Load Data for 55gr Z-max

[Supaduke]

Searched high and low and I'm getting wildly different starting and max load data.

I was wondering if anyone can assist with starting loads and max loads for
Hornady .224 z(v)max 55gr
Benchmark 8208

Trying out a new combo in the Howa and getting specific data for this powder pill combo is proving challenging.

I first tried just a few generic 55gr sp load sheets and have found one 55gr pill starting load is close to another 55gr max

Thanks in advance

[Gwion]

Have you checked ADI site?
That's where i go to and just start for a similar bullet of the same weight.

I use 8208 for my Zmax but they are 50gn so not much help to you.

[Supaduke]

ADI don't have 55gr v-max, they have a few different 55gr pills and their starting loads and Max Loads are very different, Causing me a bit of confusion. For example
Barnes 55gr tsx starting load 21.5gr, max 23gr
Speer 55gr sp starting load 23gr, max 25.4gr
Not sure where I'm at, was hoping someone had some Hornady data (which is annoyingly difficult to procure)

[Gwion]

It's a tough call.
The Barnes TSX is a monolithic bullet, while the Speer is a jacketed soft point.....

I may have something from some 55gn Vmax but i'm not hopeful. Hang about and i'll check.

[Gwion]

Sorry, got rid of that data in a clean out after swapping barrel & actions on my 223.

Hornady reloading manual can be bought from itunes at $20, though.

[Gwion]

Just thieved this off another forum. Judging from this, i'd be going of the MIN-MAX given for the Speer on the ADI site.

"" .223 with 1:12 twist.
ADI BM 8208 25.3Gn
Nossler BT 55Gn.
Cases trimmed to SAAMI spec. Projectile seated .015" from lands.""

[Cooper]

That's of out the Hornady 9th edition.

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[Supaduke]

Thanks very much

[TigerPigeon]

I’ve just done some testing with this exact load. Hornady v-max 55gr with 8208. Photo below, v-max on the left side of the board.

200m
Tikka T3 1:12

Results are pretty consistent, but not very tight shooting. No signs of pressure on the cartridges. Would be safe to load up to 25 grains reckon.

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[deye243]

OK I'll play along even though this thread is 5 years old my load in a Remington 700 1 in 12 twist 55 zombie Remington case cci 400 primer 25.7 grains of 8208 for 3340 feet per second but I would work up to a load like that.

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