223 rem load with 55gr V-MAX in rem 700

aap2

I just acquired a remington 700 vs-sf in 223 rem with a heavy barrel in 1:12 twist and mounted a Leupold VX-III 6.5-20 scope on it. I happen to have a bunch of Hornady 55gr V-MAX bullets on hand and several different powders (WW748, IMR 4895, IMR 3031, IMR 4198) and was wondering if anyone had a favorite load for bolt guns with the 55 gr bullet? I just shoot targets and my range is currently only 100 yards; I would like to use up one of my current powders if possible as well as the hundreds of hornady 55 gr V-MAX bullets that I have....I see lots of loads listed in numerous manuals for this bullet and was just wondering about a good load to start with....of course, I can always buy another powder and can pick up a 22-250 Ruger 1V if the bullets aren't appropriate....thanks

MIKE WISKEY

"of course, I can always buy another powder and can pick up a 22-250 Ruger 1V if the bullets aren't appropriate....thanks"... EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT THE HEAVIEST BULLET YOU CAN SHOOT IN A .223 IS 52 GRNS. SOOO YOU DEFINETLY NEED A NEW GUN[:D]

BHAVIN

I have had the same gun with the same scope for years and it shoots just about everything well. My favorite load with the 55g V max is 25.0 grains of Hodgdon H335. I also have had good accuracy with 26.2 grains of IMR 4895. If you feel that the bullets won't work please send them to a good home. MINE![}:)] I shoot lots of squirrels and rock chucks with these loads. the V max does an excellent job. you have a great setup. Have fun.

dcs shooters

The 1-12 twist is right for the 55grbullet. Try some different loads from the manuals you have and find the one that works the best. Load 10 of each and see how they shoot. That is the fun in reloading, working up loads for each gun.

sandwarrior

AA2015 with both 55 gr. and 60 gr. v-max bullets. 24 for the heavier and 23.5 for the lighter. Work up to both loads.

5mmgunguy

26.5 to 27 grains of 748 is my favorite. Shoots great in my Remington 760. 5 shots into 1/2 inch at 100 yards.

bugmantraap

The rifle you have and the caliber it is, are known for not being fussy about what you feed them. Pick a manual and load the speed you want. The little 223 will digest just about anything and spit it out into a half inch. With the rifle scope combo you have, you should be able to shrink that to one ragged 1/4 inch hole.My personal favorite is 27grs of Varget with a 55gr bullet. Trapper

aap2

thanks for all the info; I'm slowly working up loads with w748 and IRM4895 using LC68 military cases with the primer pockets swaged (got 1500 from the same lot once fired a long time ago) and I'm starting low because it's military brass with less powder capacity. So far, the groups are really great! Now I'm hooked on the centerfire 22's! Thanks again!