Your experience with the new Hornady 53gr V-Max .223?

[mwsenoj]

I have had my eyes on the new Hornady 53gr V-Max in .223 cal for my new Rem 700 SPS Tactical with a 1 in 9" twist. I have read some reviews that say they work well in people's AR guns with similar twists but I have always heard that 1 in 9" needs 55gr or above for .223. This new 53gr bullet is so tempting because of the .290 BC and I have had a much easier time reloading bullets with the boat tail, which the Hornady 60gr does not have. Do any of you have any experience with this bullet in a similar setup to mine?

Thanks as always,
Matt

 

[cfullgraf]

While I do not have direct experience with the 53 gr V-Max, your 1-9 twist 223 Remington should handle bullets lighter than 55 grains just fine.

 

[ssyoumans]

1:9" is very versatile, that twist should handle 40gr to around 69-70 gr. 69 and up depends on barrel length and how fast they are going (resulting spin). I've fired 70 gr Speer SSP out of my 16" M&P 15 with no problems out to 100 yards. I haven't tried 75 gr, but most people have reported that they won't work with 1:9".

I've shot a fair amount of the 50 & 55gr v-max, and have found them to be very accurate and have (2) boxes of the 53gr, but haven't loaded them up yet. Been on a 243, 30-30 kick lately. Good timing on your post, as I'll be interested in trying these in a few months..

 

[LTR shooter]

I have always heard that 1 in 9" needs 55gr or above for .223.

I have a 20" 700LTR with a 1 in 9" twist that shoots 52 Sierras very well. I'd give the 53 V-MAX a try.

 

[Dapperdan]

I load for a friend's 700 SPS(not tactical) and use V-Max 50 grainers. This rifle is listed as 1 in 12" twist. 24 grains of 4895 shoots dime-sized groups at 100 with 3x9 scope. 4895 wouldn't be my first choice, but it's what I had on hand. Either we lucked out, or perhaps this thing will shoot anything, don't know yet.

 

[wingman]

I have used 52-53 grain match bullets in my 223's for years( 1/9 twist) I prefer that weight as they always seems to give the best accuracy. I tried the Hornady 53gr vmax and it is very good but not superior to Berger 52gr match or Sierra 52 match. I shoot for accuracy other bullets would be better IMO for hunting.

Note: powders used 322,335,varget,BLC2 and H4895, all fairly equal with perhaps H4895 a slight edge.