[warwick]

hello all, i am using a remmy vssf 22-250 for rabbit and fox in the uk..does anyone have any load data for 35g v max.i would like to use either aa2230 or varget powder and cci br primers because thats what i have about...

[rcmodel]

The 35 grain V-Max is designed for the .22 Hornet / .218 Bee class of cartridges.

It has a very thin jacket, and no way would it stay together at 22-250 velocities.

The only way it would be at all suitable would be with greatly reduced loads that produced velocity in the 3,000 FPS range or less.
But I have no data on what that reduced load might be.

The 40 grain V-Max is more heavily constructed and can be driven at full velocity in a 1/14 twist 22-250 barrel without blowing up in the air.

You can exceed 4,100 FPS with a MAX load of 40.0 grains Varget.

With all that said, you would be better served with a heavier 50, 55, or 60 grain V-Max in the 22-250. Better long range trajectory, and much better wind bucking ability.

rc

[warwick]

many thanks for your reply.i normally use 50g v max and 36.4g of varget and it is exellent..its just that i have 200 35g vmax and a couple of tubs of aa2230.....is there a minimum quantity of powder i can use in the 22-250?? iv heard of case detination with pistol loads when under stoked...

[rcmodel]

Case detonation in light-load handgun calibers is an Urban Myth!

People blow up handguns with light loads by double charging cases, or sticking bullets in the barrel.

Detonation can happen more likely with over-bore rifle cartridges just like the 22-250 and small-bore belted magnums.

As I said, I have no reliable tested load data for 35 grain V-Max in the 22-250.

But you can't just arbitrarily keep reducing powder until the bullets don't pop in the air!

I don't know what to tell you that would be safe.

A safe & tested 40 grain V-Max load with Varget is 36.0 grains, but even that gives nearly 3,700 FPS!

rc

[Black Dime]

Warwick, that is Unique with a 148grhbwc. They have never been able to produce or duplicate the gun wreck in a lab.
I agree with RC. Heavy bullet (I would use a spire point) to get there and not gut and butcher the animal. The hydro-static force of around 3500-3800fps will kill in of itself. Unless you are going for headshots:cool:.

[rcmodel]

Smokeless power used in reloading will not detonate in the shipping container quantity's used in reloading powder, or in a single charge in any caliber case.

If it would, you could stick a blasting cap & a fuse in a 1 pound can of Red-Dot or Varget, and have a very powerful bomb.

But you can't, because it won't detonate. It will only burn.

Detonation in reduced load over-bore rifle cartridges are thought to be caused by a partial powder ignition moving the bullet into the rifling before full pressure is developed.

Then the rest of the charge lights off, and is met by a bore obstruction from the stuck bullet.

rc

[NCsmitty]

Found this load. It's an average mid pressure load but the 35gr V-Max cannot be driven faster, even in a 1in14 twist. Probably would be better at a little less velocity as noted by rcmodel.

35 Hornady V-Max Accurate DP2230-C

35.0gr

3870fps

1164ftlb

24.0 inch barrel

NCsmitty

[ranger335v]

My choice of a really light bullet in a .224 size is the Barne's Varmint Grenade at 36 gr. It's a frangible metal pill that's lighter than lead so, even at 36 gr., it's as long as most 55 grainers, plenty long enough to work well in 12 or 14 inch twist barrels.

I get fairly consistant 3/8 - 1/2 MOA groups at 4,150 fps with it in my Sako .22-250. I can't shoot any better that that (and not that good all the time!) so I don't know if that's the bullet's accuracy limit or not. But it's good enough for me! :neener: