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75gr Amax Range Test – TIKKA 223 Load data / 200 yrd groups
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Just finished my A-max round robin this afternoon. Last month, I had run a wide ladder for pressure work up and to spot the nodes, but my camera battery died in the -15C weather and the whole ladder was in a 4″ circle at 300m. The whole group was promising, but I got no useful data other than my max loads (I stopped at 25.8 with no apparent pressure signs).
So I loaded up two round robins which covered most of my no-data ladder, and ended up with a pretty little 1.15″ group at 25.5gr (300m), and the vertical on 25.4/25.6 being identical. Average group size across the whole set was ~2.5″, and I was definitely pulling a few of them because my hands were getting numb towards the end (-15C again today, warmer tomorrow when I'm busy, of course).
One note of concern, I was having ejector marks on my brass for one 25.6gr and one 25.7gr case. Not entirely sure what it was, since I didn't have any marks whatsoever going higher on my previous ladder. I'm guessing it might have been snow in the chamber or something like that. Should I back off more? What can I expect from the Varget once the temperature starts going up? It's one of the more temp stable powders, so I'm not sure exactly how concerned I should be.
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So looks like the charge weight around 25.5 will work for you as well…
What COAL you loading to?How did you find fitting 25.8 in the case? Must have been really compressed, surprising no pressure signs but that's good news.
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It was definitely crunchy, but I loaded at 2.481″, which gave a bit more room. I loaded the whole previous ladder at 2.460″, which heavily compressed the 25.5gr and up loads and deformed the bullets badly with my Lee seater die.
No deformation at 2.481″ with 25.7gr, but I am still a bit worried about bullets potentially working their way out, since it's still pretty compressed. I'll be settling the next set before seating with an old electric razor I have kicking around.
Taking a page from these guys:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSChoYoGKq8 -
I just subscribed to follow these guys…great videos! Thanks for the link.
I'll be trying the vibrating tip on the next batch for sure. I've always wanted to try it but never made the time. It was nice to see the actual results in the video.
Post some groups of your reloads when you get a load you are happy with.
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I'm finely happy with the 75gr amax load I've been working on.
Shot it this past weekend on a predator hunt… only targets were killed!Nothing moving and snow conditions were terrible so we turned the hunt into a target shoot instead.
A buddy bet me I could not shoot “a” round through the factory hole in the splatter targets (see attached) at 100yrds. I love a bet so I could not refuse.Stapled the targets to a few trees and got back 100yrds. Well…I missed the hole on all “6” shots I fired (2 – 3 shot clips). My gun shot 3/8″ high from POI which was the centre of the hole. But no one was laughing!
What resulted was the best “6” shot group I have ever fired at 100yrds! EVER…And thats a lot of groups! All 6 shots went through the same hole. Produced a nice 1/4″ ragged hole. No one would have believed it if they had not witnessed it. I've done similar 3 shot groups but never a 5 or 6 shot 1 hole group so small.So…Glad to say I'm done with my 75gr Amax Load development!!!
They feed really nice through my mag mod. CNC'd the back out, cut a new part and expoxied it in place.
And lengthened the follower by 1/4″…lots of room now!Going to top this entire project off with a nice custom “Kenton Turret” for my Viper HS LR.
This combo will be a coyotes worst nightmare….Onless you can use a 338 Lapua in your area. LOL… -
Wow Dog! Awesome Shooting! any cronograph info? I am so glad i bought 600 75 gr amaxs when they were on sale! You have set the standard i aspire to with my Sporter 🙂
do you feel like sharing the final recipe? (all safety and cautions applied of course).
update here is a pic of my high priced 10 round mag from Australia
the short one is 2.24 in. the long round is 2.55 (80 gr smk). the mag allows for 2.61 according to my Mitutoyo caliper. I have to do load development when weather allows, but I think it will accommodate the amax.
Bye the way the new version of this mag is going to be available again soon from Australia from qnivq.jngref@bmrznvy.pbz.nh He is part of a shooting group that doesnt make magazines for profit, but makes them to promote the sport (as i understand). they are gearing up to make more and early orders get a discount i believe. I dont know how much or if it is for non members but its worth looking into.
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All load data on the target picture…NO chronograph reading yet, I have to do that before I order the turret.
I'm guessing from previous powder test,… but I should be somewhere in the 2850-2900fps range.Should be able to reach out to about 800yrds with sub MOA accuracy with good impact on fur…
Not that I would ever try for a shot like that on a yote… 😉 -
That mag would look sweet with my Stainless Varmint!!!
I'll check them out. -
You mentioned ordering a turret, what scope and rifle combo are you using ?
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TIKKA 223 Varmint Stainless
Vortex Viper HSLR 6-24×50 FFP ScopeTurret will be ordered from these guys…http://kentonindustries.com/category/custom-turrets
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pic of my sporter with 10 rnd mag installed
love that carbon fiber bolt handle Dog!
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Ah understand, I set up my basement range and have been fire forming brass using 23.9 gr of Benchmark under 52 gr bthp moly coated. Moly coated because I want to clean bore well and in future I like that moly coated bullets hit closer to target spot on first shot.
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I have had good success with Varget and 75 gr bullets. However, I've recently started testing IMR XBR 8208 and it's showing some real promise both in velocity as well as not being a compressed load. It might be worth a look.
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Hey dog I'm still using 75 gr amax though have 500 80.5 Bergers
I have terrible time finding range time and hope to do better in near future.
I'm looking for above zero temps and magneto speed data in near future.
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I wish I could get the 75gr Amax to shoot well in my Varmint at the loads yall are using but it will throw 1 of the three shots just about every time. I've moved on to Sierra 77s but with those as well I haven't been able to get a steady group at the higher velocities in the high 24 and low 25s using varget.
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