looking for VMax load data

[Conservidave]

Hello,

im looking for any load data for a 50grn Hornady VMax bullet for AR15

I Have H4198 and IMR4895 powders

Thanks,
Dave

 

[kwg020]

You have powder? Fess up, where'd you get it?





I'm only kidding. It's been hard to find recently. I like the 50, 55 and 60 grain V-Max's. I have never chrono'd any of my ammo so I can't help you much. I just saw an opportunity to joke around a little.

I prefer RL10X and AA2230. Generally 25 grains for anyone of these bullet weights out of several different rifles. I would like to find some IMR 4895 and give it a try. I'm sure it performs similar to the RL10 and the 2230. You just have to tailor it to the speed and accuracy you desire.

Here is the burn rate chart I use.
http://www.lapua.com/upload/reloading/reloadingburningratechart2011.pdf
kwg

 

[jstein650]

50 GR. SPR SP H 4198 OAL: 2.210" 21.5 gr 3223 fps 45,900 PSI
50 GR. SPR SP IMR 4895 OAL: 2.210" 26.7C gr 3211 fps 45,200 PSI

Get you some manuals.

I doubt the V-Max would be much off from this data. Start .5gr or more lower, work up. I use IMR 4198 for 50gr bullets and I think it's a hair slower (burn rate). Works very well.

 

[steve4102]

It is perfectly acceptable to use published data with Same Weight bullet of Similar Construction from different manufacturer's.

Use the 50gr data here, start low and work up, do not go below min to start.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

 

[Conservidave]

Thanks guys,

yeah the LGS has had a really good supply and choice of powders lately so I feel pretty lucky to have what I have. I hope the rest of you will see the supplies increasing soon as well.

I guess my only real concern was about the construction of the VMax bullet compared to everything else in the manuals. I'll work 'em up as always, I guess I just needed a little nudge and confirmation that I was headed in the right direction.

Dave,

 

[oldpapps]

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.
O.K. My loading data isn't over max but I want to make the point that the loader should used 'Published data from a known and respected source'. You don't know me or respect my information, why would you? Use this info only as comparative reference material.

That said:

'50grn Hornady VMax bullet for AR15... IMR4895 powders'

Above listings tell it all, thinner jacket equals softer equals less resistance equals lesser pressures. My only concerns would be pushing too fast and having the bullet 'puff' after it departs the barrel. I've done that with the 50 grain blitz bullets.

I only run 50 grain VMax in a bolt action, but here is what I get:
223 HP 50 IMR4895 25.9 3017 Rem 600 All 50G HP are inked red 18.5 inch 1 in 14 twist
This is: .223 Rem, hollow point little red orange tipped 50 grain, powder type, charge, velocity at 10 feet, rifle, my marking system to separate 50 grain from 55 grain bullets used in AR weapons, barrel length and twist.

Spread sheet data doesn't copy/paste well.
Some explanation of the data.
The weapon was chambered in .222 Rem. I had it punched to .223 Rem and requested the use of an old cherry for the reaming (I wanted and got a tighter chamber at the shoulder and the shorter/tighter throat).
The twist is slow, 1 in 14 inches, thus the use of 50 grain bullets. The velocities are statistically valid, I do a running average of all shots of a given loading over my chronograph and this is on the order of 40 to 42 measured shots.

Translating this loading for use in an AR. I have fired this loading with full function from an AR180 (old school from the mid 1970s) and from a Wylde chambered AR15 type. Sorry, didn't chronograph them.

I have changed to a different powder for use in .223/5.56 chambering, powder measure doesn't like the grain size and I don't like cutting or crunching it.
I like both of the 4895s but prefer a ball type for my setup.

Load with safety.

 

[dodge]

When I used the Hornady 50 gr V-Max out of my Remington 700 VLS I used 27 gr of Winchester 748 and would get velocities of 3400 fps but this is with a 26" barrel.

 

[Conservidave]

I would really rather stay away from the lighter bullets with the 1 in 9 twist in this gun so i'll probably stick with a low to mid range load with the 4895 for the reasons mentioned above. 3-4" groups with a red dot sight at 100 yards would be perfectly acceptable if I can get it.
.223 bullets have been virtually vacant from the shelves locally and so I snagged these along with some 55 grn FMJ BT's when I saw them.

Dave,

 

[rcmodel]

I would really rather stay away from the lighter bullets with the 1 in 9 twist in this gun

Why?

Your 1/9 is as likely to shoot 50-55 grain V-Max or Nosler BT's into tiny groups then heavier match bullets it doesn't like.
And for sure better then 55 grain FMJ-BT.

Gun test I read all the time often show a lighter V-MAx to give tighter groups then heavier match bullets in 1/9 AR-15's.

This at 100 yards with an EOTech sight on a 16" carbine.


What you really need to do is try it!

rc

 

[ole farmerbuck]

Yep on what RC said. I shoot 40 gr v max in my bolt guns all the time with 28.5gr of BLc-2. 1 in 9 twist. Very accurate and fast.