Heavy .224 that is more frangible than the 75gr Amax?
- Thread starter gzig5
- Start date
slancey
Gold $$ Contributor
Yes, the 53 V-Max is the real thing for dogs. The heavier the bullet, the greater the chance of ricochet, so you have to be mindful of livestock and people. The 55 Sierra is also monstrous on dogs and accurate. I like the 69 Sierra in my 22-250 for the wind when there’s no risk to other life forms.
DogBuster
Silver $$ Contributor
My 9 twist PAC Nor 223 Improved luvs em
I'm running the 62 ELDVT in a bolt gun (.22 Nosler) at 3,050 and the destruction on ground squirrels is unmatched by any varmint bullet I have ever used on them. Body parts many feet away and heavy red mist sprayed on vegetation for several feet rearward. At 3,200-3,400, I believe that must be nirvana!!! I haven't shot coyotes with it (only because my rifle is far too heavy to shoot other than off a bench), but I think it would be a winner. Not sure about keeping pelts though. I'm going to try the bullet out in one of my carry rifles. Better BC than the bullets I'm using now, especially in the 6MM version.
urbanrifleman
Site $$ Sponsor
Even slow they shoot flat, hit more often, and blow up better.
I've taken them out to 600 yds also. While the work well, I think they really shine inside of 300-400 yards depending what cartridge you load them in. I think the 62 and 69gr stuff will perform better across the board, but inside of those ranges I don't think the advantage is worth the additional cost. Beyond that distance, I think the higher BC is likely worth the cost assuming you're pushing it from a cartridge that's capable of achieving a reasonable velocity. There is a member on here that had a 26" 223ai for sale that wsa getting sub 1/2 moa groups with the 62gr ELD VT at around 3400 fps. I believe he was using either N140 or N540. I'm currently waiting on a 20 practical upper to be done. It will likely replace my Savage 12 in 223. When that happens, I'm giving strong consideration to re-barreling with some kind of 223ai variant throated for the 62 ELD VT with the thought of using the 20P for everything inside of 300yds or so, and then using the bolt gun for the longer stuff. I'd also like to build a 22BR though, so if I go with the AI, I'm not sure the BR case will offer enough gains to be worth while unless it can offer me something with the 69gr stuff. Decisions....
I've procured both the 62 and 69 gr versions of the ELD VT, and saw that Fleet Farm had the 63 Vmax when I was in there yesterday. Hope to have some test loads done by the end of the week and be ready if the weather ever improves around here. I've used a lot of the 50 Vmax but everyone spoke so highly of the 53 gr that I figured it was worth a shot.
I think I was running 2950fps with 27.5gr of Varget and the 75 Amax in the 22BR, so it should push the 62/69gr VTs along pretty well. Hodgen shows Varget as the best of their powders for those heavier bullets in the 22BR. I wish I had more time to try some other powders like VV but I'm going to have to take a SWAG with what I have and get the ammo loaded for the trip in June.
I think I was running 2950fps with 27.5gr of Varget and the 75 Amax in the 22BR, so it should push the 62/69gr VTs along pretty well. Hodgen shows Varget as the best of their powders for those heavier bullets in the 22BR. I wish I had more time to try some other powders like VV but I'm going to have to take a SWAG with what I have and get the ammo loaded for the trip in June.
Shifty6br
Silver $$ Contributor
I used my 22br a few times this past night season for coyotes, pushing a 75gr vld at 3140fps. Furthest shot was 320, avg is about 130yds, I don't recall a single one under 100yds. There was no exit on any of the half dozen or so, so I am thinking they are fragmenting on entry.
I did not have any runners I can recall of.
That said, for pd I would take a look at the vmax line, they have an expansion threshold around 1600fps which should get you beyond 400yds.
On a side note. .. my 6x47L with a 105 gr hybrid under 200 yds does absolutely terrible things to coyotes.
I did not have any runners I can recall of.
That said, for pd I would take a look at the vmax line, they have an expansion threshold around 1600fps which should get you beyond 400yds.
On a side note. .. my 6x47L with a 105 gr hybrid under 200 yds does absolutely terrible things to coyotes.
FWIW, I was getting that velocity with a 75gr Amax out of my service rifle lower running N540. Regardless of powder, I would expect to be able to get up to the next node with a BR case. I'd do some searching, or even just ask Urbanrifleman if he has any Varget load data for the 62gr in a 22BR. Might save you some time.
That 27.5 Varget/75 Amax load was just a safe one that I pulled out of a manual for barrel break in testing different weight bullets. Five bullets went into a single oblong hole at 100yds. It does pretty much a raged hole at 200yds so because I was short on time, as usual, I just ran that load. I know there's some velocity being left on the table but I was happy with the accuracy. I will run a short ladder type test to see how it does with a bit more powder. I'm open to any suggestions on loads.
Looks like I should try some H4895 with the heavies as well.
urbanrifleman
Site $$ Sponsor
29.5ish Varget is outstanding.
Thanks. I'll start in that neighborhood.
Looks like there are some other powders to look at too. I've got all those but will have to limit to three I think. Would be nice to find a ball powder that flows through the LnL measure smoothly. But, beggars can't be choosers.
urbanrifleman
Site $$ Sponsor
That Varget load is simple and repeatable. It goes about 3400 fps.
The sweet spot for that bullet is 3000 to 3400 in an 8 twist.
Shifty6br
Silver $$ Contributor
Fwiw I am currently running a pretty slow lot of Varget, had a thread up about it ..I am at 30.2 gr up from my previous 8lb lot at 29.5 gr Varget.
No pressure signs, spent cases rechamber fine.
Barrel was cut with Manson's. 050 freebore reamer. I've mostly only ran the 75 .
Naturally you will want to work up if still testing with the Amax, tho I've never toyed with the 75gr I fed my first straight 6br a whole bunch and of the 105 amax and recall they have a bit more bearing surface which should put you deeper in the case depending.
It absolutely hammers around the 3100f+"fps node, well with the vld at least.
No pressure signs, spent cases rechamber fine.
Barrel was cut with Manson's. 050 freebore reamer. I've mostly only ran the 75 .
Naturally you will want to work up if still testing with the Amax, tho I've never toyed with the 75gr I fed my first straight 6br a whole bunch and of the 105 amax and recall they have a bit more bearing surface which should put you deeper in the case depending.
It absolutely hammers around the 3100f+"fps node, well with the vld at least.
That pretty much parallels my thoughts. I like to use the 50 or 53 V-Max in a .223 or 32's, 39's and 40's in my 20P for anything inside 350 yards or so - but will stretch that considerably further if needed. I wanted the 62 for the shots pretty much past 350. That wind is always moving a bit and every little bit helps on the tiniest of targets.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.