dranrab
Member
We need some development with 23 and 29 caliber. That's uncharted territory.
The leaks of exactly what was coming out first came from other companies that Federal consulted with during development. That video just came out afterwards a few days ago.
Why is a 100gr bonded soft point unacceptable for medium game from a terminal standpoint? I totally disagree with that statement. 110gr 6.8mm bonded bullets have worked fine for me on deer, it's a big stretch to pretend that a 100gr bonded isn't going to kill a deer just because it's .224" diameter. Fusion bullets area known to expand well, and with a SD of .284, penetration should be more than enough.
You might want to watch the video, they aren't talking about using 60gr ballistic tips for medium game.
Again, I don't know where you're getting the 1:6 twist stuff from, but it doesn't seem to be based in reality, read what I wrote above please.
I guess we'll see what barrel length the advertised numbers are from as more info comes out, I'm betting 20".
Those 105gr and 107gr 6mm bullets fine have BCs as high as the 90gr .224. To match the 90gr .224 you have to go to a 110gr SMK, 115gr Berger, etc. What does the price comparison look like then? Apples to Apples.
I don't have any vested interest in this cartridge, and may not ever buy something so-chambered, but the knee-jerk reaction to it is puzzling. At least they aren't introducing a new Uber Nosler/Weatherby whompin' stompin' magnum or something like another 300 BLK-esque blaster with a mortar-like trajectory. I'm interested in seeing all the actual information on the .224 Valkyrie before dismissing it out of hand.
I believe Federal is introducing a new 100 grain bullet just for this round. I could see a soft point hunting bullet with a steeper boat tail and ogive angle, and no hollow section in the tip ending up being shorter than a 90 grain berger and thus being able to stabilize in a 1:6.5 twist barrel. That doesn't make it any less stupid, but I can see how it could be made to work. I'd much rather have the 6.8 spc or a grendel or a 30 american, or a 277 wolverine for a hunting round. I'm not a 1000 yard shooter but I think using a 22 caliber AR15 for that task is a bit like trying to make a racecar out of a duece and a half.
The 6.8 with a 18" will put the 95gr TTSX using AA2230/Xterminator in the mid 2800's that is a proven bullet that hits like a lightning rod at the average distances folks hunt (and should hunt) with these small calibers.
This is all well proven and documented as a very effective hunting cartridge. Talk to hunters in Texas, AK, AZ, etc.. Midwest and go to hunting forums where one will find plenty of information about this simple yet proven platform.
I have never seen a 22 caliber 100gr bullet anywhere. The bullet needs speed at impact, section and proper construction to give consistency whether it is soft tissue or striking bone w/o deflection or too much fragmentation.
Any stout bonded or solid copper in 100gr will be impossible w/o further increasing the twist to what 5 twist? simple physics here.
From Sierras website ... Read in red....
So more speed, better bcs, a tad more grain, more civilized twist, huge assortment, proven tract record....
I think it is very attractive and cool but also the main selling point is not going to cut it for the folks who understand ballistics.
This is not about trashing any initiative but about giving more realistic information and expectations about what we know about this type of round.
just fyi.. the predators masters has some good info too.
Also...
here is one of the 6mm wildcats versions that one can buy, AR15 barrels and dies available.
many folks would rather go for something in 22-24" unless it is for HP competition. Hunters probably
18" or 20" max.
http://www.6mmar.com/6mm_AR_Loading_Info.html
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We need some development with 23 and 29 caliber. That's uncharted territory.
I wonder how many buyers will stick to the Valkyrie heavy bullet design basis instead of just blowing varmint bullets out as fast as they can without blowing them up in the fast twist.
See you tube "Jonnys Reloading Bench " and see the troubles he had with brass in the 22 Nosler. He had chewed up brass and horrible accuracy ( 4 to 5 inches @ 100 ).If it's designed for a 90 grain bullet it's probably going to need like a 6.5:1 twist which is just silly. I think for practical purposes the 22 nosler with its 223 bolt face is much more interesting.
*6.5x55 yells at all the young cartridges to stay off their lawn.*Wonder how long until some one "discovers" the merits of 7x47 (.276 pedersen) or 7x43 (.280NATO)?
Ruger, with the new PC-9, is hopefully the start of a new trend. Firing a 100 year old cartridge, with magazines that have been available for decades, Ruger is finding themselves on the receiving end of a "Shut up and take my money" situation.Aside from the ammo market, the rifle market needs new cartridges to sell new rifles. Most gun owners don't see their firearms as a consumable product, they consider them to be a durable good much like a car or a home appliance that will last for years or decades.