Benchmark, 55V-max .223 different seating depths.

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swampratt

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I went and shot today.
Yes off the top of my car 100 yards

I will go to Lexington for further testing and shoot off concrete benches.
Car was a bit springy on the roof I guess I have hauled too much lumber up there.


I shot H335 also and it was not happy with 2.255" seating depth.
Mixed cases on some loads.
LC17 and F-C cases on others.
I tried 2.278 vs 2.255" with the 55 V-max.
24.6 gr. (3,045 fps) and 25.6 gr (3,115 fps) of Benchmark.
Either load and either Seating depth will kill fine in my .223 axis.
But it seems to favor the 2.278" and 25.6 gr. with LC 17 cases.
Notice the top left and top middle same seat depth but 24.6 vs 25.6 gr.

Benchmark seems to have potential.

223 axis 55 v max bm 001.JPG
 

Forgalspop

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I split this big cedar down the middle and strapped both sides on top of the car and took them home.
Made these and more.
But you knew that.View attachment 341992
Absolutely gorgeous. I had better not show to the wifey. On the other hand I think you showed her already.

@swampratt: hope we can get around to that little project soon. Waiting on the neighbor.
 

diggler1833

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Seating depth changes of .002 - .003 make a difference. It is often overlooked.

Some of us (myself included) make gross seating depth changes of .010 - .020, or even more, hoping to land on a perfect depth. It's kind of like taking your first couple of guesses while playing Battleship...if you hit one, consider yourself lucky.

I've been lucky before 😄.
 

swampratt

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What was the firearm? Seating depth can make or break a reload.
A savage Axis .223 with 22" factory skinny barrel and regular trigger.

I have hunted with this gun for years and 2.278" is the sweet spot for the 55 v-max in this rifle.
It is the only rifle I have that has shot a 3 shot at .800" center to center at 300 yards.
Same 55 V-max and same 2.278" OAL.
2.113" at 400 yards for 3 shots ..wind starting to act on these little pills. Those were with 26.0 gr. H4895 powder.
These groups above in the pictures were with a very dirty barrel I have not cleaned this thing in a few hunting seasons but it still shoots good and does not cause erratic fliers.

First Cold bore shot goes where the others are so I am not cleaning it until accuracy falls off to a certain point.
Yea I know 3 shots. But it is a hunting rifle :)
 

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