Testing the 53gr vmax in my 223

[Benchrest Braxton]

My old Sako Vixen 12 twist did well with Varget and 53 Vmax. I had tried it on various rifles before, and never seemed to find a load I was satisfied with, but those were mostly AR's. This is with LC brass, Rem 7.5 primers, COAL 2.26", 26.0 to 26.2 deserved exploring. maybe seating depth tests, but I haven't gotten back to it yet.

View attachment 1760666

223? switch to n133

 

[neckdeep]

I have shot thousands of 53 gr Vmax, they work in the varmint field, they really light them up in my 223 Ackley 14 twist barrel, I would try a WSR or Rem 7 1/2, CFE 223 is great but like you said supposedly not as temp stable

 

[searcher]

That is my favorite weight bullet out of my .223 varmint rigs. I think I have run more test loads though my Remington SPS Varmint than any of my other rifles. Not that I didn't find a good powder - I was just curious and had nothing else to do. I even tried the Norma, VV powders and such just to see..... The results of the powders that shot best most often also were best in my other rifles - even in 1-9 and 1-8 twist barrels, aside for the Rem 1-12". Here is what shot best, in order:

Brass is Lapua, Primers Federal Match, 53 V-Max

1) 21.5 Rel 7 OAL 1.877"

2) 22.1 Accurate LT32 OAL 1.877"

3) 24.0 IMR8208XBR OAL 1.901" 2,870 fps

4) 25.5 Benchmark OAL 1.901"

In my A/R's, the OAL and powder charges were different! This was in my Remington SPS Varmint. I'd start lower and work up. These were safe in my rifle. I got good groups with a variety of powders but the above powders above were by far the most abundant producers in all of the rifles. If I get a new barrel on any other rifles, these will be the first four powders I'll try with the 50-53 grain bullets.

good luck!