223 Rem - 53gr & 55gr Hornady V-Max

Published on January 15, 2019
Duration: 20:40

This video details a reloading and ballistics test of 223 Remington ammunition featuring 53gr and 55gr Hornady V-Max bullets. The instructor, Johnny, meticulously loads and tests various powder charges with IMR 3031, IMR 8208 XBR, and Power Pro Varmint, providing detailed velocity and group size data. The test highlights the performance differences between the two bullet weights and the impact of different powders on accuracy and consistency, offering insights for handloaders seeking optimal performance.

Quick Summary

This 223 Remington reloading and ballistics test compares 53gr and 55gr Hornady V-Max bullets using IMR 3031, IMR 8208 XBR, and Power Pro Varmint powders. The 53gr V-Max with IMR 3031 yielded a 0.546-inch group at 25.0 grains, while the 55gr V-Max with IMR 8208 XBR achieved a 0.663-inch group at 25.5 grains. Power Pro Varmint showed inconsistent performance for both bullet weights.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Bullet Selection
  2. 00:45Bullet Design Differences
  3. 00:57Overall Length Considerations
  4. 01:30Powder Selection & Load Data
  5. 02:11Primers & Brass
  6. 02:31Reloading Process Overview
  7. 02:49Seating Die & Target OAL
  8. 03:5853gr V-Max Seating Depth Issues
  9. 04:27Bullet Puller Use
  10. 05:13IMR 3031 Reloading Observations
  11. 06:3755gr V-Max Reloading
  12. 07:45Seating Depth Comparison
  13. 08:13Range Preparation
  14. 08:19Range Setup & Conditions
  15. 08:4853gr V-Max with IMR 3031 - Group 1
  16. 09:3053gr V-Max with IMR 3031 - Group 2
  17. 10:2553gr V-Max with IMR 3031 - Group 3
  18. 10:5855gr V-Max with IMR 8208 XBR - Group 1
  19. 11:3555gr V-Max with IMR 8208 XBR - Group 2
  20. 12:2155gr V-Max with IMR 8208 XBR - Group 3
  21. 13:0655gr V-Max with Power Pro Varmint - Group 1
  22. 14:1955gr V-Max with Power Pro Varmint - Group 2
  23. 15:1855gr V-Max with Power Pro Varmint - Group 3
  24. 15:38Bench Review & Brass Inspection
  25. 15:55Group Analysis - 53gr V-Max & IMR 3031
  26. 16:51Group Analysis - 55gr V-Max & IMR 8208 XBR
  27. 17:16Group Analysis - 55gr V-Max & Power Pro Varmint
  28. 17:48Brass Condition & Potential Issues
  29. 18:25Overall Disappointment & Hope
  30. 19:07Future Plans for 55gr V-Max
  31. 20:02Power Pro Varmint Powder Review
  32. 20:22Conclusion & Video Wrap-up

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the 53gr and 55gr Hornady V-Max bullets for 223 Remington?

The 53gr Hornady V-Max is a boattail design, while the 55gr V-Max is a flat-base bullet. The 53gr bullet is also physically longer than the 55gr version, which can affect seating depth and jump to the lands in a firearm's barrel.

Which powders performed best with the 53gr and 55gr Hornady V-Max bullets in 223 Remington?

For the 53gr V-Max, IMR 3031 showed promise, with the best group measuring 0.546 inches at 25.0 grains. For the 55gr V-Max, IMR 8208 XBR provided good results, with the final group at 25.5 grains measuring 0.663 inches. Power Pro Varmint was disappointing for both bullet weights.

What were the typical velocities and standard deviations observed during the 223 Rem ballistics test?

With the 53gr V-Max at 25.0 grains of IMR 3031, velocities averaged around 2970 fps with a standard deviation of 12.0. For the 55gr V-Max at 25.5 grains of IMR 8208 XBR, velocities averaged about 3072 fps with a standard deviation of 13.0. Power Pro Varmint showed much higher velocity spreads.

What reloading challenges were encountered with the 53gr Hornady V-Max in 223 Remington?

The instructor noted that achieving a consistent overall length of 2.260 inches was difficult with the 53gr V-Max, as the bullet's bearing surface barely cleared the case mouth at that length. The Hornady manual suggested a shorter overall length of 2.240 inches for this bullet.

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