223, 55gn v-max vs varmageddon 55gn

[Wildgeese]

Must say I am little disappointed with the v-max.
Shot a monkey today +- 30 paces after inspection the wound holes looked like I shot it with a copper jacket, it did not disintegrate on impact.
I have brought my s321 down to 22gn all the way down from 27gn load testing.
My nosler varmageddon (hollow point)is loaded at 24,6gn it causes huge damage.
Will load some noslers at 22 gn and see if they have the same results ( that's to say if they group at 22gn)
I never went as low as 22 with the noslers because they seemed to group well at 24,6gn
I do not have a chrony but did manage to chrony the noslers they averaged 3000 ft/sec.
Unfortunately the v-max is not grouping great at 24,6gn or maybe it's me ?
Any thoughts on this or are their to many variables
Thanks

[tripodmvr]

I shoot my Vmax at 3250fps and they take down jackal like lightning. No exit on chest shots. Using 25gr to 26gr S321 loads.

[Lategan1]

Wildgeese, new bloke on the block. Welcome and tell us about yourself as an introductory!

V-Max 55gr has a flatbase as well as boattail. Which one is yours? The experts here will most probably confirm that 22gr might be a too low load. Somchem S321 min load = 22.9gr. Hornady states this bullet should work at all velocities? Barrel length?

You will have to chrony, otherwise you are quessing.

Beste.

[Philip J]

I shoot my Vmax at 3250fps and they take down jackal like lightning. No exit on chest shots. Using 25gr to 26gr S321 loads.

Like oom Tripod said, 3250fps is the ticket in my 223 with 55gr V-Max's as well.
On a side note, I'll gladly take those pesky V-Max bullets of your hands and dispose of them for you

[Wildgeese]

Thank you for the replies guys, I must say my thoughts were speed to,but Hornady does say it should work at slower speeds.
Maybe just size and softness of the animal ?
Sorry I apologise I thought I did an intro long time ago.

[Wildgeese]

Will put more details on tomorrow rifle, barrel lenght , col .......just wont have speed
I would appreciate all help
Might be able to get it chronied by the weekend, that is the 22gn.
Some of the higher loads did group, but 22 seemed the best.
Unfortunately with all the variables human factor also plays a role.

[tripodmvr]

Bring us the details and we will try and help.

[Blink Stefaans]

V-MAX does what it says on the can.
Think you should up the speed for sure
Currently shooting the 50s at right about 3600fps out my 223 Ackley and it is yet to fail me

[Wildgeese]

CZ 527 night sky
1:9 twist
Barrel length: ( from lands to crown - 512 )
( from face of the bolt to crown - 558 )
Varmageddon 55gn hollow point ( does not have the plastic tip in )
Col : 54,5
S321 24,6gn
3000 ft / sec ave
This seemed to give me the best grouping.
My load tests were done the old way, so human error definitely plays a role
Hornady v- max 55gn
Col: 56
S 321 22gn
I also tried this at 24,6 but still grouped better at 22
S&B cases, volume 30gn
Sorry no chrony
Thank you for suggestions so far

[Wildgeese]

Does the monkeys softness play a role

[tripodmvr]

Is the Varma not a 50gr bullet? Please give code on box.

[Wildgeese]

HI tripodmvr
V-max 22271. Velocity range 2000 - 4000 fps
Varmageddon. 17235
The varmageddons expanded perfectly
My thoughts were to get better accuracy with the 1/9 twist to slow the bullet down a bit ?

[Wildgeese]

Max distance would be 200m on rare occasions, mostly 50 - 130

[tripodmvr]

Using lower charges gives low pressure and poor combustion. I would aim for the following :-

1. Varmageddon - 25,2gr for speed of 3075fps or 26,3gr for speed of 3240fps
2. Vmax - 25,5gr for speed of 3230fps. 3055fps is the lower node and 24,5gr might get there. This is a bit of a guesstimate as you have no speed for the loads.

Varmint bullets should break up easily and speed helps. That avoids richochet's and pass through's. The higher pressures ensure better ES and SD which should ensure better accuracy.

Keep the COL for the bullets as is and up the charges. With the new speeds and loads we should get you going. Pressures at the higher speeds are at 55K psi of a max 62K psi.

[Wildgeese]

Thank you !
Will return back to drawing board.