What twist barrel for 223 rem and 90gr VLDs

[Berger.Fan222]

Can you find me a shooter on the line in an F class match that is not above the published maximum charge weights?

I've spend enough time and money related to overpressure loads. I keep 'em within book max now. In .223, this means 23 grains of Varget and an 80 SMK. Book max is 25.3 grains.

 

[XTR]

I wasn't referring to pressures, though I will wager that pretty much most of the competitive shooters out there in F class are very close to or above the listed SAAMI max for their given cartridge. That is the reason for the popularity of Lapua Palma brass, it handles the max pressures with out losing the primer pockets for more reloads.

My comment reflects the idea that published maximum charges are based on SAAMI spec OALs and are published with a very large safety factor. (My Lyman manual says the load you list above is 0.5 over max. )

What is the published maximum charge for a 223 shooting 90VLDs seated to touch in a .168 freebore? or 308 shooting 215 Hybrids with a bullet OAL of over 3.2"?

Personally, I've blown enough primers too, and I cant afford for my brass to be single use.

 

[Berger.Fan222]

My comment reflects the idea that published maximum charges are based on SAAMI spec OALs and are published with a very large safety factor. (My Lyman manual says the load you list above is 0.5 over max. )

Sierra actually publishes a load for the 80 SMK seated at over 2.5" OAL, so my listed load is well under the book max for the specific cartridge, bullet, powder, and OAL.

I try and avoid being over book max for the powder charge, even when I think the pressure might still be reasonable because the OAL is longer than the one in the book. In rare exceptions, I use QL to ensure that the pressures are most likely fairly conservative for the given bullet and OAL. If I don't get 9-10 firings out of the brass, I take that as a sign to reduce the loads.

 

[Texas Solo]

Admittedly, I haven't read each post in it's entirety, so excuse if this has been mentioned:
You really can't shoot 80's or 90's in a .223 chamber and expect good results.
I chose a Wylde chamber for just this reason. I found either the 80 SMK or the Berger 80 VLD to shoot well.
Going with the VLD @ .015 off the lands, 24.5 Varget, I get 3020fps and 1/4 moa at 100yds, close to 1/2 moa at 600yds, on a good day Shilen SM barrel, 1/7, 28". This load is a tad hot though. I get slight primer flattening & cratering.
The 90's will give you more bullet in the case neck but can be finicky to get right....YMMV.

 

[skiutah02]

Admittedly, I haven't read each post in it's entirety, so excuse if this has been mentioned:
You really can't shoot 80's or 90's in a .223 chamber and expect good results.
I chose a Wylde chamber for just this reason. I found either the 80 SMK or the Berger 80 VLD to shoot well.
Going with the VLD @ .015 off the lands, 24.5 Varget, I get 3020fps and 1/4 moa at 100yds, close to 1/2 moa at 600yds, on a good day Shilen SM barrel, 1/7, 28". This load is a tad hot though. I get slight primer flattening & cratering.
The 90's will give you more bullet in the case neck but can be finicky to get right....YMMV.

Going to have to disagree with you. See here

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/th...n-fun-and-stupid.3894025/page-2#post-36716680

PS I like your HM BS!

 

[skiutah02]

But that's only because you're superhuman, Drew . I think Texas might have meant shooting 80s/90s in a "standard" .223 chamber with a relatively short freebore, but I'm just guessing. Has it warmed up in your neck of the woods, yet?

Not superhuman as far as I'm aware. I've seen you sling them equally as well. I'm of the opinion that winning a State Championship at 1000 yds with them trumps anything I've done with them at midrange ....just say'n. I would agree a normal throated 223 will not work well with these. Saw low 50s a few days ago, which was just a tease. Was single digits yesterday and windy. Snowing at the moment. Rumor has it we will see low 60s Sun. Weird weather. Drew

 

[XTR]

Admittedly, I haven't read each post in it's entirety, so excuse if this has been mentioned:
You really can't shoot 80's or 90's in a .223 chamber and expect good results.
I chose a Wylde chamber for just this reason. I found either the 80 SMK or the Berger 80 VLD to shoot well.
Going with the VLD @ .015 off the lands, 24.5 Varget, I get 3020fps and 1/4 moa at 100yds, close to 1/2 moa at 600yds, on a good day Shilen SM barrel, 1/7, 28". This load is a tad hot though. I get slight primer flattening & cratering.
The 90's will give you more bullet in the case neck but can be finicky to get right....YMMV.

You have much to learn Grasshopper.

 

[jsthntn247]

Not superhuman as far as I'm aware. I've seen you sling them equally as well. I'm of the opinion that winning a State Championship at 1000 yds with them trumps anything I've done with them at midrange ....just say'n. I would agree a normal throated 223 will not work well with these. Saw low 50s a few days ago, which was just a tease. Was single digits yesterday and windy. Snowing at the moment. Rumor has it we will see low 60s Sun. Weird weather. Drew

I'm thinking he might be the only one to win a State match at 1k with a 223 and did it with a 0 on a shot. That's quite possibly the most impressive thing I've seen to date.

 

[skiutah02]

I'm thinking he might be the only one to win a State match at 1k with a 223 and did it with a 0 on a shot. That's quite possibly the most impressive thing I've seen to date.

Agreed. Didn't want to remind him of the crossfire, but it does add to the impressiveness. I'm considering defending my LR State title with the 90s, but I have a new-to-me 308 that I really want to use. Will be trying both at a 1000 yd match in April to see which to use in June. Drew

 

[DRNewcomb]

I currently Use a Bartlein 32" 1-6.7 twist with no issues, Last recorded group with the 90VLD was .439 at 100yards 5 shots. I'm going to test the 90SMK and see how they do, but never plan on using them for big matches.

Is this a progressive twist barrel? I would certainly consider using a progressive twist barrel to attain the rpms needed to stabilize a 90 gn bullet. High quality standards at every stage are critical as the smallest imperfection will produce fliers.

 

[eric n]

Admittedly, I haven't read each post in it's entirety, so excuse if this has been mentioned:
You really can't shoot 80's or 90's in a .223 chamber and expect good results.
I chose a Wylde chamber for just this reason. I found either the 80 SMK or the Berger 80 VLD to shoot well.
Going with the VLD @ .015 off the lands, 24.5 Varget, I get 3020fps and 1/4 moa at 100yds, close to 1/2 moa at 600yds, on a good day Shilen SM barrel, 1/7, 28". This load is a tad hot though. I get slight primer flattening & cratering.
The 90's will give you more bullet in the case neck but can be finicky to get right....YMMV.

3020? That's moving pretty good.
Just out of curiosity.... How's your brass life?

 

[raptor1ronin]

Is this a progressive twist barrel? I would certainly consider using a progressive twist barrel to attain the rpms needed to stabilize a 90 gn bullet. High quality standards at every stage are critical as the smallest imperfection will produce fliers.

DRN,
It's a non-progressive twist. I wanted something between a 6.5 and a 7 this way if I go sea level I would still have plenty of stabilization for my shooting matches. It's been working fantastic and shooting superb here in AZ. I have out shot a lot of .308. They all are amazed what this bullet can do.