On Hornady's website they have the load data for their new V-max bullets in 223 Rem and something struck me as strange.

50 grn V-max Boattail max=26.7 grn of BLC(2) @ 3300 fps
55 grn V-max Flatbase max=28.1 grn of BLC(2) @ 3300 fps
60 grn V-max Flatbase max=27.7 grn of BLC(2) @ 3200 fps

Why would a shorter bullet, (with less bearing surface because of weight and the boattail) and lighter bullet reach it's pressure limit so much below the heavier, longer bullets?

[ 05-28-2003, 05:26: Message edited by: Fjold ]

That is an excellent question, and I'll bet that Hornady has an answer which they would love to tell us... Starts like this: "Oops, so sorry...

Sierra #5
223 Rem

W748

55gr hp - 26.0gr max - 3100 fps
60gr hp - 25.7gr max - 3000 fps
69gr MK - 26.1gr max - 3000 fps
80gr mk - 25.8gr max - 2900 fps

There are more odd ball charge variations out there. I don`t know why the powders act like they do but I`ve seen what you`re questioning a couple of times. I just trust ( ) that the writers and editors didn`t make a error when they wrote the manual.

I'd hope they didn't make an error too, but sometimes they do. The best advice is to look at two manuals and see if something smells fishy. If it does (and your wife isn't fixing bass fillets for dinner) go with the lower load.