Load To Match The 223 Superformance?

Originally Posted By: HidalgoMy 1/8 barrels shoot 60s extremely well, so I can't imagine why your 1/9 wouldn't do the same with 53s if you find the right powder for it.

Benchmark has been my "go to" powder for a long time. I have loaded a touch past max in my ARs with the 60s without any signs of pressure problems.

Hodgdon is showing a max load of Benchmark (26.0gr)with the 53 running out at 3308 fps, and the ballistics on the Superformance factory loads is proposed to be 3465 fps. That's a considerable bit of difference, but I doubt it would be noticeable on either end of the bullet.

Might be a good place to start ......
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That's 3465 out of a test barrel? If you don't have the same test barrel, how would you ever get their numbers? Do we know what the test barrel is?

kwg
 
Originally Posted By: kwg020Originally Posted By: HidalgoMy 1/8 barrels shoot 60s extremely well, so I can't imagine why your 1/9 wouldn't do the same with 53s if you find the right powder for it.

Benchmark has been my "go to" powder for a long time. I have loaded a touch past max in my ARs with the 60s without any signs of pressure problems.

Hodgdon is showing a max load of Benchmark (26.0gr)with the 53 running out at 3308 fps, and the ballistics on the Superformance factory loads is proposed to be 3465 fps. That's a considerable bit of difference, but I doubt it would be noticeable on either end of the bullet.

Might be a good place to start ......
wink.gif


That's 3465 out of a test barrel? If you don't have the same test barrel, how would you ever get their numbers? Do we know what the test barrel is?

kwg

I typically get 3,550-ish with 53gr bullets and Benchmark and IMR 8208, and Lapua cases in a New Haven M-70 HBV.

"Superformance" is not the only fast powder around..
 
"Superformance" powder is just plain bottle trash.

Hornady has some work to do to rise to the ranks of Hodgdon IMR or VV.

Hornady loaded ammo is made with a proprietary powder that is likely blended.
What they sell to loaders is just over heated crappolla.
 
To me, "Super Performance" and "Zombie" rounds both smack of marketing hype for the unwary...While I don't have a lot of experience with a wide variety of powders, I've usually found that between X-Terminator, W-748, and TAC for the lighter weight .224 bullets (40-69gr) out of both my ARs (1/9 twist rates) and my bolt action (1/12 twist (up to 60gr)) I can usually find a very accurate load with a little judicious trial and error testing without getting into the crazy levels of pressure/velocity...50-55gr bullets seem to work with any of the three powders..
 
Thanks for all the information. I agree if you reload you can beat Hornadays numbers but for Joe Citizen who is not set up to reload it appears to be more than adequate in most rifles. I also agree with Old Turtle that "Super Performance and Zombie loads" are marketing slogans but Hornady is in the business to sell ammo. What ever it takes to get the job done. kwg
 
Thanks David, I hadn't seen that.

The ammo isn't magic, but it is the first load using a light bullet that I tried that my colt liked.

Bullets have shipped, so it shouldn't be too long before I can make up some test loads & go see what happens.
 
Originally Posted By: Stu Farish

The ammo isn't magic, but it is the first load using a light bullet that I tried that my colt liked.

Bullets have shipped, so it shouldn't be too long before I can make up some test loads & go see what happens.


And isn't THAT what reloading is all about in the first place?
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Let us know what you find out Stu.
 
I could very well be wrong about this but the 53 Gr Vmax is a long for its weight bullet, that is how it manages it's crazy high BC of .290. That is also the reason hornady lists that it will not stabilize in a 1 in 14 twist barrel. So my thoughts are your AR likes this bullet because it's longer length was intended for faster twist barrels.

Smokeless, you call Superformance powder bottle trash and say that Hornady has a long way to go to catch up to Hodgdon. The interesting thing about your comment is that Superformance is actually a Hodgdon powder. Thought?
 
i load 25.something of vv133 with 50 gr vmax super speed& accuracy. if you work up a load with 53 vmax i am sure you would like it
 
Bullets are here & I have about 1.5 lbs of W748 to work with.

The range we went to is an hour's drive away. Neighbor told be about one close to home but I'm going to have to get him to go for a ride & show me, google turned up nuthin'
 
Made some loads to try out last night. Now all I need is a chance to get to a range again.

Well, I also need to make my other sandbag. Wife's sewing machine is acting up so I may have to do it by hand.
 
Originally Posted By: Stu FarishMade some loads to try out last night. Now all I need is a chance to get to a range again.

Well, I also need to make my other sandbag. Wife's sewing machine is acting up so I may have to do it by hand.


I did not read through all of the post`s, ..but my thoughts are, another poor guy who has been `domesticated`..
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Originally Posted By: Stu FarishI also lack confidence in regular thread holding up. The stuff in my leather kit will.


Monofilament fishing line perhaps?
 
I have both black & white thread for doing leather work. Multi strand, pretty heavy duty stuff. Suitable for working on saddles.
 
Originally Posted By: HookedOriginally Posted By: Stu FarishMade some loads to try out last night. Now all I need is a chance to get to a range again.

Well, I also need to make my other sandbag. Wife's sewing machine is acting up so I may have to do it by hand.


I did not read through all of the post`s, ..but my thoughts are, another poor guy who has been `domesticated`..
lol.gif


Some of my wife's sewing machines would buy you TEN good AR's or four very nice long range rifles and she's fixin to upgarde to a bigger one for pure embroidery.

Greg

PS: My bean bags are VERY nice.....
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