Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 175gr .277 VLD Matrix bullets

http://www.matrixballistics.com/.277-Caliber-rifle-bullets.html

I ordered a batch of these. I couldn't help but oogle about shooting a 175 gr w/ a BC of .7828 out of a 270.

My only question is: Has anyone handloaded these before? If so, where did you get the reloading data? The max weight in all of my reloading manuals is 160gr. I'll be using either 4831, rl-19, or N-165. Thoughts?

Thanks!

I bought some Woodleigh 180 grainers for one of my 270s that I use over bear bait. They aren't nearly as slippery as your bullets but I suspect the reloading data would be similar. I use a mild charge of 53.5 grains of H4831.

Barnes used to (and maybe still does) make a 180 grainer in their "Barnes Original" line for the 277's and their older manuals have data. You can also find that data on load data.com.

Let me know if you can't find anything and I'll do some more digging. I also probably have some chrono readings from my load written down someplace if it would do you any good.

Can't help you with the data, but what's the twist rate of your barrel?

John

I'd not rely on any sort of data for similar weight bullets, as the bearing surface on the 175gr Matrxies will be vastly different than anything else you've ever seen, really. You're going to need to work up slowly.

I'm seeing on CZ's website that their 550 features a 1-10" twist. I hate to be a preemptive bringer of schitty news, but that's not going to stabilize the 175.

@Tanner - you're right. It's a 1-10" twist. Thanks for being the bringer of schitty news. I'd rather know now than when I'm out at the range bragging about my .78 BC bullets that are all over the place.

What type of de-stabilization can I expect from the long bullets and the barrel twist? I'd really like to see what kind of groups I can get from this from +300 yds

@ttpoz - thanks for the info! I also found load data on Hodgons site for a 180gr bullet that has the 180 gr bullet over 50.5gr of H4831 for max load. I'm going to go w/ Tanners suggestion and work them up VERY slowly. Probably around 42, 43 gr up to about 48gr of IMR 4831.

You will probably see keyholes, to be quite honest, but the only way to know is to shoot them.

I have some sitting on my bench at home, and they are considerably longer than anything else I've got.

@Tanner, I'll post a report after I shoot them and update ya'll.

How did they shoot for you? What are you shooting out of? Care to share the reloading data?

I would give Matrix a call as I am sure they have tested a 1-10 twist. But even when a barrel isn't supposed to shoot a certain bullet sometimes they do.

I am tempted too but will probably try the 168's if they are supposed to fly in a 1-10.

@Tejano - Good Advice. I was thinking of calling them anyways to see if I'm allowed to exchange them for the 165grs. I read (on another forum) that the 165 gr VLDs work well in a 1:10 twist, whereas the 175 gr VLDs work well in a 1:9 twist.

I called them an got an answering machine. I sent an email instead. Will update when I find out

I would see if you can call and maybe have them send you some 165s instead of the 175. I think at the speed you'll get the 165s going, you will hardly give up anything performance wise to the 175s, and they should give you a much better chance of stabilizing in the 1-10" twist.... Just a thought at least.

FWIW, the 165 going 2750 (or however fast you can get 'em going) will be a fairly mean machine. Many guys have found them to match a .650 G1 BC, which is "better" even than the 7mm 162 A-Max. I shot them around 2900fps out of my 270 WSM, though I didn't shoot enough to gain any good data.

I got an email from Marshal @ Matrix Bullets.

Apparently the 165gr's will work great out of a 1:10 twist - the 175gr's will not. He's out of stock on the 165gr's for the time being so I guess I'll have to wait on it. I'll still probably load up the 175's just to see what I can shoot @ 100 - 300 yards

I'll work them up real slow w/ either 4831 or RL-19. I'll post up some range reports to let you know what happens

I'm guessing you will be lucky to keep them on the target at 100.

Keep us posted as I am tempted to try them in a 270wsm. I am not a long range shooter so it would be just for fun and something different to try.

I think the old 175-180 data was from the Barnes original and they were sort of "sticky" bullets with a long bearing surface and copper jacket, so pressure may be close.

Woodleigh has data on their website for their 180gr PP bullet for both the .270 Win and .270 WSM.

FWIW if you have a cell number PM it to me and I'll send you a picture of the 180 grain Barnes data.