40gr Hornady Vmax in .223 Tikka Tactical

Tikkat3

Hi all,

I am used to using 53,55 and 75 Hornady ammo from my Tikka Tactical but would like to try the 40gr .

Has anyone used them in this rifle or a rifle with a 1:8 twist?

How did it perform? i am worried the twist is too fast for the round

Thanks.

Jonty

Shot them myself with no complaints in a t3 tactical 1:8.

Perhaps to put your mind at ease, shoot a few without a mod on, just to prove to yourself that the jacket won't separate from the core.

Tikkat3

Thanks Jonty

Im going to order some and see how they go for me.

By all accounts, they are a great foxing round

Tikkat3

100 rounds on the way, I am sure that no matter what, they are accurate enough to kill a fox

aaakev

They are a serious round, very flat and accurate as hell

yubabill1

have 223 T3 varmint with 1:8. Never used less than 55gr, but I don't see a problem using 40gr in 1:8 for fox.
Certainly, flat shooting character of 40gr makes life simpler.
Guess groups may be around 1.5" at 100yds, but only a guess.

Chesapeake

why bother with a 40 gr round when its only 5mm flatter to 200 yards than your 53gr but only has 66% of the energy?
Their not going to turn your 223 into a 204.
you can't over stabilise a bullet, but you can over spin it - 340,000 rpm won't improve any .224 bullet accuracy. (Hornady 290,000 max rec rpm) (Sierra 350,000 rpm)

Tikkat3

Chesapeake wrote: »

why bother with a 40 gr round when its only 5mm flatter to 200 yards than your 53gr but only has 66% of the energy?
Their not going to turn your 223 into a 204.
you can't over stabilise a bullet, but you can over spin it - 340,000 rpm won't improve any .224 bullet accuracy. (Hornady 290,000 max rec rpm) (Sierra 350,000 rpm)

Just wanted to try something different

Chesapeake

I know what your saying, I was the same tried all the NEW loads - but 50grs good 50grs + better
I only used the 40's on mags, greys & rabbits to use them up after I got them.

Tikkat3

I've a 100 superformance 53, a 100 55gr superformance gmx, I a 100 40gr vmax and a 100 odd 55gr moly and 75 gr bthp so plenty of choice to play with and experiment with

Chesapeake

Nice...............hopefully we'll get a few pet days soon and you can have a nice testing session

Tikkat3

Chesapeake wrote: »

Nice...............hopefully we'll get a few pet days soon and you can have a nice testing session

Cheers. Variety is the spice of life I will have to check out the sako stuff, sounds sweet

Jonty

Chesapeake wrote: »

why bother with a 40 gr round when its only 5mm flatter to 200 yards than your 53gr but only has 66% of the energy?
Their not going to turn your 223 into a 204.
you can't over stabilise a bullet, but you can over spin it - 340,000 rpm won't improve any .224 bullet accuracy. (Hornady 290,000 max rec rpm) (Sierra 350,000 rpm)

I've read stories about jacket separation with light/varmint bullets and tight twists, that's why I said to shoot them with out the mod first, just to prove to yourself.

I've never had a 40gr nosler or hornady round separate in my T3.

yubabill1

Tikkat3 wrote: »

I've a 100 superformance 53, a 100 55gr superformance gmx, I a 100 40gr vmax and a 100 odd 55gr moly and 75 gr bthp so plenty of choice to play with and experiment with

Looks like you're set up for some fun.

Try a box of Federal 64gr PSP's and (no, I'm not crazy) a box of 62gr FMJ Tulammo. Bet the T3 will like them.

Tikkat3

yubabill1 wrote: »

Looks like you're set up for some fun.

Try a box of Federal 64gr PSP's and (no, I'm not crazy) a box of 62gr FMJ Tulammo. Bet the T3 will like them.

Thanks yubabaill1,

I have load to try and check out. Strangely enough, I didnt have much luck with the Federal powershok SP 64gr. They didnt group well for me at all

Will keep ye all posted on how the stuff above performs, the 75gr BTHP and 55 gr vmax are deadly so I am looking forward to seeing how the rest compare.

yubabill1

Tikkat3 wrote: »

Thanks yubabaill1,

I have load to try and check out. Strangely enough, I didnt have much luck with the Federal powershok SP 64gr. They didnt group well for me at all

Will keep ye all posted on how the stuff above performs, the 75gr BTHP and 55 gr vmax are deadly so I am looking forward to seeing how the rest compare.

I get 0.75" @100 consistently with the 64 and 62gr.

Found the 55s and 75s less tight.

All suitable for hunting. I am happy to shoot rabbits to 200yds with 62gr and 150yds with 55gr.
Range finder used to confirm all these distances.
Of course, I have has successes at longer ranges but I'm talking about absolute confidence.

Tikkat3

Guess it shows how every barrel shoots each round differently..

Never tried the 62 gr thought.

Hornady 55 vmax and 75 gr bthp grouped below .5" out of my 24" barrel without much effort.

53gr superformance was way less consistent for me but I hear others having great results with them in similar setups.

Just fitted a new stock so I am really hoping to see good results with some of the rounds at least

yubabill1

Tikkat3 wrote: »

Guess it shows how every barrel shoots each round differently..

Never tried the 62 gr thought.

Hornady 55 vmax and 75 gr bthp grouped below .5" out of my 24" barrel without much effort.

I'm using 24" 1:8 T3 Varmint. Pretty similar to Tactical.

I know the 1:12 T3 is a one hole job with 55gr.

The 64gr and 62gr are not premium ammo like the 55gr VMax, so I don't expect one hole groups (or need them).

Think I got around 1" with 55gr VMax, slightly more with UMC FMJ's.

hedzball

My 1in8 T3 lite will put 5 rounds 55grvmax into a 2c coin.

UMC are just as good I found for the 50gr's (and half the price)

I would love to try lower. Just the shiote dealers round here stock nothing..



'hdz

yubabill1

hedzball wrote: »

My 1in8 T3 lite will put 5 rounds 55grvmax into a 2c coin.

UMC are just as good I found for the 50gr's (and half the price)

I would love to try lower. Just the shiote dealers round here stock nothing..



'hdz

I have heavy barrel varmint T3 and no way will it hit 2c with 55gr.

friend had 1:12 lite and different result, as you say.

have a feeling that with 1lb trigger and muzzle brake, I could match your efforts with 62gr, but not out-of-the-box.

however, I am happy to hold MOA in the field, which still (after 30 years) seems to do the job.

hedzball

yubabill1 wrote: »

I have heavy barrel varmint T3 and no way will it hit 2c with 55gr.

friend had 1:12 lite and different result, as you say.

have a feeling that with 1lb trigger and muzzle brake, I could match your efforts with 62gr, but not out-of-the-box.

however, I am happy to hold MOA in the field, which still (after 30 years) seems to do the job.

i always took th 55gr to be the holy grail of all 223 rounds.

Is the tul ammo FMJ?

This was an old umc picture..
Zeroing in the dark in the rain :rolleyes::rolleyes:






Just outside the 2c..

The 55s were like lasers but impossible to buy them in cork at the moment..

Have to get up adn do an online shop.

I have the 20inch barrel too.. Edi had a 24 and cut down to a 20 and reported better results ..




'hdz

yubabill1

Think the difference is down to heavy barrel vs light barrel.

Theoretically, heavy barrel should be stiffer/more consistent. however, T3 can have problems with fore end - it's flimsy and touches heavy barrel in some shooting positions.

Tikka reinforced fore end but only partial solution. Consistent results if you remember this, so can't blame that for my grouping.

Now, I never used a bag or ransom rest for my groups, which would tighten them somewhat also.

Still don't know if I could get 55grs into 2c, though.

Whatever, the 62 and 64gr give better results for me under my conditions.

Had to come back to this:

OK 2c = 18.75mm = 0.738 inch. Allowing all rounds inside this = 0.738" - 0.224"(mid-point of 2 furthest rounds)

gives a group size of 0.514" Been bugging me to find out.

yubabill1

Tulammo is fmj, but it makes a much bigger exit hole than any other fmj I ever shot.

Most people dismiss it as rubbish. But then, I was happy to shoot the old baikal shotgun shells in the day (as was a crack shot I knew).

it's important for shooters to have confidence in their kit, so I'm not going to argue with anyone.

yubabill1

hdz, digesting you post by degrees - barrel length affects harmonics, which are critical to accuracy.

Personally prefer the few extra fps. again, everyone to their own.

Tikkat3

yubabill1 wrote: »

I'm using 24" 1:8 T3 Varmint. Pretty similar to Tactical.

I know the 1:12 T3 is a one hole job with 55gr.

The 64gr and 62gr are not premium ammo like the 55gr VMax, so I don't expect one hole groups (or need them).

Think I got around 1" with 55gr VMax, slightly more with UMC FMJ's.

Glad you get good group's lad.

Think the barrels on the varmint series are a bit different to the tactical ones which are allegedly more similar to sako trg

I genuinely got great groups off the Hornady ammo.

Changed my setup completely and look forward to trying it out. Had a fella tell me he had serious results with a setup like mine.

Going to zero again tomorrow and maybe get the chance to take grouping measurements.

yubabill1

Fairly sure (not 100%) Varmint and Tactical have same barrel, except Tactical has TRG42 muzzle brake.

My 200yd groups with 62 gr are 0.75" also, but only did one or two groups, while I did plenty at 100.

It's encouraging to see you guys punching 0.5" makes me think maybe the 200yd groups are a better reflection, but I would prefer to do more to confirm the 200yd results.

Maybe some warm summer's day, when I'm a bit bored.

Tikkat3

yubabill1 wrote: »

Fairly sure (not 100%) Varmint and Tactical have same barrel, except Tactical has TRG42 muzzle brake.

My 200yd groups with 62 gr are 0.75" also, but only did one or two groups, while I did plenty at 100.

It's encouraging to see you guys punching 0.5" makes me think maybe the 200yd groups are a better reflection, but I would prefer to do more to confirm the 200yd results.

Maybe some warm summer's day, when I'm a bit bored.

I would be the same. 200 groups for hunting is the most I would be looking at.

Customrifle on here was telling me that a friend of his is getting. 25 moa at 450 yards with same rifle as mine and same stock. Very encouraging to be honest. I'll need a fair amount of practice for that.

yubabill1

Tikkat3 wrote: »

I would be the same. 200 groups for hunting is the most I would be looking at.

Customrifle on here was telling me that a friend of his is getting. 25 moa at 450 yards with same rifle as mine and same stock. Very encouraging to be honest. I'll need a fair amount of practice for that.

Sounds about right.
My best is 1.5" @ 300m. One group only fired, 2 together and 3rd opened it up. No wind.

I'm always skeptical of "my best" - especially my own.


Was it 223 or do you know what cal? what ammo?

Tikkat3

yubabill1 wrote: »

Sounds about right.
My best is 1.5" @ 300m. One group only fired, 2 together and 3rd opened it up. No wind.

I'm always skeptical of "my best" - especially my own.


Was it 223 or do you know what cal? what ammo?

It was. 223 using 75gr bthp, a round that shoots very well for me too.

The biggest weakness in my rifle is me behind the trigger as I know I don't get the best from it.

yubabill1

Tikkat3 wrote: »

It was. 223 using 75gr bthp, a round that shoots very well for me too.
.

Only ever tried 75gr Hornady hunting HPs, don't think they are around anymore. Got 1.5"@ 100yds. helluva kick off them for a 223. think what's available now is a match round - the hunting round may not have been BT, but can't remember.

Got good results with sierra matchking 69gr BTHPs, again don't know if they are available anymore, but at 1 euro-odd a pop, I wasn't going to be too worried about supply.

I'm happy to shoot the tulammo "crap" for as long as it's cheap - suits me just fine. If something requires a precision shot at 350, I'll just walk up till it's 200.

That's just my way of doing things - lots of guys like to work at long range and I don't have a problem with that.

hedzball

I still have about 40 of the old baikals at home.. Some cart alri



'hdz

Tikkat3

Tried out the 40gr today alongside some 55gr superformance.

Had a moderator on, wind was howling so not ideal conditions for measuring groups so I didnt, thats for another day.

Have to say, even in bad conditions, they were very accurate at 100 yards.

Looking forward to trying them out a bit further next weekend.

Fired one without the moderator at the end and it was seriously loud

Jonty

Tikkat3 wrote: »

Fired one without the moderator at the end and it was seriously loud

Well it's not a feckin pea shooter lad!!!:D

Tikkat3

Jonty wrote: »

Well it's not a feckin pea shooter lad!!!:D

I just got too used to having the moderator on that it put a smile on my face

hedzball

The 75gr's without the mod actually kick like a somewhat bigger gun I found.




Good to hear the results on the 40's.. Must try some myself but 8 weeks til take off i will stick to the cheap ol umc's



'hdz

yubabill1

A few poor groups and then I knuckled down to this:
Coin is 2c, distance 100yds.

Just saw your rig on photos thread, T3. Nice.

I have out-of-the-box T3 Varmint, no bipod, no mod.

Pretty sure I could do a shade better on a really good day etc, etc

hedzball

I don't know am I been a little soft but I just don't like the idea of steel cases being out into a steel chamber..








'hdz

yubabill1

hedzball wrote: »

I don't know am I been a little soft but I just don't like the idea of steel cases being out into a steel chamber..


'hdz

Would prefer brass, myself, but as long as the case steel is softer than the chamber steel, should be fairly OK.

Cases also have polymer coat, which I'm sure the likes of Hornady do well, but the Rooskies?

Time will tell.

Tikkat3

yubabill1 wrote: »

A few poor groups and then I knuckled down to this:
Coin is 2c, distance 100yds.

Just saw your rig on photos thread, T3. Nice.

I have out-of-the-box T3 Varmint, no bipod, no mod.

Pretty sure I could do a shade better on a really good day etc, etc

Thats great shooting yubabill1, keep it up

Thanks for comment on my set up, I am very happy with it and will leave well enough alone for now with the exception of maybe tuning the trigger a little although its pretty decent anyway.

yubabill1

Tikkat3 wrote: »

Thats great shooting yubabill1, keep it up

Thanks for comment on my set up, I am very happy with it and will leave well enough alone for now with the exception of maybe tuning the trigger a little although its pretty decent anyway.

Measured my trigger at 2.5lbs. Not really happy with it - a little "mashable" IMHO and I've never really got the hang of reading it, even though I have it about 7 years.

I had a board with 3 groups I shot rapid-fire a while ago, which were all 0.75" centre-to-centre, but pretty sure I put it in the stove during the winter.

Noticed a couple of small jobs to do on rig, so a few more groups in the pipeline.

Bet your rig is a sweet shooter. That stock looks way superior to the factory offering. I have to be careful how I rest mine, else POI shifts 1.5" high due to fore-end flexing and touching barrel.

Still interested to see how the 40grs go, just for pig iron.

Tikkat3

yubabill1 wrote: »

Measured my trigger at 2.5lbs. Not really happy with it - a little "mashable" IMHO and I've never really got the hang of reading it, even though I have it about 7 years.

I had a board with 3 groups I shot rapid-fire a while ago, which were all 0.75" centre-to-centre, but pretty sure I put it in the stove during the winter.

Noticed a couple of small jobs to do on rig, so a few more groups in the pipeline.

Bet your rig is a sweet shooter. That stock looks way superior to the factory offering. I have to be careful how I rest mine, else POI shifts 1.5" high due to fore-end flexing and touching barrel.

Still interested to see how the 40grs go, just for pig iron.

Mine breaks about the same but there is a guy on UK Varminting that sells a replacement spring for £5 that breaks at 1lb.

Im shooting fine with the standard trigger but for the money involved, I am going to try the spring. I had one ordered and envelope got torn in post so never got it.

I have to say, from testing last week, the 40gr seem to be fine out of the 1:8, proper little rockets I'll try and get groups when I get a better day with less wind. It was howling last time.

The new stock makes a massive difference on how the rifle handles, feels and performs better. I never liked the factory stock and i think it lets down a really great rifle.

Im finished fettling with it for now and just want to do some shooting and some foxing and get plenty of trigger time.

See there is some new 50gr Hornady international V'max out.

Also got some quotes for boxes of Sako 50gr arrowhead ballistic tips and Norma 50gr ballistic tips which I might try when I get through the current stock pile

yubabill1

Those Sako are evil little B*&^rds. Don't be fooled by their diminuitive size/weight. Wait now, It was the Sako Raceheads - have not seen the Arrowheads you mention.

Interested in the trigger spring. Saw the thread, waiting to see how others got on.

I wouldn't worry if the 40grs don't group as well as the 55s. However, someone reported good groups with them out of 1:8 (can't remember whom) think around 1/2" and I think from a T3.

Tikkat3

yubabill1 wrote: »

Those Sako are evil little B*&^rds. Don't be fooled by their diminuitive size/weight. Wait now, It was the Sako Raceheads - have not seen the Arrowheads you mention.

Interested in the trigger spring. Saw the thread, waiting to see how others got on.

I wouldn't worry if the 40grs don't group as well as the 55s. However, someone reported good groups with them out of 1:8 (can't remember whom) think around 1/2" and I think from a T3.

The Sako look great but the price is evil too!

Those trigger springs are sold on Ebay as well I think and people have had great reports on them. I am ordering another.

I think the 40gr will group well. The targets I was firing at were 1 -1.5 inches in size and considering the rain and wind that day, I was still hitting them every time so I imagine in calmer conditions, things would be good

hedzball

Sako 50gr arrowhead ballistic tips and Norma 50gr ballistic tips which I might try when I get through the current stock pile








where and how much :D

Tikkat3

hedzball wrote: »

Sako 50gr arrowhead ballistic tips and Norma 50gr ballistic tips which I might try when I get through the current stock pile








where and how much :D

Sako are €31.50 a box :eek:

Norma €27 a box so I am thinking of trying them first

Paddy Carley is your man. He is checking out availability for me so ill let you know how it goes.

Tikkat3

Tikkat3 wrote: »

Sako are €31.50 a box :eek:

Norma €27 a box so I am thinking of trying them first

Paddy Carley is your man. He is checking out availability for me so ill let you know how it goes.

80 rounds of 50gr Norma ballistic tips arrived today Look forward to trying them and seeing how they compare to Vmax.

Enough ammo now, trigger time is what is needed.