henry d Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 I have made up a batch, after testing, of 50gn (.222 V-max n-133 which groups @ .6") and have tried 55gn (.222 V-max Varget) and loaded 3 lots of 5 rounds for testing.........the first and lightest load is below. The first shot was to the left, 2nd right and well you get the picture. Not a happy bunny ! So, as the farmer was cutting barley nearby I decided to try out the, well proven, 50gners on the crow population The first was at sub 40yds and is not for public viewing, though it was extremely effective, and the second at 120yds and Mr.farmer is well chuffed........and so am I Any ideas about the grouping will be greatfully received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 (edited) Why worry about the grouping of the 55s if the 50s work? Just shoot the 50s and stop messing about, .6 is bloody good! Do you have a rifle with a slow twist barrel? Maybe that could be it, or perhaps your gun doesn't like the bullet? Maybe try playing with the seating depth a bit? How far off the lands are you? If you want something a little heavier and maybe a little less explosive have you tried 52grn A-Max? They are a target bullet but they work well on pests (and Deer without getting too political about it!). I used to use them in my .223 with 25grns of Benchmark at 2.200" and found them to be very good (this is a safe load, not even warm so shouldn't need working up to). They can also be posted so if you want some to try PM me and I'll post a few to you Edited September 11, 2009 by njc110381 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 Benchmark not Varget! Edited! (although Varget at 25grns should be ok too and is worth a try!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the pelt man Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 (edited) Hi HD looking at the target, the holes are not clean and it seems the the bullets are unstable (going in at a slight angle) which tells us that the grain/load you are using dont like the twist of the barrel. So it looks like they are out for that gun. Is the twist in the barrel 1 in 14 by any chance ? Testing Garyb's gun a while back, the bullets were going through the target sideways. Cheers PELTMAN Edited September 11, 2009 by the pelt man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisv Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 I would guess it's the standard 14" twist for a .222. It should be able to stabilise bullets up to around 60 grains as long as they aren't seriously under standard velocity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry d Posted September 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 NJ - 20 thou off the lands 1 in 14 twist. Pelty - The white paper is very thin and therefore tears easily and fortunately I haven`t removed the targets from the cardboard box and the holes are perfectly round. Even the other rounds I used to plink with, 50gn sako factories, were the same on the paper and card. I would guess it's the standard 14" twist for a .222. It should be able to stabilise bullets up to around 60 grains as long as they aren't seriously under standard velocity. As for standard velocity that might be it as it was the lowest charge weight for varget, I have 2 charge weights which are .5 & 1 gn higher so I will try 2 or 3 of each. I have to say I was a bit worried about it but your comments guys have eased my mind, thanks very much :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry d Posted September 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 chris, I know we are chums and all but 14"twist 222 stabilising up to 60gr, i seriously doubt it. Cheers mate, I want opinions and as we are all "tinterweb" buddies we can take constructive critisism. I will try out a few, already made up, faster loads and if the results are similar then there will be @ 85 x 55gn V-max`s for sale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the pelt man Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 chris, I know we are chums and all but 14"twist 222 stabilising up to 60gr, i seriously doubt it. Henry, My last 22-250 with a 14" twist should have stabilised 55's but never would so I used 50's and never looked back. I do use 55's now it is a 22br but it has a 9" on it which to be fair is a bit too quick but gives no problems. I think it must be a fairly sweet barrel as I can shoot 40's through it a over 4000fps without the bullet blow ups that i expected although when used on any game, the expansion is very very explosive as the bullet is spinning very fast, well over designed limits. I'm with you fister PELTMAN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisv Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 Don't worry, I don't mind Fister's constructive criticism! I was simply using the Vihtavuori manual as a reference, and it lists bullet weights up to 60gr for a 14" twist! I thought this may give you a reasonable chance that 55s would work. As Fister (and Pelt man) have pointed out 55s can be a nightmare in 22-250s so I'm probably way off. The reloading manual also gives loads up to 69gr bullets for the 22-250, I've always wondered why manufacturers stick with 14" twists for 22-250, when a 12" twist would be more flexible without any risk of spinning the bullets too fast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggburt1969 Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 (edited) Hi, relativity new to the site, but my background was weapons testing and I now work as a technical writer for Jane's. Looking at the info available I'd say you problem is just stability. Running the data you have given through a few ballistic programs (a twist calculator and Quickload) you need to get at velocity of nearly 4100 fps to get a spin stability factor of a least 1.3 (bare min) with the Hornady 55 V-Max and a 1-in-14" twist. That or a rifle with a 1-in-11" twist (approx 3000 fps with the same bullet). The spin required to stabilise a bullet is a combination of the length, diameter and weight (hence density), the V-Max bullets are quite long (approx 0.815" for the 55gr) and due to such require a fast twist, or high initial velocity to reach the correct spin stability factor. Unfortunately due to the twist on the rifle and the cart you are using, there's no way your going to sabilise the 55gr V-Max. You could try the Hornady 55gr SP Super Explosive (0.630"), or Hornady 55gr SP (with or without cannelure, 0.715") if you want to fire 55gr bullets, all should stabilise at top speed (appox 3000 fps). I can run a few more bullets through the programs to find ones suitable in you want me too. Edited September 13, 2009 by eggburt1969 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardo Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 eggburt i can see you being a very valuable addition to the site! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggburt1969 Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 Well I'm more bombs (warhead mechanics) than bullets, but I'll try to help when I can. To be truthful I'm surprised the 50gr V-Max stabilise? Has Henry d tested the accuracy at ranges longer the 200m? What rifle does he have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plinker Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 h when you going to try the speer 50g tnt in your triple? sub inch at 200yds, blows big holes in furry things, cheap as chips need i say more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny bagger Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 I had the same problem when i tried 55grn v-max, ok group at 100yds but bloody awfull at 200yds, Try 40grn v-max, 1" high at 100yds gives a 200yd zero Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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