55gr ZMax

[oldman1951]

Anyone have a .223 load for the 55gr ZMAX using ProVarmint powder? Never used the ZMaX or this powder before.

 

[pdog2062]

I have had very good luck with 25.5 grains of Benchmark with most 55 grain bullets,not the fastest load but very accurate and consistent

 

[5spd]

I use the powder but with 50g z/v max bullets. IMO its a very good powder and prints my loads from .420" to .773" @ 100 yds.
My load is 26.3g 50g z/v max., 3332 fps 24" bbl. Its shoots the 50g V & Z max bullets identicle in groups and speed.

 

[Knotwild]

I have had very good luck with 25.5 grains of Benchmark with most 55 grain bullets,not the fastest load but very accurate and consistent

I have had the same results as pdog2062 using 55gr. Nosler Varmageddons.

I forgot to mention that I have also had good results using Federal Small Rifle Match AR primers.

 

[jpx2rk]

Try 23.0g of varget if you have it or willing to try, it's a low end powder charge but very accurate for me.

 

[klmshooterk]

The V-max uses a match grade jacket formed by a conventional cup and core process. The Z-max jacket is formed by a plating process, so it's less expensive. I don't know from personal experience how well that's working for them, but Hornady values its reputation for offering the best accuracy for the dollar, so it is probably pretty good. Like the V-max, it will be an explosively expanding bullet for small varmints and not intended to penetrate larger game than that very well.

For powder data, because this powder is relatively new, the distributor, Hudgdon, is still the only source I know of. For a Speer 55 grain soft point seated to 2.130" COL in a Winchester case with a WSR primer, they list 23.9 grains to start and 25.9 grains maximum. Use that starting load with your bullet choice and work up while watching for pressure sign.

 

[Dave Berg]

For powder data, because this powder is relatively new, the distributor, Hudgdon, is still the only source I know of. For a Speer 55 grain soft point seated to 2.130" COL in a Winchester case with a WSR primer, they list 23.9 grains to start and 25.9 grains maximum. Use that starting load with your bullet choice and work up while watching for pressure sign.

I don't know where klmshooterk got his information but....

You can ignore any reported differences between Z-Max and V-Max
PowerPro Varmint is an Alliant powder, not a "Hudgdon".
It's been around for at least five years.
Why he lists a load with a COAL of 2.130" is a mystery.
Alliant load data for PowerPro Varmint:

 

[stacy]

H-4895 WORKS WELL WITH THOSE WEIGHT BULLETS FOR ME

 

[Texas10]

Several years ago I compared the 50g Z-Max with the 50g V-Max. I found the Z-max varied quite a bit in weight 49.7 to 50.4 grains. The V-Max was considerably more consistent varying only two or three tenths of a grain total, and shot much more consistently. I sold off my remaining Z-max.

Perhaps it was plated, or made differently in early production and that is what caused the weight variation, but is now made like it's cousin, the V-Max. Don't know, don't care. The V-Max shoots just fine.

As for powders, I find IMR-3031 gives best accuracy while H335 gives best velocity but is a bit temp sensitive at hotter load levels.