Chronograph results on 60 gr V-max

[TWR]

I started out today with American Eagle 50 gr hollow points as a base line to compare. All loads were shot in a 16" Colt Light weight 1/7 twist AR-15 (of course). Temp 50 degrees, wind light and variable. Rem cases, WSR primers.

50gr American Eagle HP 3075 high, 3048 low, average 5 shot string 3064 fps.

60gr V-max 24.5 gr Benchmark 2869 high, 2826 low, average 5 shot string 2840 fps.

60gr V-max 25 gr Benchmark 2991 high, 2944 low, average 5 shot string 2963 fps.

60gr V-max 25 gr TAC 2925 high, 2802 low, average 5 shot string 2863 fps.

60gr V-max 25.8 gr TAC 3017 high, 2981 low, average 5 shot string 3003 fps.

The AE 50 gr loads usualy run about 3200 fps, I opened a new case and will have to see if this one is just slower or the temp has that much effect on it. This is the new Lake City brass load, my older AE used FC brass which was junk for reloading but pretty good ammo.

Of course always work up your loads in your guns, I was starting to see the primers flatten a little (new softer Win primers) on both max loads and may have to back off if shooting in the summer or switch primers.

My goal was to reach 3000 fps with the 60 gr bullet in mild temps out of the 16" barrel. I think the TAC powder will work which is good because it's clean and cheaper. Accuracy was not measured as I was not shooting groups, just making sure I didn't hit the Ohler and shooting pretty fast. Still all loads wound up in about a 4" group. Good to know different powder and charges didn't make that much of a difference.

Next I will change primers to Fed 205M, check velocity and start working on accuracy. I also am going to try the Nosler 60 gr Ballistic tip bullets, these are a boat tail with a cannelure. I'll keep you posted.

[Ridgerunner665]

Originally Posted by TWR

My goal was to reach 3000 fps with the 60 gr bullet in mild temps out of the 16" barrel.

Your results are just like mine...its not easy to get 3000 fps from a 16 inch barrel...I been trying to do it with the 60 grain VMAX and the Barnes 62 grain TSX bullet.

AA 2230 did get 3000 fps from the VMAX... it flattened the primers pretty good, but it did not stretch the case heads any.

I have had the best luck with Reloder 15 (most accurate all the way around)...26 grains will get 2900+ fps from the 62 grain Barnes bullet...and 2800 fps from the 60 grain VMAX.

26 grains of Varget will drive the 60 grain VMAX 2800 fps.

All these rounds were fired in my S&W. All were Winchester brass, 2.26 OAL, CCI and Federal 205m primers. The different primers had no noticeable affect on velocity...but the Federals were a tad more accurate.