More Range Time

[GordonM]

Today, I took my most accurate rifle to the range to compare two .223 caliber handloads. One load was a 55 grain Hornady V-Max bullet pushed by 20.5 grains of IMR 3031 powder for an average of 2589 fps. The second load was a 55 grain Hornady FMJ-BT pushed by 20.8 grains of H335 powder for an average of 2598 fps.

My rig is a Savage 10FLP and is all factory except the foam Butler Creek cheek piece. The scope is a Nikon Tactical 2.5-10X with mil-dot reticle.

A closer look.

The two different rounds. The 55 gr. V-Max on the left and the 55 gr. FMJ-BT on the right.

After initial windage and elevation adjustments, here are two five round groups shot from 100 yards. The target on the left is the 55 gr. V-Max round and the target on the right is the 55 gr. FMJ-BT.

Thanks for looking.

Gordy

 

[santaman2000]

Good groups. Great improvement in the handload!

 

[GordonM]

The rifle likes the V-Max load between the two. Next, I'll have to load both bullets with the same powder to get a further "apples to apples" comparison.

Gordy

 

[woof]

Good grouping. I've never reloaded for a rifle, but did my own pistol rounds(38,357,9mm,44spl/mag, & 45) before handguns were banned overhere. I used to enjoy the reloading almost as much as the shooting.
Is the rifle left handed ?.

Rob

 

[backwoodsman]

still got the "sweet" spot to find on the fmj then

 

[British Red]

I was betting to myself the V-max would group better Its a great head.

Do you vary primers as well? I've noticed they do make a difference - particularly BR vs small rifle.

Red

 

[GordonM]

but did my own pistol rounds(38,357,9mm,44spl/mag, & 45)... I used to enjoy the reloading almost as much as the shooting. Is the rifle left handed ?

Rob, I find reloading very enjoyable and the shooting is relaxing, except the matches. I reload for the 9mm and .45 ACP, as well. Yes, the rifle is left handed.

Do you vary primers as well? I've noticed they do make a difference - particularly BR vs small rifle.

I am with you on that Red. We recently went through a two year dry spell (purchasing run) on reloading components and primers were hard to get. Things are getting somewhat back to normal and I have some Rem 7 1/2 BR and CCI BR4 on hand. Both of the loads I tested yesterday just had WIN WSR primers.

Backwoodsman - Finding the sweet spot is the joy of the whole reloading / shooting process. Keep tweaking the load.

Gordy