Who is shooting Hornady 110 V-Max?

[bearcatrp]

Have figured my powder charge but want to get my groups a little better. If the Barnes 110 tac wasn't so expensive, would have settles on those but for now, Hornady 110 V-Max. Just did a batch to test different c.o.a.l. Am using 20.0 grains of H110. Shooting from a 16 inch barrel. The Hornady book states to use 2.050. I purchased 1 box of the the black and those are 2.090, which shot pretty good @100 yards. Going up in .010 increments. If you have a similar setup and do shoot these bullets, what was the best c.o.a.l you have found? Thanks.

[trabikoenig]

I am using the V-Max out of an 8-inch barrel, I know that is a little different than what you are shooting.

Load Data:
Caliber/Gauge: 300 AAC Blackout
Bullet: 308-Hornady-110grVMAX
Powder: Hodgdon-H110
Primer: CCI-450
Powder Weight: 20.50grains
Overall Length: 2.04 in
Light Crimp with Lee Factory Crimp Die set

Velocity Info:
Average: 2149 f/s
Average ES: 23 f/s
SD: 9 f/s

I received advice to fill the powder charge into a spent case and then set the pill on top of the powder and go with that as the OAL. I think it was Rebel or dellet that found this trick. I was told this by someone else, Smus I believe. I could be all wrong with who said what, maybe they can correct me.

I have it sighted in at 50 yards and am using a cheap red dot that has a 5moa dot. They shot a 1.5-inch group. With a 2.5-inch dot at 50 yards, I would say that is pretty good. I know a scope would give me better results.

[Luke2236]

Timely topic, just recently picked up a bunch (sale) of 110 VMax; loaded a few at mid level as per Hodgdon's data as an initial function test and that went well, so looking to start more serious load development with these too.

[smustian]

Probably dellet that told you to seat the bullet onto the charge. It is proven that H110/W296 like to be run 90-100% in the charge level. By seating the bullet on the powder will get you in that range as a starting point. If it were me, I would take that coal and move up in .005 increments and see what it does. Try to keep 1/4" of bullet bearing surface in the case.

[bearcatrp]

Going to the range tomorrow. Set at 2.090, 2.100, 2.110, 2.120, 2.130 and 2.140 for my initial tests. Will post my results. I settled on 110 gr bullets for the speed and distance for my SHTF rounds. Once I get this down, may look at 125 gr for hunting and such. I like the barnes 110 tac but way to expensive for my taste. The Z-Max seems impossible to get as these are sold in bulk. Am a cheap bastard and like to order in bulk if possible to keep costs down.

[ruger761]

I shot the Hornady Black for a bit which are loaded with the V-Max's. They shot well.. Didn't ever try reloading, switched to 125s for reloading. Good luck on your loads.

[bearcatrp]

Since your reloading 125 gr, any better grouping than the 110 gr bullets?

[ruger761]

Not yet with the 3 different test loads in my gun. But swapping to a little different bullet to see how it goes.

[bearcatrp]

Just got back from the range. Not impressed. 2.110 grouped the best shooting 5 rounds per set @100 yards. 3 of the 5 were close together. I put a light crimp which may be causing this but not sure. The others were close but not what I call consistent. Thinking on just going with 2.110 and call it a day. Don't think it will get any better for what the 300 BO can do and what I put this rifle together for anyways. 3 out of 5 in a 3 inch circle target will do the job.

[dellet]

Just got back from the range. Not impressed. 2.110 grouped the best shooting 5 rounds per set @100 yards. 3 of the 5 were close together. I put a light crimp which may be causing this but not sure. The others were close but not what I call consistent. Thinking on just going with 2.110 and call it a day. Don't think it will get any better for what work I'm willing to put into it and what I put this rifle together for anyways. 3 out of 5 in a 3 inch circle target will do the job.

FIFY.

3/5 in a 3" circle better be at least 300 yards if you're planning on hunting.