Barrel twist and Bullet grain

SilentSoul · 12-01-2007, 12:04 PM

I have a 1 in 9 twist barrel. I am looking at buying some Hornady V-max bullets to give a try. I was told that the V-max bullets were for a higher twist rate because they have a lighter coating of copper jacket and the "ballistic tip" they have on them to stabalize them. My thought is that its a 55 grain bullet and I should be good to go. Anyone care to expound a little insight on me.
Thanks

rfc357 · 12-01-2007, 12:19 PM

Hornady lists loading data for the 55 V-max in the .223 with a 1-12 barrel, but not for the 5.56x45 NATO with a 1-9 barrel. Stabilization is not an issue, as 55 grain bullets will stabilize just fine at 1-9. However, the high rotational velocity may cause the bullet to disintegrate from centrifugal force on the way to the target, because of its relatively light jacket. This is very interesting to watch. If you keep your loads at the very bottom of the velocity range, you MAY not have a problem.

This problem does not occur with 55 grain military bullets because of their heavy jackets.

I have always found it wise to acquire the loading manual published by the bullet manufacturer for every bullet I shoot. It's amazing how much information you can glean by doing this. The "one-size fits all" manuals are of very little use.

SilentSoul · 12-01-2007, 12:40 PM

223 Rem 55 gr V-Max 3050 fps (100 Rounds) - Wisconsin Cartridge LLC.
Looking at these they are moving at over 3000fps so i figure they are loaded fairly hot.

SilentSoul · 12-04-2007, 03:42 PM

Just a little bump for some more information.

samuel · 12-10-2007, 04:48 AM

I dont think I have ever had a VMAX Disentigrate in any circumstance.I pushed 55gr,s to 3600fps+ in a Douglas barrel with a 1in8 twist in a .22-250 and shot sub-moa 5 shot groups at 400yds.I commonly use the 40gr vmax because it is good to 400yds and a real pelt saver.The extreme I tried with a vmax was a 35gr.in a .220 swift with a 1in12 twist.I was trying for 4400fps.I got close but couldnt sustain speed over 4400fps.If the barrel were new with sharp riflings I can feature this problem but if the bbl were properly polished I see no way 55gr bullets in a 1in9 twist at 3200fps are going to blow up.This is personal experience and not a gun editors opinion.Prove me wrong. sam.

Beer Forever · 12-10-2007, 08:42 AM

I have used the 75gn Hornaday TAP with no ill effects and great results. I don't think you will have problems shooting any 55gn rounds. Just my thoughts.

SilentSoul · 12-21-2007, 02:11 AM

Thank you very much I'm going to put some on order.

12-01-2007, 12:04 PM	#1
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 603 Images: 1	Barrel twist and Bullet grain I have a 1 in 9 twist barrel. I am looking at buying some Hornady V-max bullets to give a try. I was told that the V-max bullets were for a higher twist rate because they have a lighter coating of copper jacket and the "ballistic tip" they have on them to stabalize them. My thought is that its a 55 grain bullet and I should be good to go. Anyone care to expound a little insight on me. Thanks

12-10-2007, 08:42 AM	#6
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	I have used the 75gn Hornaday TAP with no ill effects and great results. I don't think you will have problems shooting any 55gn rounds. Just my thoughts. __________________ Paramedic sks forever

12-01-2007, 12:19 PM	#2
rfc357 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 741	Hornady lists loading data for the 55 V-max in the .223 with a 1-12 barrel, but not for the 5.56x45 NATO with a 1-9 barrel. Stabilization is not an issue, as 55 grain bullets will stabilize just fine at 1-9. However, the high rotational velocity may cause the bullet to disintegrate from centrifugal force on the way to the target, because of its relatively light jacket. This is very interesting to watch. If you keep your loads at the very bottom of the velocity range, you MAY not have a problem. This problem does not occur with 55 grain military bullets because of their heavy jackets. I have always found it wise to acquire the loading manual published by the bullet manufacturer for every bullet I shoot. It's amazing how much information you can glean by doing this. The "one-size fits all" manuals are of very little use.

12-01-2007, 12:40 PM	#3
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 603 Images: 1	223 Rem 55 gr V-Max 3050 fps (100 Rounds) - Wisconsin Cartridge LLC. Looking at these they are moving at over 3000fps so i figure they are loaded fairly hot.

12-04-2007, 03:42 PM	#4
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 603 Images: 1	Just a little bump for some more information.

12-10-2007, 04:48 AM	#5
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	I dont think I have ever had a VMAX Disentigrate in any circumstance.I pushed 55gr,s to 3600fps+ in a Douglas barrel with a 1in8 twist in a .22-250 and shot sub-moa 5 shot groups at 400yds.I commonly use the 40gr vmax because it is good to 400yds and a real pelt saver.The extreme I tried with a vmax was a 35gr.in a .220 swift with a 1in12 twist.I was trying for 4400fps.I got close but couldnt sustain speed over 4400fps.If the barrel were new with sharp riflings I can feature this problem but if the bbl were properly polished I see no way 55gr bullets in a 1in9 twist at 3200fps are going to blow up.This is personal experience and not a gun editors opinion.Prove me wrong. sam.

12-21-2007, 02:11 AM	#7
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 603 Images: 1	Thank you very much I'm going to put some on order.