Reloading the Hornady V-Max usind Sierra Data?

[pdh]

Hi all.I want to load the Hornady 55gr V-max for my 22-250.The hornady manual does not have the reloading data for the V-Max using one of my favorite powder....blc(2).

I assume it is ok to use the data in the Sierra manual for the 55gr V-max with the starting load and just work my way up ?

Thanks....Paul

 

[cdbeaver]

You'll do okay. Just remember to start about 10 per cent below max and carefully work your way up. Hornady V-Max bullets are among the most explosive available for varmint hunting.

 

[pdh]

Thanks alot there cd

 

[ClarkEMyers]

I'd do it but.....

Before I assumed I'd be sure to look at more guides, at least one more for sure - for instance I'd look at Hodgdon's for Ball C(2) information.

I'd also ask Hornady for data or disclaimers - I use a double postcard mostly to at least show good faith and encourage a reply and I mostly don't hold it against somebody who doesn't reply though they mostly do. Then too in working up rifle loads I rely on an old jig/indicator I bought after it was written up in Handloader magazine many years ago to simplify measuring case expansion to tenths - with experience and good not abused brass I perhaps delude myself that I have a feel for relative pressure across loads in my rifles.

On the other hand I don't delude myself that my experience will ever match the manual makers and so I don't often have favorite powders that aren't in the manual for an application - I do choose cheaper or on hand powders. Used to like Norma for low temperature use because at least at one time they reportedly tested all their cannister powders to meet military aircraft performance standards. Still I remember tales from Ed Matunas doing a Lyman book and testing cold and hot and tilted back and tilted forward and figure I'll learn something from their experience.

 

[Clark]

There is not the level of consistency from pressure lab to pressure lab that be able to resolve the question of Vmax vs other bullets.

At some point of perfectionism, the individual is going to have to take responsibility for reading pressure signs on his own rifle.

Here is a test:
What have I done wrong with this 223?

--
A society that teaches evolution as fact will breed a generation of atheists that will destroy the society. It is Darwinian.

 

[Dave P]

Clark, looks like pressure is increasing as you go to the right. With cratering starting at #3, and a well flattend primer (cratered) at #5. #5 is the hottest in any case.

#5 could easiliy be too hot, but that depends on the primer - if its a CCI small rifle, the cup is thinner than the Rem 7 1/2. I use 7 1/2's to indicate high pressures.

 

[ClarkEMyers]

Could be straightforward or misleading

A large firing pin hole or a small firing pin tip will crater, a high primer or some configurations of GI crimp removal will flatten with loads not normally high pressure - also powder (usually ball) that sifts through the flash hole will give odd effects. Mistake could also be to anneal the cases full length.

Could also be firing .223/5.56 in an odd chamber - I might fool some people by fitting and firing in a .222mag or forming to .222 with a short shoulder headspace - primer will back out and flatten when the case fireforms.

Pictures seem to show some extra case head expansion left to right - or it could be lighting. First 3 look like Lake City 97 then Lake City 98?

Likely enough it is in fact a pressure sequence as suggested but reading pressure off somebody else's primers is notoriously unreliable.

 

[Grump]

Could the mistake be not having a factory load using the same brand primers for a "primer signs" comparison?

BTW, those all look quite mild compared to a large lot of FC .308 brass I got late last summer. Factory loads fired once in a boltgun, and they showed machining marks from the chamber, had very flat primers, but no ejector plunger extrusion in the headstamp and they held the next-loaded primer with normal seating resistance. I would have hesitated to shoot more of that ammo in that rifle, but to each his own... Probably the worst-case scenario of .308 ammo, a long NATO chamber maybe, a tight bore and temperatures about 115 F or more.

 

[Clark]

The reason I bring this up is that PDH can substitute bullets of the same wieght and the safety margin of book loads will protect him.

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.


Book load:Hodgdon website: 223 Rem, H335, 25.3 GR. 55 GR. SPR SP, 2.200", 24" barrel, 3203 fps, 49,300 CUP

Test: Ruger #1, CCI 400 small rifle primers, LC brass once fired processed from Scharch and prepped by me, 55 gr Vmax moly, H335

pic left to right
unfired, extractor groove .329"
28 gr, extractor groove .329", 11% overload
29 gr, extractor groove .329", 15% overload
30 gr, extractor groove .3295", 19% overload
31 gr, extractor groove .3320", 23% overload