Working on a load

[Iloadntie]

I'm new to posting here. I find myself intimidated in doing so because some of you have earned my respect over several years and I have found answers to my questions without having to ask. So first thanks...I load mostly for one rifle a CZ 527 .233 1:12 twist..I shoot paper and varmits..My rifle loves 40gr. NBT with 25gr. Varget It will shoot cloverleafs at 100 yds. Might shoot better if I could. My dilemma is: I found 40gr. V-Max's at a great price when I couldn't find NBT (Had a gift card at one store.) They look the same. They weigh the same, but they don't shoot the same..I have a problem with consistancy..I do everything else the same. any suggestions? Thanks, Scott

 

[Walkalong]

You could try the Sierra 40 Gr JHp # 1385. I have had good luck with it, but then I have had good luck with the 40 Gr V-Max as well. It may be as simple as bumping the charge up or down a hair. My guess is up.

Welcome to THR

 

[JimKirk]

Or bumping the C.O.L. up or down a hair.

Jimmy K

 

[NCsmitty]

Welcome to THR, Iloadntie.

25gr of Varget is a start load, according to Hodgdon's site, so you do have room to increase the charge incrementally, to see if the other brand of bullets responds positively.
Working up loads is often a game of musical components until you find the right combination.



NCsmitty

 

[Iloadntie]

actually I got decent consistancy with 24gr. powder...kind of light and a lower POI and somewhat OK at 27.5 which was full cartridge..Thanks Scott

 

[gdcpony]

Two bullets often like different charges. Try working it up some.
Also check you distance from the lands. Just because they look the same, doesn't mean they are. The ogive on one may be different and causing your bullet's bearing surface to sit either closer or farther from the lands. This can change things quite a bit.

 

[Iloadntie]

Thanks all, Scott

 

[41 Mag]

The ogive on one may be different and causing your bullet's bearing surface to sit either closer or farther from the lands. This can change things quite a bit.

Exactly, also the jacket thickness of one may be a bit thinner, or of a different composition, which results in the pressure being slightly more or less depending on case. This can bump your load just over or below the sweet spot on your rifle.

As mentioned a bit a tweaking with the charge weight, and a bit with the OAL and you should be right back in business. Might try bumping the charge weight up .5grs, and then seat the bullet out .010", depending on how far you are from the lands, this could keep your load somewhere close to the same velocity but lessening the bullet jump, which might just be the ticket. It's all a balancing act, velocity, pressure, harmonics, all play a role.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If I remember correctly the V-Max bullet is longer than most. That would change everything with your load including pressures. The longer bullet will increase pressure and might be harder to stabilize.

Play with the charge weights and OAL like said above and I'm sure you will find the solution. (or try and find a bullet that more closely matches the profile of the 40gr. NBT your rifle likes)

 

[interlock]

Working up loads is often a game of musical components until you find the right combination.


very true indeed

 

[rcmodel]

I shoot 55 grain V-Max & NBT interchangeably in my CZ-527 without changing the 26.0 grains WW-748 powder charge. Or the scope settings.
They both shoot the same one-hole groups with boring regularity.

40 grain bullets are really on the light end of the spectrum for a 1/12 .223.
Actually you might have better luck with 50 or 55 grain bullets.

BTW: 50 grain will be the ultimate for flat trajectory with the .223.
The 55's will handle wind slightly better.

rc

 

[Iloadntie]

thanks again