A-MAX recipe

[tikkat3]

I have just started to experiment with 75gr A-MAX in .223. So far I have been using Varget in Lapua match brass with CCI 400 primers. My 2 most accurate groups have been 0.885" with 24.0gr and 0.888" with 24.2gr - both 5 shot groups, but each with 2 cloverleaf sub-groups. OAL is 2.465".

Upon further testing with exactly the same loads the groupings have gone wild on me. The average 5 shot group spread is 1.885" for a total of 8 groups. The rifle is cleaned appropriately and all shots are taken from the same position.

Does anyone have any reliable recipes for the 75gr A-MAX, ideally with Varget, but otehrwiose with other powders? Thanks.

 

[mc223]

I shoot molied 75g A-Maxs in my 26in. barreled WOA. I use 25.5g Varget with the bullet seated to touch the lands. Gets about 3100 fps and groups at 200 are under 1/2 in if I do my part. This load is warm so work to it cautiously.

 

[P0832177]

Prudent reloading would have you not copycat reloading! That is a dangerous practice. Work up loads using reliable data ie not from an internet bbs. The Amax likes to be close to the lands in my experience. Get the Stoney point comparator and check you chamber. Work up loads that are safe, reliable, and accurate in your firearms! Varget in my experience likes RP 7.5 and CCI BR4 primers.

 

[RyanM]

How are you resizing them? Neck sizing is inherently less consistent than full length, because it's highly dependent on tension on the handle, while full length sizing is controlled by the shellholder touching the die.

How about your crimp? Crimping is inherently more touchy than the OAL, as well, for the same reason. It's a more dependent on tension than movement of the shellholder, compared to OAL.

Ideally, ammunition should be full-length resized, not belled, and not crimped.

 

[tikkat3]

I full-length resize and seat using RCBS dies. The seating lightly (IMO) grips the bullet and is not a firm crimp as per a cannelure crimp. I have used a RCBS Precision Mic to eliminate excess headspace for my full-length sizing die and also to ensure that the seating is within 2 thou of the lands.

It is frustrating that a load that appeared so good when first shot, is as inconsistent in subsequent groupings. There might be some element in shooter error, but not on such an ongoing basis!

mc223, I have max loaded at 25.0gr Varget so far. That was one of the worst groups I achieved. It was a huge, unacceptable spread. around the 24.0-24.2gr mark was the best I had.

 

[hagar]

I switched from Varget to RL15 for my 75 AMax loads, because Varget gave me erratic results. The best load for me is 24.7 grains loaded to 2.45 oal using LC cases and Remington 7.5 primers. This loads clocks about 2800 feet/sec out of my Compass Lake service rifle with Douglas barrel, and 3100 feet/sec out of my flattop upper with Harris barrel. It shoots absolutely fantastic out to 1000 yards with the flattop and a scope. I also had good results with 25.2 grains of N540, but it's an expensive powder and not easy to get.

 

[mc223]

tikkat3, You may want to mess with the seating depth. I had the same result as you when I first started with the 75s. I backed off the charge and tested using jump increments of .010 starting at .030 off the lands. Groups were getting tighter as the seating depth got closer to the lands. I took them to .020 into the lands and watched the groups grow larger with more fliers. Since the groups were improving at the lands, I started working from there. As the charge got to 25g Varget, the groups really settled in. There were no obvious signs of pressure, so at .1 of a grain increments went to 25.5 where the groups tightened up and stayed tight. Primers were standard force Fed 205. I used some Rem 7-1/2s for some other loads with Varget and found the same types of erratic performance as described above
This load was developed in a 1 in 7 twist, Wylde chamber. I dont measure overall length. I use the Stoney Point tool and a Sinclair gage to set seating.
Isnt yours a 1 in 9? If so You'll just have to work em up from scratch.

 

[tikkat3]

I am a 1-8". I will try your suggestions MC.

Admittedly my rounds are for hunting use (fox), but ever the perfectionist, I want perfect groups, with no room for error.

RL-15 is a powder I think I am going to have to try for my heavier bullets. I am reading more and more positive comments about the powder for 75+gr bullets.

Thanks guys for all your help and suggestions.

 

[mc223]

If you are going to switch powders, Try N-140 or 540.

 

[hagar]

N540 is a good powder, but expensive and sometimes hard to find.

I guess I already said that in my prior post. The CRS syndrome is kicking in again.

 

[mc223]

The V-V powders may look expensive. However with the increases of all loading components, V-V powders at least localy where I am are cheaper. I just got a couple of 2 pounders of n540 for $41.10 each. That only $20.55 a lb. Varget is at $22.50 per pound. The 2 pound thing tends to make it appear expensive.