SmallCaliberCentral

Honestly I would buy a 12-twist if I could find it :D It depends on WHICH bullet you plan on shooting. A 9-Twist will easily stabilize any 60gr out there. The problem is going the other way. MV * 720 / Twist = RPM Lightly jacketed bullets(TNT low vel, Dogtowns, VarmintNightmares, SXSP's) have a very...

Yes distance matters, as far as picking up the signature. The best chance at seeing it here(low RH) is to the side of the shooter, about 3 feet; beyond 200 yards. Larger calibers tend to be easier to see as well. The trick(through a scope) is to have the target in sight, and wait for it to enter you...

Glad to hear it. 8-twist @ 3400 = 306,000 RPM; which is 5% different.
I don't recall saying that the world would end, merely passed on the "stated" RPM limit for a 55gr bullet, not 40gr. As with all things barrel smoothness is a big part of that.

Savageboy,

I talked to Hornady a day or two ago, here is what they said about the 55gr Sp's AND VMax's.
Barrel smoothness dependant, of course. 290,000 RPM ceiling.
IF you need more headroom for spin, 55gr BlitzKings have a ceiling of 352,000 RPM; according to Sierra.

Although I am yet to be 100% confirmed, I believe strongly that CFE223 is in fact SMP-842. Which is the military powder for the "new" M855 ammo. Used specifically due to the all copper bullets. Which is why I asked for a photo of CFE223. I have been explicitly told the same (842 = CFE223)...

The "copper cleaner" is a tin(possibly some bismuth) compound, that has been around for a VERY long time. The publicity for it however is new to the masses. If you look at the MSDS sheets for CFE and Win 748 & Win 760 they are the same. 760/748 have had it for at least 20 years(accordi...

Look at the residue, especially the "powder balls" you talk about. IF they are hard, sounds like Hard Carbon; common in small calibers.

I understood your point. My point was know WHO is making the powder. General Dynamics won't tell you anything about it. Start with Hodgy's info. Since he is "wondering" if something is over max; he is abviously new to the reloading game; OR wants to find Max for HIS gun. A book will never ...

Compared the HP varmageddon's to the the V-max in 243.
Honestly I can't really tell the difference, outside of price.
The coyotes I've shot with both, blew-up with an equal amount of carnage.

I'd send Hodgdons an email. Did it recently to ADI and they emailed load data for 4 different powders behind 39BK. Peace of mind getting it straight from the manufacturers. Their reply was fairly swift too - 1-2 days I think Hodgdon doesn't make any smokless. CFE223 is made by General Dynamics in S...

Twist is MOSTLY used as an arguing tool for folks on boards. :roll: YES, it will stabilize a 55gr bullet, or anything light. Here is the rub with twist rates. Military uses a 7-twist,(actually I think it is 7.75) MOST commonly found is a 9-twist. Twist rates can vary by 1/2 twist(from stated) quite ...

You can always use data for a HEAVIER bullet and safe

SMP = St. Marks Powder. WC = Western Cannon. Generally a distinction for "Canister Grade" powder, Vs. Surplus. A little bit of semantics, I know. I know it has the de-coppering agent, I'm just not exactly clear that there is a "real" difference other than that; Difficult to get 1...

I agree with Rick in that there are several differences in them, but not about the 10%. Dr. Denton Bramwell did a really informative paper on differences in Standard Vs. Mag primers; in relation to pressure. I believe you can find a discussion about it over on shootersforum. Denton haunts that board...

Are you sure you mean WC-842, or are you talking about SMP 842(made at St. Marks) SMP-842 is around the same burning rate as WC844, which Hodgdon calls H335. It(SMP842) has the same tin dioxide compound that has been in Win 748 & Win 760 for(according to my MSDS) at least 20 years. Anyway, it's ...