's. I use W748 and I find that I was getting my best accuracy closer to the top end. I haven't tried Varget, but I think if you just work up a load and try it in your rifle, you will be off to the races.
 
What kind of range are you shooting the 'hogs at? Even with a 1:9" twist I'd be trying 40gr vmax's myself.

Increased rpm's on your bullet of choice will help with bullet upset. A 60gr vmax is going to hold together a lot stronger than a 50gr vmax. And you'll not have any issues with the 50's most likely.

I know a lot of guys running faster twists than that who run the 50gr vmax as their carnage bullet of choice.
 
"Carnage bullet of choice"...I like it. :) OK, you have me thinking. What about accuracy on the lighter stuff? Any idea how much Varget they're running behind those 40s?

I usually shoot groundhogs @ 100-130 yards if I can, but it was some "Hail Mary" shots on some WAAAAY out that got me interested in reloading. As an aside, my only experience with 53gr. V-Max in my rifle is when I tried the factory "Superperformance" rounds and they weren't nearly as accurate as the regular 55gr. V-Max factory stuff. Got me believing in the 55gr.+ idea, and the success of my first reloaded 55s bolster that a bit.
 
223 is a small case, load in steps of 0.2 of a grain or you might just completely miss your accuracy node.....also if it helps you any..I have always had my best luck with Vmax bullets seated for a 10 thou jump.
 
Haven't tried the 60 gr v-max with varget yet but I do have a sweet load worked up using CFE223 that shoots a pretty consistent 1/2" at 100yds .
 
Im running 1:9 in my current 223 also and have mostly shot 50gr V-max's out of it with great results, and I'm using old school IMR 3031. Waiting for warmer weather and a plow truck to visit the range and try out the 40gr's and some 75GR A-max's. In a recent issue of The Varmint Hunter there was an article on how the velocity/ flat trajectory of the 40GR poly tipped and even lighter Lead free bullets have really reduced the need for heavier i.e. 50GR-60GR bullets in the .22 centerfires when targeting small varmints lick gophers and crows out to 500yrds. I fully intend to experiment the points from this article in the spring:) Obviously Woodchucks are larger than gophers but I doubt they'd walk away feeling too good.

I do agree with yodave on the .2gr increments with cases this size. I've always done it that way without issue.

Rob
 
In my Savage with a 1:9 twist I'm having better results with 50gr VMAX over 55gr VMAX. I haven't tried anything heavier than 55gr. Using Varget, 748 and IMR 4198 loads are consistently better with the 50s. I've found .2gr increments are worth trying as well. Normally I go in .5gr steps but the 223 is a small case.
 
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