Good luck with Nosler "Custom Competion" bullets

M

Montana Pete

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I'm just back from the range today where I tested out a box of handloads using the .224 Nosler "Custom Competition" 52 gr. BTHP bullets. I used a charge of IMR 3031 that was several grains below maximum, turning about 3550 fps in my chrono.

I had very good luck with these loads today. I was shooting them in a factory Savage Model 12 Varminter chambered in 22-250. When I reload this brass, I plan to exactly duplicate the loads, since they are delivering about all I can ask out of this rifle.

While at the range, I also shot a couple of 5 shot strings using 55 gr. flatbase spire points made by Hornady. While these are perfectly respectable bullets, the Noslers shot tighter.

I am just wondering, has anyone else had good luck with this brand and type of bullet?

-------

I went back in and included some targets from today. I know on a benchrest forum, these targets may not seem too impressive. However, this is an over-the-counter factory rifle, and these three-shot groups are about as good as I think I have a right to expect from the rifle. I know some will say these are not "all that great." But that half-inch X ring looks pretty darn small at 100 yd, even with an 18 X scope.
 

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I shoot the exact same Nosler bullet as you. I load 27 grains of Varget (full case) seated .010 off the rifling. My stock (bedded and better trigger) Rem 700 VLS shoots sub 1/2 MOA when I do my part. The pricing of the Nosler bullets compared to other "match" bullets is a plus.
M14
 
We shoot 50gr V-Max with 35gr Varget, Nosler brass, and CCI 200 primer out of the Rem 700 VLS and got top 3913fps through the chrony. Very accurate. But these are for hunting, and occasional range visit. A steady shooter can get bullets to touch. My 70yo dad with 2 gallons of coffee can get .5in-1in in on a good day. I mentioned chamomille and laying off the caffeine on range day.

I was surprised at the velocity but wrote it off to the smaller capacity Nosler brass, and longer VLS barrel (26in). IIRC, the max load for the 50gr V-max is 38gr at ~3850fps.
 
ForneyRider,
I would like to know how you get 35 grains of Varget in a .223 case. Please explain.
Thanks, M14
 
I use the 155 gr. Cust. Comp. .308 bullets in my Savage 12FV in .308 Win. I get .453" groups at 100 yards. They are awesome bullets, especially over Varget powder.
 
Montana Pete said:
I'm just back from the range today where I tested out a box of handloads using the .224 Nosler "Custom Competition" 52 gr. BTHP bullets. I used a charge of IMR 3031 that was several grains below maximum, turning about 3550 fps in my chrono.

I had very good luck with these loads today. I was shooting them in a factory Savage Model 12 Varminter chambered in 22-250. When I reload this brass, I plan to exactly duplicate the loads, since they are delivering about all I can ask out of this rifle.

While at the range, I also shot a couple of 5 shot strings using 55 gr. flatbase spire points made by Hornady. While these are perfectly respectable bullets, the Noslers shot tighter.

I am just wondering, has anyone else had good luck with this brand and type of bullet?

-------

I went back in and included some targets from today. I know on a benchrest forum, these targets may not seem too impressive. However, this is an over-the-counter factory rifle, and these three-shot groups are about as good as I think I have a right to expect from the rifle. I know some will say these are not "all that great." But that half-inch X ring looks pretty darn small at 100 yd, even with an 18 X scope.
Click to expand...

Impressive groups! Nice shootin'.
 
With all the real custom bullet makers in this land, will you picture comparative targets using the real custom bullets shot in your rifle and compare them with these Noslers?
 
Powder capacity

Model14: Nowhere in his thread did he say he was using that much powder in a 223 case. He did say primers are CCI200, which are Large Rifle, so I would have to assume he's talking about a 22-250.
 
f d shuster said:
Model14: Nowhere in his thread did he say he was using that much powder in a 223 case. He did say primers are CCI200, which are Large Rifle, so I would have to assume he's talking about a 22-250.
Click to expand...




Great guess. Considering he says so in his post.



"I had very good luck with these loads today. I was shooting them in a factory Savage Model 12 Varminter chambered in 22-250. When I reload this brass, I plan to exactly duplicate the loads, since they are delivering about all I can ask out of this rifle."
 
22-250

ForneyRider said:
We shoot 50gr V-Max with 35gr Varget, Nosler brass, and CCI 200 primer out of the Rem 700 VLS and got top 3913fps through the chrony. Very accurate. But these are for hunting, and occasional range visit. A steady shooter can get bullets to touch. My 70yo dad with 2 gallons of coffee can get .5in-1in in on a good day. I mentioned chamomille and laying off the caffeine on range day.

I was surprised at the velocity but wrote it off to the smaller capacity Nosler brass, and longer VLS barrel (26in). IIRC, the max load for the 50gr V-max is 38gr at ~3850fps.
Click to expand...

BIG AL: yep, I keep reading this post over and over and still cannot find anywhere that "22-250" is mentioned. Montana Pete never mentioned "35 grains of Varget".
 
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Another clue is he's getting 3900fps. Don't think that's doable with a .223. Even an AI. :)
 
35gr was for .22-250 in 50gr V-Max in Nosler case. Nosler case is small like Federal.

I can stuff 28+ of AA2230 in a .223 case but not for anything over 35-40gr bullet, and even then that would be pushing it.
 
I get groups like that with nosler...

50 and 55g Ballistic Tips out of my custom 223 and 223 AI's with many, many groups below .200

Nosler makes a good bullet.

The 55g Hornady sp with the crimp ring shoots below .3 constantly for me in both the 223 hart barrel and the 223 AI with hart barrels with the nosler having the edge.
 
you ought to give custom bullets a try if you're going to shoot a hollow
point .22 or a
6mm. our custom bullet makers need the business more than the big machine ran conglomerates. plus they make a far superior hand swaged bullet. a machine can't make a bullet like a person can. if you really want to squeeze all you can from a gun don't doubt the one component that's the easiest to replace.
 
I have not had any experience with 52grn Nosler Custom Competition projectiles but a lot with 69grn and 77grn. I have gotten good results with both Sierra and Nosler in the 69grn. As a matter of fact I'll buy either one when I need to replenish my stock of projectiles for my 223Rem.
 
I got my best group ever with Sierra 52gr BTHP with .223 AR.

I really like the Blitz King and V-Max. Lot of the AR guys are shooting these in .3's off of bipods. However, the plastic tips are more dainty to me that a hp. I have torn up several in handling and ruined the accuracy.

Nosler hunting bullets have been the most accurate for hunting loads. I did some load development for my brother's 8x57, and the 200gr Accubond was significantly better than the 200gr SMK. Enough so, my brother asked me to pull the SMK to recover the Varget(couldn't get any for 6mos), and replace with the Noslers.

I haven't tried the Nosler CC due to lack of selection. They don't have a flat based 53gr like Sierra and others. I think they skipped over 7mm all together.

If you want a 68gr 6mm, BIB has huge following. They want to sell in big lots, so you may want to hit someone up to split a load to see if they work for you before diving into 1000 bullets or more.
 
Here's a good test for you. There is not really that much difference in price between hand made bullets and the factory ones. Pick any of the custom bullet makers that advertise here and buy a box of 100. Load up about 30 rounds of your favorite load. Shoot 5 groups of 5 shots each. Clean rifle between groups and use the extra for fouling the barrel. Then do the same with what ever factory bullet you currently are in love with. Then compare the groups. Then get back to us on the results. Its the one thing that is easy to change.

Donald
 
Could you please name a few of the custom bullets makers so I can shop for them.

I am not familiar with any of these companies. I am sure some are very small companies -- but to try them, you have to find them.

Also, is there one or two companies you personally have had good luck with?

Thanks
 
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