223 Rem - 40gr Hornady V-MAX

Published on July 12, 2022
Duration: 17:51

This video details the reloading and live-fire testing of 223 Remington ammunition using 40gr Hornady V-MAX bullets. The presenter, drawing on his grandfather's successful loads, tests two popular powders, Hodgdon H.335 and Alliant Power Pro Varmint, at two charge weights (26.5gr and 27.0gr). The testing is conducted in a re-chambered Remington 700 BDL Varmint Special with a 1:14 twist barrel, focusing on accuracy and velocity data.

Quick Summary

The 223 Remington reloading test features 40gr Hornady V-MAX bullets with Hodgdon H.335 and Alliant Power Pro Varmint powders. Tested in a Remington 700 BDL Varmint Special, loads achieved group sizes as small as 0.45 inches, with velocities averaging around 3500-3600 fps.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Rifle Overview
  2. 00:22Bullet and Load Selection
  3. 00:37Powder Choices: H.335 and Power Pro Varmint
  4. 01:12Brass and Primer Selection
  5. 01:38Lee Collet Die Overview
  6. 03:36Setting Up the Lee Collet Die
  7. 05:51Sizing Process and Neck Diameter Check
  8. 07:46Priming and Weighing Charges
  9. 08:14Bullet Seating Die Setup
  10. 08:28Setting Overall Length (2.3 inches)
  11. 09:49Range Setup and Chronograph
  12. 10:09Test 1: 26.5gr H.335 (5 Shots)
  13. 11:09Results: 26.5gr H.335 Group Size and Velocity
  14. 11:55Test 2: 27.0gr H.335 (10 Shots)
  15. 13:32Results: 27.0gr H.335 Group Size and Velocity
  16. 13:55Test 3: 26.5gr Power Pro Varmint (5 Shots)
  17. 15:00Results: 26.5gr Power Pro Varmint Group Size and Velocity
  18. 15:14Test 4: 27.0gr Power Pro Varmint (5 Shots)
  19. 15:51Results: 27.0gr Power Pro Varmint Group Size and Velocity
  20. 16:04Overall Performance Summary
  21. 16:11Rifle Comfort and Shooting Experience
  22. 16:46Future Reloading and Testing Ideas
  23. 17:43Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What bullet weight and type was tested for 223 Remington?

The video tests the 40 grain Hornady V-MAX bullet for the 223 Remington cartridge. This bullet was chosen based on its historical success with the presenter's grandfather.

Which powders were used for reloading 223 Remington in this test?

Two popular spherical powders were tested: Hodgdon H.335 and Alliant Power Pro Varmint. Both were loaded at 26.5 and 27.0 grain charge weights.

What rifle was used for the 223 Remington accuracy testing?

The testing was conducted in a Remington 700 BDL Varmint Special, which was originally chambered in 222 Remington and subsequently re-chambered to 223 Remington. It features a 1:14 twist barrel.

What were the key accuracy results for the tested 223 Remington loads?

The best group achieved was 0.45 inches with 26.5 grains of Power Pro Varmint. Groups generally ranged from 0.45 to 0.64 inches, with some loads showing potential for sub-MOA accuracy when excluding outliers.

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