224 Valkyrie - 77gr SMK, 80gr ELD-M, 60gr B-Tip with 2000-MR

Published on March 9, 2018
Duration: 60:28

This guide details the process of reloading 224 Valkyrie cartridges, focusing on the use of RCBS dies after experiencing issues with Forester dies. It covers brass preparation, die setup, headspace measurement, bullet seating to specific overall lengths, and powder charging. The speaker emphasizes the importance of proper die adjustment and checking for pressure signs, while also discussing the performance of various bullet weights.

Quick Summary

Reloading 224 Valkyrie brass with RCBS dies involves careful setup, including setting the resizing die to cam over for proper shoulder bump. The speaker tested 77gr SMK, 80gr ELD-M, and 60gr Ballistic Tip bullets with Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR powder, noting the best group from the 60gr Ballistic Tip at 31.5 grains.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Previous Video Recap
  2. 00:30Bullet Selection for Testing
  3. 02:30Powder Choice: Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR
  4. 02:39Forester Die Issues & Replacement
  5. 05:38Introducing RCBS 224 Valkyrie Dies
  6. 07:00Resizing Brass with RCBS Dies
  7. 10:36Headspace Measurement & Shoulder Bump
  8. 13:07Case Stretching & Chamber Fit
  9. 15:39Post-Resizing Brass Preparation
  10. 16:29Final Bullet Selection & OAL Planning
  11. 18:28Powder Charge Estimation for New Bullets
  12. 19:51Load Data Summary
  13. 21:13Primer Installation & Brass Condition
  14. 22:38RCBS Seating Die Stem Fit Check
  15. 23:55Taper Crimp Die Setup (Not Used)
  16. 24:42Seating 77gr Sierra Match King Bullets
  17. 26:01Checking OAL Against Lands (77gr SMK)
  18. 29:46Checking OAL Against Lands (80gr ELD Match)
  19. 31:59Seating 60gr Nosler Ballistic Tip Bullets
  20. 32:58Checking OAL Against Lands (60gr Ballistic Tip)
  21. 34:57Range Session: Firearm Preparation
  22. 36:14Range Setup & Rifle Configuration
  23. 37:06Shooting 77gr Sierra Match King (27.0gr)
  24. 38:07Shooting 77gr Sierra Match King (28.0gr)
  25. 39:12Shooting 77gr Sierra Match King (29.0gr)
  26. 40:42Shooting 80gr Hornady ELD Match (26.5gr)
  27. 42:06Shooting 80gr Hornady ELD Match (27.5gr)
  28. 43:07Shooting 80gr Hornady ELD Match (28.5gr)
  29. 44:05Shooting 60gr Nosler Ballistic Tip (29.5gr)
  30. 45:19Shooting 60gr Nosler Ballistic Tip (30.5gr)
  31. 45:39Shooting 60gr Nosler Ballistic Tip (31.5gr)
  32. 46:30Brass Inspection Post-Firing
  33. 49:59Group Analysis: 77gr Sierra Match King
  34. 51:18Group Analysis: 80gr Hornady ELD Match
  35. 52:05Group Analysis: 60gr Nosler Ballistic Tip
  36. 53:05Future Reloading Plans & Next Steps
  37. 54:35Firearm Gas System & Ejection Pattern
  38. 55:00Suppressor Considerations
  39. 55:30Small Base Die Impact on Brass Life
  40. 56:09Future Crimp Testing
  41. 56:31White Oak Armament Barrel Discussion
  42. 57:08Potential Bolt Carrier Swap
  43. 57:30Platform Accuracy Troubleshooting
  44. 57:49Video Production Challenges & Work Schedule
  45. 58:47Channel Growth & Support
  46. 59:30Consideration for Daily Video Challenge Return
  47. 60:15Appreciation & Sign-off

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between RCBS and Forester dies for 224 Valkyrie reloading?

The RCBS dies are noted for consistent resizing and proper shoulder bump, while Forester dies experienced issues like a broken seating stem and poor fit for heavier bullets, requiring significant shoulder bump.

What is the recommended overall length for 77gr Sierra Match King bullets in 224 Valkyrie?

For the speaker's rifle, the optimal overall length for 77gr Sierra Match King bullets was found to be around 2.120 inches to ensure proper cannelure alignment and avoid contact with the rifling lands.

What powder is recommended for reloading 224 Valkyrie with various bullet weights?

Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR is used for reloading 224 Valkyrie with 77gr SMK, 80gr ELD-M, and 60gr Ballistic Tip bullets, with estimated maximum charges derived from available data.

What were the best performing bullet weights and loads for the 224 Valkyrie in this test?

The 60gr Nosler Ballistic Tip at 31.5 grains of Power Pro 2000-MR yielded the best group (0.662 inches) at 3239 fps. The 77gr Sierra Match King also showed promise, with a best group of 0.940 inches at 2722 fps.

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