53gr V-Max

[CaptJim]

This is my first attempt at reloading the 223 for a bolt rifle. I decided to try some IMR 4895 with the 53 V-Max. I noted that the Hornady 9th edition manual listed 27.1gr as a max load. I decided to make my max load 26.5 gr and go down in .3gr increments from there to find a "sweet " spot for my Savage 10FP 1:10" twist rifle.

Much to my surprise, the 26.5gr charge loaded well up into the cartridge neck. I'm sure the 27.1 charge would have run over. At 26.5 I would have had a compressed load and was not comfortable with that, so I backed down to 25.5gr as a max load. Even at that, there was barely enough room in the neck to seat at one bullet dia (.224). The 53 V-Max is .835" and my cases are trimmed to 1.75" that left me with a COL of 2.361". As a side note, my Speer 7th edition manual lists a 27.5g max load for 4895 powder.

I ended up with 3rounds each with 24.7gr; 25.0gr; 25.2gr; and 25.5gr at 2.36" COL.

I saw no mention of any compressed loads in the Hornady manual, and they list a COL of 2.240", which would result in the bullet base being a good bit below the neck/case junction.

My question is to those who have possibly tried the 53 V-Max with this powder, and whether or not it would be safe to compress the load as would be necessary, if there were no pressure signs and accuracy was improving as velocity increased.

Are there any other powders that would be better for this combo? I have H-380, AA-2015, Varget as well.

Any comments, suggestions welcome.

Thanks,

Jim

[stomp442]

Compressed loads in a 223 are common. I would suggest getting a drop tube to help with powder flow into the case.

[Dan Fletcher]

I've had the same experience with IMR4895 in the 223. I weigh every load when using stick powders and I found that pouring the powder veeeerrrry slowly from the scale pan into the funnel lowered the powder level in the case considerably. If your rifle shoots IMR4895 like mine does, 25 grains is the magic load with every bullet weight I've tried between 50 and 69 grains. I normally load longer than 2.26 OAL to get the bullet closer or into the lands. If you go to the Hodgdon web site and browse through their 223 load data, you will see that many of the max loads are compressed.

[gotcha]

Another factor with 4895 in a .223 case is case capacity. it varies considerably from Mfg. to Mfg. Also dies that are small based or designed for AR's will size the cases smaller thus, limiting capacity. Plus the AR type dies will set the shoulder back farther, again reducing capacity. The best .223 powders I've used over the years are A-2230 ( drops very consistently with a Dillon), 748 (ball powder) and IMR-4198 (not recommended for a progressive press as sticks are very long) Winchester .223 brass would give excellent case capacity though I'm not sure it would give you the most capacity. I think you can find a case capacity comparison at accurate shooter under " .223 cartridge guide ". Hope this helps some

[reshp1]

LEE lists IMR4895's VMD at 0.0728 cc/grain, at 26.5gr, that's 1.93 cc's. The case capacity of .223 is around 1.9-1.95cc, so you're at just under full capacity and will need to compress to seat a bullet. So that matches with your observations, nothing unexpected going on there. FWIW, Hogdon's online manual lists 26.4 as max load for 223/53 gr and denotes it as "C" for compressed load. I'd back off to minimum load (24.5gr, according to Hogdon) and go up until you run out of room instead of the other way around. That's better practice anyway, since if something fluky happens, you start seeing signs of overpressure before you add more powder.

[tomme boy]

26 grs shot at 1" in my Axis. I tried all kinds of powders and the 53 VMAX just would not shoot in my gun.

[homefrontsniper]

i love compressed loads
varget
AR comp
reloder 15
all good
if you dont like compressed loads get some 8208 xbr/// Tac./// H 322

[jonbearman]

I agree, start low always and work up till pressure rears its ugly head.

[Digduggy]

23.8 gr is treating me really well with 55 gr hornady bullets with imr 4895