Reverse engineering a factory Hornady 32gr V-Max .204 Ruger

tpcollins · February 10, 2012, 10:14 AM

I've shot several bullet/powder combinations and the Hornady factory 32gr V-Max still shoots the best of anything in my Tikka T3. I was wondering if anyone has tried to reverse engineer these loads? I can compile a list for the OAL and use my bullet puller to capture and weigh the powder charge. But determining what proprietary powder Hornady uses is beyond my diagnosis capability. If I could replicate these loads, I'd quit trying other combinations as these shoot fantastic.

Just wondered if anyone has a guess as to what powder Hornady uses? Thanks.

FrankenMauser · February 10, 2012, 02:53 PM

Hornady is using a proprietary blend.
You can't replicate the load, since you cannot get your hands on that powder. (Okay, maybe if you bought ten thousand pounds of it. It's still unlikely, though.)

You best bet is simply going to be recording the OAL, and studying data sources to get an idea of what powder will be the most pressure tolerant at the velocity Hornady advertises for that ammunition.

Things to try, that may look promising:
CFE 223
Superformance
8208 XBR

February 10, 2012, 10:14 AM	#1
tpcollins Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2009 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 558	Reverse engineering a factory Hornady 32gr V-Max .204 Ruger I've shot several bullet/powder combinations and the Hornady factory 32gr V-Max still shoots the best of anything in my Tikka T3. I was wondering if anyone has tried to reverse engineer these loads? I can compile a list for the OAL and use my bullet puller to capture and weigh the powder charge. But determining what proprietary powder Hornady uses is beyond my diagnosis capability. If I could replicate these loads, I'd quit trying other combinations as these shoot fantastic. Just wondered if anyone has a guess as to what powder Hornady uses? Thanks. __________________ What direction did that last shot at Kennedy come from?

February 10, 2012, 02:53 PM	#2
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,427	Hornady is using a proprietary blend. You can't replicate the load, since you cannot get your hands on that powder. (Okay, maybe if you bought ten thousand pounds of it. It's still unlikely, though.) You best bet is simply going to be recording the OAL, and studying data sources to get an idea of what powder will be the most pressure tolerant at the velocity Hornady advertises for that ammunition. Things to try, that may look promising: CFE 223 Superformance 8208 XBR __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.