53gr vmax loads ?

[dave338]

hi all
ive done a quick search and looks like a few of you have played with the 53gr vmax in .223 , anyone got hard data or had goos results , fps seems to be around 3200fps , how are they compared to the 40gr for expanding on small game
all info on the 53gr in .223 welcome
cheers

 

[kraigWY]

Re: 53gr vmax loads ?

I used 25.5 grns of 335 in my Remington 700 varment rifle and my Colt SP1 with good results with the 53 Vmax. Both guns are 1:12.

This load also works great in my Whie Oak Service Rifle with a 1:7, for 100 yard HP practice.

I use the V-max for PDs & coyotes in my 204 Ruger and 223s, they are great for varments.

 

[dave338]

Re: 53gr vmax loads ?

do you know the fps of the 25,5gr load?

 

[Spence21]

Re: 53gr vmax loads ?

I'm using the 53 gr vmax on 27.5 gr of 748 with Lake City 09 and CCI magnum primers with cmmg 22" stainless varmint upper with good results. I had some loaded on 28.5 gr of powder and was getting bullet splash? (I think that's what it's called). I had baseball sized entry and exit holes on red fox. When I switched to using 26.5 gr It didn't happen, but I've only shot one fox with that load.

EDITED: I changed the data from 26.5 to 27.5 and 27.5 to 28.5

 

[dave338]

Re: 53gr vmax loads ?

did you chrono the loads?
ive seen a few at 3300-3400fps with one guy claiming 3700fps from a .223

 

[Spence21]

Re: 53gr vmax loads ?

I don't have access to a chronograph so I don't have any velocities yet. A family friend owns a hunting store I'll see if he has one I can borrow for a couple hours this week.

 

[dave338]

Re: 53gr vmax loads ?

That's very good of you , but please don't go to any trouble ,
Do you think it needs the magnum primers?

 

[Spence21]

Re: 53gr vmax loads ?

I don't think they are needed. My Hornady manual says no, but Speer manual says yes (although that's for their 52 and 55 gr bullets) for the Winchester 748 powder. I had the magnum primers so I used them, and I didn't have the hornady manual yet to tell me I didn't need them. I am not an expert either, this is jus the load that is working for me right now. There might be someone on here that would know if it is actually needed.

As for the chrono, I'm interested in getting velocities for a couple of my loads anyway so it's not really any trouble.

 

[Spence21]

Re: 53gr vmax loads ?

I just went through my data, and I am using 27.5 gr NOT 26.5... It was 28.5 that gave me bullet splash.

 

[okiefired]

Re: 53gr vmax loads ?

In a VSSF I push 53's in Vmax or Horn HP Match with 25.5 gr of RL15 in Win brass with BR4's or CCI 400's. Just cronyed them last week at 3020 and if you're not gettin .5 with it, you're F'n up. Put a 17 yr old on it the other day with very little experience bustin half pint water bottles consistantly at 200. With me on it, its .5 moa to 400 and I'm an old fart that aint that good anymore....that kid would spank me with a little more practice.

okie

 

[Mike_R]

Re: 53gr vmax loads ?

I don't have velocities but I have had great results with h335 and varget and the 52/53 grain bullets. Most people seem to not bother with varget on the lighter bullets but I have had great luck working up until I see primers flattening and backing off a half grain in my ARs. As far as mag primers I like them when using ball powders in .223, but standard primers are fine for stick powders.

 

[dave338]

Re: 53gr vmax loads ?

It looks like varget will give accuracy not speed.
On hand I've got vit n120, n130 n133 n140
I think the 133 may be the fastest @ 3380 ish according to vit.
Not seen anyone using n120 shame as I've got lots of it . Fantastic with 40gr vma