Butt Kickin' 5.56 Bullets - ep4 - 70gr Hornady GMX and Varget

Published on October 24, 2016
Duration: 29:00

This video details the process of reloading 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition using 70-grain Hornady GMX bullets and Hodgdon Varget powder. The instructor guides viewers through case preparation, including resizing, trimming, and primer seating, and discusses managing primer crimps found in PMC brass. Load development involves testing various Varget charges, with a focus on achieving magazine length overall length (OAL) and monitoring for signs of case capacity limitations. The shooting portion evaluates group sizes and velocity at 100 yards, ultimately finding the tested combination to be disappointing.

Quick Summary

Reloading 5.56 NATO with 70gr Hornady GMX bullets and Hodgdon Varget powder involves careful case preparation, including managing primer crimps in PMC brass. Load development focuses on achieving magazine length OAL while monitoring case capacity. Testing in a 16-inch barrel showed velocities around 2679 fps and group sizes up to 1.68 inches at 100 yards, indicating suboptimal performance for this combination.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction: 70gr Hornady GMX & Varget
  2. 00:12Bullet Overview: 70gr Hornady GMX
  3. 01:11Powder Selection: Hodgdon Varget
  4. 01:26Brass Preparation: PMC 223 Brass
  5. 02:07Primer Selection: CCI #41
  6. 02:43Dealing with Primer Crimps
  7. 03:50RCBS Crimp Remover Tool
  8. 04:21Load Data Reference: Hornady Manual
  9. 04:4470gr GMX in 5.56 Section
  10. 05:30Powder Capacity Concerns
  11. 06:32Test Rifle Specs vs. Manual
  12. 07:07Load Development Plan
  13. 08:03Varget Powder Characteristics
  14. 08:45Weighing Charges: 23.1 Grains
  15. 10:02Seating Die Adjustment
  16. 11:18Bullet Seating Depth Observation
  17. 14:00Lee Factory Crimp Die Use
  18. 15:21Loading Remaining Rounds
  19. 16:00Seating Last Bullets
  20. 17:13Range Day: Wind Conditions
  21. 17:48First Group: 23.1 Grains Varget
  22. 18:47Brass Inspection After Firing
  23. 19:40First Group Results Analysis
  24. 20:06Next Load: 23.4 Grains Varget
  25. 21:05Group Analysis: 23.4 Grains
  26. 21:49Next Load: 23.7 Grains Varget
  27. 22:00Future Plans: CFЕ223 Test
  28. 22:43Next Load: 24.0 Grains Varget
  29. 23:36Group Analysis: 24.0 Grains
  30. 23:43Final Load: 24.3 Grains Varget
  31. 24:11Final Group Analysis
  32. 24:22Overall Performance Evaluation
  33. 24:31Expansion Test Preview
  34. 24:48Bench Review: Results Summary
  35. 25:00Velocity vs. Expected
  36. 25:08Accuracy Performance
  37. 25:40Bullet Performance Disappointment
  38. 26:03Future Load Development Ideas
  39. 26:30Manual Notes: Vihtavuori N140
  40. 27:16Velocity Fluctuations
  41. 27:36Extruded Powder Crunching
  42. 28:05Brass Condition After Testing
  43. 28:08Next Video Preview: CFE223
  44. 28:17Future Hunting Load Workup

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components for reloading 5.56 NATO with heavy bullets?

For reloading 5.56 NATO with heavy bullets like the 70gr Hornady GMX, you'll need appropriate brass (e.g., PMC 223 brass), a suitable powder like Hodgdon Varget, and primers such as CCI #41. Careful case preparation, including resizing, trimming, and primer seating, is crucial, especially if dealing with crimped primers.

What are the challenges when reloading heavy bullets in 5.56 NATO?

Reloading heavy bullets in 5.56 NATO can present challenges such as consuming significant case capacity, which may limit powder charges and achievable velocities. Additionally, ensuring proper overall length (OAL) for magazine feeding and managing potential pressure signs from compressed loads are important considerations.

What were the results of testing 70gr Hornady GMX bullets with Hodgdon Varget powder?

Testing 70gr Hornady GMX bullets with Hodgdon Varget powder in a 16-inch barrel yielded disappointing results. Velocities did not reach expected levels, topping out around 2679 fps, and accuracy was poor, with the best group measuring 1.68 inches at 100 yards. The highest charge tested (24.3 grains) produced the best group.

How do you prepare PMC 223 brass for reloading?

When preparing PMC 223 brass, it's important to check for and remove any primer crimps, which can be done with a military crimp remover tool. After crimp removal, the brass should be tumbled, resized, trimmed to the correct length, chamfered, deburred, and then primed.

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