224 Valkyrie Bolt Action

[jordan0317]

Could you post taking apart the mag and what you do as far as sanding goes? It’s hard for me currently to give mine a fair assessment not having my barrel and seeing how it functions in a real environment . Pushing the rounds out by hand is ok, but def would be better in an action since it’s not consistent. I did notice a rattle of sorts with 10 rounds loaded, but not sure if that’s normal or not. I’ve only messed with mag lips in 308 mags for 6.5 etc previously so not knowledgeable about trying the wrong cartridge in a mag built for something else.

I pulled them both apart today and stretched the springs out to provide more tension, follower is still a little bindy on the front sides, only ran ten rounds through each but didnt have a snag, gonna run them during the trainup tomorrow and see if they cause any issues, if so I'll pull them back apart and sand those front edges some to smooth out

 

[Longshot231]

I got a Uintah bolt action upper in .224 Valkyrie a couple weeks go. After zeroing it in at 100 yards and chronographing Hornady 88 grain ELD ammunition, I took out out to 1000 yards.

The bullets are leaving the barrel at 2637 FPS. Factory specifications are 2675 FPS. So, I'm happy.

The winds were not over 5 MPH yesterday and sometimes were dead calm. I started out shooting at some plates with distances varying from 670 to 705 yards. I was able to hit a 4" X 6" steel plate about 75% of the time when the winds were cooperating and predictable.

When the wind picked up or started varying I could hit the plate about 50% of the time. There were some plates that were about 10 inches square at those distances and I was able to hit those plates almost everytime!

When the 1000 yard range opened up, I went over there. We have to shoot across a valley and as such, the winds were difficult to estimate and predict.

The largest plate at 1000 yards was two feet square. I didn't keep count but I think I was able to hit it about 90% of the time. There was a 10" X 10" plate that I was able to hit about 50% of the time at that distance as well.

Regarding the 1000 yard range; it was difficult to see the bullets impact with either hits or misses.

There was another shooter there with a gas gun and I was able to spot and walk him into the 1000 yard target and he was getting a lot more hits that I would have thought possible with that rifle.

The next time I go out to that range I need to take another experienced shooter with me and we need to take turns on the spotting scope.

Back to the bolt gun. The action takes a little getting use to. I can't move it as fast as a Remington 700 action but with the accuracy that I'm getting out of it; I won't complain.

Even though there has been some bad press with the cartridge, I don't see any downsides.

I bought 1200 rounds of Hornady 88 grain ELD Match from https://www.targetsportsusa.com/

For what I paid for it, the cost as a little less than $1.03 per round. It would cost me about half that much to reload it. At that price point, I'm wondering if it worth my time to reload.

I think I can do better at hitting a one MOA target at 1,000 yards with more practice, research and a good spotter.

IMHO, I don't think we realize the full potential in this little round.

 

[Shutrmgavin]

I'm putting one together. Big horn origin, krg bravo, trigger tech special. Waiting on a 26" criterion prefit from northland shooters supply. 1:7 twist and saami chamber.

 

[padom]

I got a Uintah bolt action upper in .224 Valkyrie a couple weeks go. After zeroing it in at 100 yards and chronographing Hornady 88 grain ELD ammunition, I took out out to 1000 yards.

The bullets are leaving the barrel at 2637 FPS. Factory specifications are 2675 FPS. So, I'm happy.

The winds were not over 5 MPH yesterday and sometimes were dead calm. I started out shooting at some plates with distances varying from 670 to 705 yards. I was able to hit a 4" X 6" steel plate about 75% of the time when the winds were cooperating and predictable.

When the wind picked up or started varying I could hit the plate about 50% of the time. There were some plates that were about 10 inches square at those distances and I was able to hit those plates almost everytime!

When the 1000 yard range opened up, I went over there. We have to shoot across a valley and as such, the winds were difficult to estimate and predict.

The largest plate at 1000 yards was two feet square. I didn't keep count but I think I was able to hit it about 90% of the time. There was a 10" X 10" plate that I was able to hit about 50% of the time at that distance as well.

Regarding the 1000 yard range; it was difficult to see the bullets impact with either hits or misses.

There was another shooter there with a gas gun and I was able to spot and walk him into the 1000 yard target and he was getting a lot more hits that I would have thought possible with that rifle.

The next time I go out to that range I need to take another experienced shooter with me and we need to take turns on the spotting scope.

Back to the bolt gun. The action takes a little getting use to. I can't move it as fast as a Remington 700 action but with the accuracy that I'm getting out of it; I won't complain.

Even though there has been some bad press with the cartridge, I don't see any downsides.

I bought 1200 rounds of Hornady 88 grain ELD Match from https://www.targetsportsusa.com/

For what I paid for it, the cost as a little less than $1.03 per round. It would cost me about half that much to reload it. At that price point, I'm wondering if it worth my time to reload.

I think I can do better at hitting a one MOA target at 1,000 yards with more practice, research and a good spotter.

IMHO, I don't think we realize the full potential in this little round.

check out my review thread. its got a limit at about 2800 with 88eld. thats with long freebore reamers for max case capacity.

 

[Longshot231]

check out my review thread. its got a limit at about 2800 with 88eld. thats with long freebore reamers for max case capacity.

Got a link?

 

[MarinePMI]

One thread...

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/224-valkyrie-vs-220-thunderbolt.6939322/

Main thread...

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/224-valkyrie-bolt-gun-testing-review.6935618/

 

[Longshot231]

I found another source for Valkyrie ammo that's a little cheaper than the one I posted earlier. Like I said earlier, at this price-point, I don't think it is worth it to reload. Nevertheless, I'm keeping my brass for a rainy day.

https://www.sgammo.com/catalog/rifle-ammo-sale/224-valkyrie-ammo

 

[Darkhorse1]

Update on MDT 6br, finally got my barrel and put everything back together. I took some videos but can’t upload them here due to the wrong format. Out of (4) 10 round attempts, I only had one malfunction where the round nose dived completely into the magazine. All others fed smoothly. Thinking either loading for it and the extra length might help reliability, or tweaking the feed lips more would help. Pretty close though.




I tried uploading to YouTube, maybe these links work.

 

[padom]

The short factory rounds feed like shit....long handloads feed like a dream out of them...

 

[Darkhorse1]

The short factory rounds feed like shit....long handloads feed like a dream out of them...

Makes sense, definitely a decent distance to get to the feed ramp with Wally World ammo. Guess I’ll buy some more dies lol. Any recommendations on dies? I typically use Redding bushing dies but honestly haven’t done a search yet for Valkyrie and not sure what’s available yet.

 

[padom]

Makes sense, definitely a decent distance to get to the feed ramp with Wally World ammo. Guess I’ll buy some more dies lol. Any recommendations on dies? I typically use Redding bushing dies but honestly haven’t done a search yet for Valkyrie and not sure what’s available yet.

Forster Ultra Micrometer seating die and Forster Full Length Sizing die is all you need.

 

[garandman]

Bugholes is starting my 224 V build.


Do I want a 1:7 or 1:6.5 twist? Also... will I need the longer freebore?

Goal is to shoot 80gr and heavier bullets.

Thanx.

P.S. On a Bighorn Origin action. Also ordered a C&H mag.

 

[MarinePMI]

If you want to shoot the 90's I think you'll need the 6.5 twist. Is your bbl a gain twist, or standard
twist?

 

[padom]

88's are shooting amazing in my 1:7, havent tested any 90's yet.... If you plan to shoot the heavies and maximize case capacity so you can get all the performance out of that little case before pressure signs than yes you will need the long freebore....Otherwise those bullets will be jammed down in the case eating up case capacity.

 

[garandman]

Thanx guys. I 'll need to read up on gain twist...

 

[Darkhorse1]

Is Varget a decent/good powder for this, or another powder better?? I have a lot of Varget that is sitting on the shelf.

 

[padom]

Is Varget a decent/good powder for this, or another powder better?? I have a lot of Varget that is sitting on the shelf.

Varget will work.

 

[randalloc]

Is Varget a decent/good powder for this, or another powder better?? I have a lot of Varget that is sitting on the shelf.

We in our group are finding that Varget is good but H4895 is better for more velocity... and we all feel the need for speed!

 

[Shutrmgavin]

Got an MDT 6br mag for my big horn in a krg bravo. Feeds great but sometimes fails to engage the round (this is my first controlled round feed) and the bolt won't close on the round. Doesn't happen often but for a $100 mag it kind of sucks. I have the MPA feed lip tool but can't get it to work 100%

 

[MarinePMI]

Just got notification that my Valkyrie is done and shipping! Whoot! Whoot!

 

[garandman]

Just got notification that my Valkyrie is done and shipping! Whoot! Whoot!

What chassis / bbl / etc?

Im bout 3 months out.

 

[MarinePMI]

Bighorn Origin, Bartlein LH GT, Timney CE trigger, JAE 700 chassis, MDT mags with 6BR conversion kit, and APA LB brake. Ironically, I ordered a Revic PMR 4-27 scope yesterday morning before being notified of shipment of the rifle, so it should arrive about the same time (if not the same day) as the rifle.

 

[garandman]

, Bartlein LH GT,

Im thinkin' hard about the longer freebore @padom recommends, but dont know where / how to get it.

My builder plans to use standard SAAMI specs.

Recommendations ??

 

[garandman]

88's are shooting amazing in my 1:7, havent tested any 90's yet.... If you plan to shoot the heavies and maximize case capacity so you can get all the performance out of that little case before pressure signs than yes you will need the long freebore....Otherwise those bullets will be jammed down in the case eating up case capacity.

Recommendation on who can cut the chamber with the longer freebore ?

 

[padom]

Recommendation on who can cut the chamber with the longer freebore ?

Already answered that question in your 224V build thread. Keystone Accuracy

 

[garandman]

@padom. Sorry. Thank you.

Guess I forgot that .... sometimes I think I'm losing my mind. Other people are pretty sure. Lol

Anyway... as you know... I called. And was told that ain't happennin'. Ever.

 

[padom]

We in our group are finding that Varget is good but H4895 is better for more velocity... and we all feel the need for speed!

H4895 is great for the lighter bullets like the 80 ELD-M but sucks for the heavier bullets. Max case fill causing early pressure signs and trashing brass with 88/90/95.

CFE223 is a nice ball powder and gives you better speed while not at max case fill and no pressure signs. Oh and the accuracy is amazing with the heavies....

 

[garandman]

@padom ... IM sent.

 

[Longshot231]

Has anyone done any chronographing of the Federal 90 gr SMK factory loads? I"d like to compare them to the factory loads of the Hornady 88 gr ELDm.

This is what I'm getting for the Hornady 88 gr ELDm.

Average MV: 2637 fps
High: 2696 fps
Low: 2576 fps
Ext. spread: 120 fps
Std. Dev. 26.6 fps

The figures aren't impressive; especially the extreme spread and standard deviation. However, I'm not complaining too much. I was shooting a 4" X 6" steel plate at 705 yards. The bullets were striking the plate 90% of the time until the suppressor put off too much heat and caused the cross hairs to start dancing.

So I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Federal 90 grain factory loads. If so, do you have any chronograph information?

 

[Back Spin]

@Longshot231 what barrel length and what temp were those velocities taken at?

 

[Longshot231]

@Longshot231 what barrel length and what temp were those velocities taken at?

22 inch Uintah bolt action upper.

I don’t have my records in front of me but I think it was in the mid 70s.

Terrain elevation is 945 feet above sea level.

I’m getting 3/4 inch groups with that ammunition. The most deviation is in the vertical; no doubt due to the large spread in velocities.

If I could find factory loads at around 15 FPS standard deviation, imagine what I could do with this rifle!

 

[randalloc]

H4895 is great for the lighter bullets like the 80 ELD-M but sucks for the heavier bullets. Max case fill causing early pressure signs and trashing brass with 88/90/95.

CFE223 is a nice ball powder and gives you better speed while not at max case fill and no pressure signs. Oh and the accuracy is amazing with the heavies....

We have come to the conclusion to not recommend CFE223 as its really dirty but not temp sensitive at all and unless you want to do load development for every 10-15 degrees.. guys that try it and ran it in the fall or winter find out very fast it blows their primers and accuracy come warm weather.

 

[randalloc]

Got an MDT 6br mag for my big horn in a krg bravo. Feeds great but sometimes fails to engage the round (this is my first controlled round feed) and the bolt won't close on the round. Doesn't happen often but for a $100 mag it kind of sucks. I have the MPA feed lip tool but can't get it to work 100%

I got a new MDT 6br mag and been playing with it... I also have the Primal Rights kit for an AI mag and the MDT 223 poly modded mags from C&H .. so the new MDT 6br has been a little pain in the ass to figure out.. I have considers and even modded the follower a little but in the end, it always seemed to come down to not enough pressure far enough forward on top of the follower. I have a couple of leftover springs and followers from the AI mags I yanked to use the PR kits... and looked hard at it cut the end off.. and rebent the bottom two legs of the spring took off about 1/2" of extra tail and I think I got it running.. It has more pressure up forward and more tension on it. This damn ribs inside at times seem to mess with the 224 Valk during my testing I even considered at one time to try to pinch them flat at the top was they are so thick. I think the reason you're not picking up a round at times is it binds up down in there and the spring is not able to push through the bind. The AI spring is a bit wider and more tension to it.. You might try to stretch it out and try to get more forward pressure on the follower. So today I finally got it modded and testing it and it been running pretty solid like 10 times in a row.. I think I got it figured out. That said my report to MDT will be that top rib and pinch I still believe messes with it and the spring needs more tension and juice to but more pressure forward.

 

[Hardpan]

Mile High finished mine up a couple weeks ago. Almost the same as Frank's. Origin, 26" Bartlein LH GT, Triggertech Diamond flat trigger, MPA Comp Chassis. Waiting on dies, so I just picked up some cheap American Eagle 75gr and was very pleasantly supprised.

View attachment 7073845View attachment 7073846View attachment 7073847

Nice build!! What barrel contour did you end up with?

 

[padom]

We have come to the conclusion to not recommend CFE223 as its really dirty but not temp sensitive at all and unless you want to do load development for every 10-15 degrees.. guys that try it and ran it in the fall or winter find out very fast it blows their primers and accuracy come warm weather.

Well you keep recommending that and Ill keep doing what I do. hahahaha. I developed my load, center of the node in 60 temps and its still shooting tiny little groups in 90 temps.

 

[Jackomason]

Well you keep recommending that and Ill keep doing what I do. hahahaha. I developed my load, center of the node in 60 temps and its still shooting tiny little groups in 90 temps.

If I remember properly when CFE 223 first came out they boasted it to be very clean. How have you found copper/carbon in your GM barrel?