223 Ackley 90vld - Ease of Tuning

[APGE]

Hi there folks,

I have an 8 twist 223 AI that shoots 80 grainers quite well and am looking to replace the barrel with a 7 or 6.5 twist to shoot 90s. My previous experience with 90s in a plain Jane 223 was that they were very difficult to tune and quite fussy.

Does anyone have any experience with 90s in the 223 Ackley? Are they just as hard to tune?

Thanks

 

[Ned Ludd]

In my hands, the 90 VLDs have been quite easy to tune in a standard .223 Rem throated with 0.169" (or more) freebore. Seating depth is critical. With H4895 running ~2850 fps from a 30" barrel, they seem to like being seated either into the lands about .005" to .007", OR in the neighborhood of .018" to .021" off the lands. For a number of reasons I have always seated them off the lands. I'd imagine the .223 AI would be no different, and I would suggest seating depth testing in small (.003") increments until you find the sweet spot.

 

[stacy]

I SHOOT A 223 ACKLEY 1/7 30'' AND IT LIKES THE 90GR VLD'S JUST KISSING THE LANDS .169 FREEBORE 24.5 GRS OF VARGET NOT PUSSING IT HARD 2750FPS BUT SHE DOES VERY WELL IT ALSO SO SHOOTS 80GR VLD'S THE 90'S JUST OUTPREFORMS THE 80'S AFTER 200YDS OR SO FORSURE IN THE WIND

 

[JBT47]

I shoot 90 VLD’s out of a .223 1-7” twist chambered with the PTG ISSF .169” freebore. The 90’s are not the most forgiving bullet for most people it seems. However, I was able to find a good load and seating depth without too much fuss.

 

[stacy]

PUSH THIS LITTLE RAT OUT TO 500YDS YESTERDAY WITH THE 90GR VLD'S AND SHE STANDS HER GROUND