.224 Valkyrie Journal

So I am starting my .224 Valkyrie Journal as of today.

I went to the range got the rifle zeroed and gas block tuned. Surprisingly painless but I got that done it under 10 rounds with some cheap walmart American Eagle 77gr.

I start to shoot for groups and the American Eagle shoots really well for sub $10 a box ammo. 1in at 100 is a good start.

I go to the Hornady Match ammo (88gr ELD) and the QA/QC just isn't there IMHO. 3 rounds touching and 2 fliers was the best group. I was shooting over my chrono and the 2 fliers were 60-80 FPS lower than the groups. Shot 3 5 shot groups and had the issue in all 3 groups fliers with very low velocity.

Tried one more group at 300 2 rounds in 1.5 inch other 3 weren't on paper velocity on those 3 was way off again. SD was 34.6.

I don't think the 1-7 twist will be an issue but I hope to get some better SD and accuracy out of my hand loads. Going to start with 90gr SMK and 75GR ELDM (bought accidentally were in the 73gr spot on the shelf when I was working up 5.56 loads) https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cca33c0f3d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3647f9085a.jpg

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

Nice!! Looks like a good start, and hand loads will really help it out, especially at longer distances!!
If you get the 90gr SMK dialed in, we have them in 500 packs, at well below dealer cost on the website, and we have Federal brass on sale as well

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Wes Sage

Nice!! Looks like a good start, and hand loads will really help it out, especially at longer distances!!
If you get the 90gr SMK dialed in, we have them in 500 packs, at well below dealer cost on the website, and we have Federal brass on sale as well

---

Honestly Wes I only got the brass and 90gr SMK to get free shipping from midway when I bought 6.8 mags.

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

Nice!! That seems to be a really popular combo for a lot of people

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by duqjeep2010

Honestly Wes I only got the brass and 90gr SMK to get free shipping from midway when I bought 6.8 mags.

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

---

I am having good luck with 90 SMK and RL17. The RL17 is having temp sensitivity issues though. I heard RL16 is the same burn rate and such with less temperature issues.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by UH60_TrunkMonkey

I am having good luck with 90 SMK and RL17. The RL17 is having temp sensitivity issues though. I heard RL16 is the same burn rate and such with less temperature issues.

---

I have a big jug of Win 748 that I want to try.

I am hoping the 75 ELDM do well. You need about 5 minutes less drop at 1000 over the 90smk and are getting like 200-300 fps more at the muzzle.

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

I have seen guys getting good results with the lighter bullets. Launching them faster can certainly defeat the 90smk.

I have W748 on hand also and 73 grain ELD-M. I was planning on using the 73s in my wife's 223 but you have me thinking....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by UH60_TrunkMonkey

I have seen guys getting good results with the lighter bullets. Launching them faster can certainly defeat the 90smk.

I have W748 on hand also and 73 grain ELD-M. I was planning on using the 73s in my wife's 223 but you have me thinking....

---

I guess let me be the guinea pig.

I only have the 75s because they were on the 73 spot on the shelf at cabelas. Realized they weren't 5.56 mag length so I might as well try them in valk.

From what I am seeing 2900-3000fps should be doable. They still have a .46ish bc doing 1200 something FPS at 1000.

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

Works for me. I have my 90smk data at home. Are you interested in that? I also have a PDF from sierra on load data for the Valkyrie.

I started loading for my Valkyrie yesterday and today. I bought 100 new Federal brass so I could meet Midway's free shipping minimum when I got mags.

I noticed 2 things about this Federal brass.

1: For being new brass, it is very inconsistent. When neck sizing I had 3 pieces get stuck in the die because the case body actually got resized. So I had to full-length size all my new brass.
2: The primer pockets already feel very loose. Maybe I am used to hand-priming LC brass for my MK262 clone loads where I control the swage but these primer pockets are far looser feeling than my .308 brass with 8 firings on it. Perhaps I will have to invest in a primer pocket go/no-go or move to CCI 41 Primers.

[QUOTE=duqjeep2010;6340]So I am starting my .224 Valkyrie Journal as of today.

I went to the range got the rifle zeroed and gas block tuned. Surprisingly painless but I got that done it under 10 rounds with some cheap walmart American Eagle 77gr.

I start to shoot for groups and the American Eagle shoots really well for sub $10 a box ammo. 1in at 100 is a good start.

I go to the Hornady Match ammo (88gr ELD) and the QA/QC just isn't there IMHO. 3 rounds touching and 2 fliers was the best group. I was shooting over my chrono and the 2 fliers were 60-80 FPS lower than the groups. Shot 3 5 shot groups and had the issue in all 3 groups fliers with very low velocity.

Tried one more group at 300 2 rounds in 1.5 inch other 3 weren't on paper velocity on those 3 was way off again. SD was 34.6.

I don't think the 1-7 twist will be an issue but I hope to get some better SD and accuracy out of my hand loads. Going to start with 90gr SMK and 75GR ELDM (bought accidentally were in the 73gr spot on the shelf when I was working up 5.56 loads) https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cca33c0f3d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3647f9085a.jpg

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapa

The whole reason I built my 224 V was to shoot the heavier 224 bullets. I load and shoot the 90 gr Sierra. I also like the 75 gr but prefer the 90 gr more.

First range session with my hand loads. New Federal brass, Hornady 75gr ELD-M Winchester 748 Powder.

My ladder test basically confirms this is in the middle of the node. (Won't have any pictures of the ladder just had to deal with using my spotting scope. I actually had to use my locking differential to get out of the mud at the 300yd range)

I'm not seeing any pressure concerns at this charge. I had some odd ejector marks across the range of charges I'm going to chalk that up to the gas system since gun seemed really over gassed. Once I settle on a load I will have to tune it in better.

So far this load seems promising should stay super to 1100-1200 depending on environmentals. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b4bb770347.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9bedbebc05.jpg

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by duqjeep2010

First range session with my hand loads. New Federal brass, Hornady 75gr ELD-M Winchester 748 Powder.

My ladder test basically confirms this is in the middle of the node. (Won't have any pictures of the ladder just had to deal with using my spotting scope. I actually had to use my locking differential to get out of the mud at the 300yd range)

I'm not seeing any pressure concerns at this charge. I had some odd ejector marks across the range of charges I'm going to chalk that up to the gas system since gun seemed really over gassed. Once I settle on a load I will have to tune it in better.

So far this load seems promising should stay super to 1100-1200 depending on environmentals. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b4bb770347.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9bedbebc05.jpg

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

---

Try a heavier buffer. I was having ejector smears in one of my ARs in .223 no matter the load with heavier projectiles. The pressure builds differently with heavier bullets, so my bolt was unlocking too early while the case was still under enough pressure to have it expanded to the chamber walls. So the bolt was turning while the cases were expanded to the chamber and the ejector was smearing in the head of the brass. Moved to an H3 buffer so I could have the weights to swap around to find what worked better. Turns out the H3 worked wonders. No more smearing on my loads that I push a lil hard. It also helped smooth out the recoil impulse. Seems like the timing issue with the bolt unlocking too early is fixed now. The ejector smearing never happened with the 62 grain and lower stuff, but the 65 grain stuff it would occasionally and over 65 grains it was very regular. Maybe that's why yours is leaving them? Mine did it on light charged loads when using the heavier bullets.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SouthernCoyote

Try a heavier buffer. I was having ejector smears in one of my ARs in .223 no matter the load with heavier projectiles. The pressure builds differently with heavier bullets, so my bolt was unlocking too early while the case was still under enough pressure to have it expanded to the chamber walls. So the bolt was turning while the cases were expanded to the chamber and the ejector was smearing in the head of the brass. Moved to an H3 buffer so I could have the weights to swap around to find what worked better. Turns out the H3 worked wonders. No more smearing on my loads that I push a lil hard. It also helped smooth out the recoil impulse. Seems like the timing issue with the bolt unlocking too early is fixed now. The ejector smearing never happened with the 62 grain and lower stuff, but the 65 grain stuff it would occasionally and over 65 grains it was very regular. Maybe that's why yours is leaving them? Mine did it on light charged loads when using the heavier bullets.

---

I have a rifle tube and buffer.

I have a superlative arms blow off gas block the mirage/ blow off was screwing with me today. I think I will tune it as a regular adjustable block. Hopefully that will help with the smears and I won't have to wait for the blow off to clear at higher magnifications.

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

Went out yesterday and shot some groups with the 90gr SMK. Not very pleased with the results.

My charges went from 23.3 to 25.4 of Win 748. My Standard Deviations were all garbage. The best was the 25.4 and It was 12.42 everything else was in the 30's. I didn't get to shoot a ladder test because I forgot my GoPro.

I did my best for an OCW test and allowed the barrel to cool with a barrel chiller as prescribed.

Right now I don't see the benefit of these over the 75 ELDM I already tested. The 90gr SMK is over twice the price of the 75 ELDM and my only goal for this rifle is to get to 1k which the 75 should do.

Next time Midsouth Shooters does a hazmat special I will get some of the 88gr ELDM to test out maybe they will do a little better.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7c2884321d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...12ef01e9dd.jpg

Might want to give the old(er) 69gr SMK's a try also. The B.C. is pretty high on these . . . especially shoved at the Val's velocities.
I got these bullets to shoot great out of a 22-250 bolt gun after a re-barrel to 1:9 twist. --- SAWMAN

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SAWMAN

Might want to give the old(er) 69gr SMK's a try also. The B.C. is pretty high on these . . . especially shoved at the Val's velocities.
I got these bullets to shoot great out of a 22-250 bolt gun after a re-barrel to 1:9 twist. --- SAWMAN

---

Still looking sub .4 BC with the 69gr SMK. My biggest thing with the Valkryie is the ability to load bullets to mag length that I can't in 5.56.

Hand priming my once fired brass today. Not looking good for the brass life for federal brass.

Once fired brass shouldn't take a no go gauge like that.

Anyone have any better luck with Star line brass?

My hornady brass still seems good to go though. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...172afb28d6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f296f904bf.jpg

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

Haven't heard much on Starline brass yet.
I do know people getting 5-9 reloads with Federal brass, but they aren't running the rounds at max loads either.
I think the false promises put out for this round before it came out, has a lot of people chasing velocities that weren't realistic, without over pressuring the rifle and the brass.
That is just my .02c, but as time goes on, more tests and real data will come out for it.
300blk had the same issues in the beginning too

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Wes Sage

Haven't heard much on Starline brass yet.
I do know people getting 5-9 reloads with Federal brass, but they aren't running the rounds at max loads either.
I think the false promises put out for this round before it came out, has a lot of people chasing velocities that weren't realistic, without over pressuring the rifle and the brass.
That is just my .02c, but as time goes on, more tests and real data will come out for it.
300blk had the same issues in the beginning too

---

Most of this was from American Eagle 75gr factory loads.

Personally I'm pretty happy with the performance from the 75gr eldm.

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

Seem to be some decent loads out there for it now, with people testing it in all different bullet weights.
I am looking forward to the day that there is plenty of good data out there for it

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by duqjeep2010

Most of this was from American Eagle 75gr factory loads.

Personally I'm pretty happy with the performance from the 75gr eldm.

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

---

Sorry for the delay in testing but things got crazy since I got married a few weeks ago.

I finally had the time and weather to get out and test the 88gr ELDM with Win 748 and let me just say that the results weren't so good with 748. No discernable node and SD's were in the '20s.

Here is a graph of my Chrono data.

https://i1183.photobucket.com/albums...-graph%201.png


As you can see it is pretty much linear, so only real places to explore further nodes might be around 2500fps and 2600 fps which is far lower than I would like to see with this projectile.

My 75gr ELDM load is much different in its graph.

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/...smos-graph.png

The nodes at 2750 and 2950 gave me sub .5moa groups.


I still have some of the 88's left so I will try load development with CFE223 and hope to find a node in 2700-2750 range.

Otherwise, the 75gr ELDM will blow the heavier bullets out of the water. They still have a high bc, and I hit a node above 2950fps where I am getting .5MOA or better and, atmospheric depending, will stay super to 1100 to 1200 yards.

Awesome write up brother!!!!
Thanks for sharing it. Looks like you have a few good spots to build on now.
Congrats on getting Married too!!

Buddy of mine, Gavin, has been doing a lot of work with the 224 Valkyrie recently. I was able to do some shooting with a nice little bolt-action rifle he built:

https://i.imgur.com/3DLvy8Ol.jpg

If you go to his website, you'll find a series of short articles on the 224 Valkyrie:
http://ultimatereloader.com/

So another small update on brass prep. About 20% of the brass had to be culled after the 2nd firing.

They would all take a no go gague in the primer pocket I was even able to hand press a primer in with my thumb.

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

What brass was it? I am in load 3 and 4 of factory federal 90smk and 75. I bought a bunch for the brass before loadable brass was on the market. I've throw out a handful of pieces and the pockets are loose but still holding.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by UH60_TrunkMonkey

What brass was it? I am in load 3 and 4 of factory federal 90smk and 75. I bought a bunch for the brass before loadable brass was on the market. I've throw out a handful of pieces and the pockets are loose but still holding.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

---

It was a mix of federal and hornady.

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

That wouldn't be from the ultimate re-loader .I believe he did some work with varget and 88 gr bullets

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mwest

That wouldn't be from the ultimate re-loader .I believe he did some work with varget and 88 gr bullets

---

Ya, my friend Gavin Gear is the guy behind the "Ultimate Reloader" website. He does all the load development and testing.

http://ultimatereloader.com/

He's done a lot with the 224 Valkyrie. Worth a look to see the info he's put together.

Regards, Guy