Original Review

This new data was from a few months ago, but I am just now getting around to posting it.

NOTE.  I changed the 1-6x out for my Vortex Viper 2.5-10x44 and discovered I was NEVER really locking this gun down on the bench like I thought I was with the 1-6x Primary Arms.  I never could get that last 1/4" of movement out of the gun but I could not tell it until I put the more powerful scope on.  Bag rear, bipod front.  I also took off my muzzle break and mounted the silencer.  Very little wind.  96 yards.  Groups are listed as best 4 / all 5 measured center to center.

New shipment of Freedom Munitions (FM here on ) ammo, so that's what I grouped to see how it compares to more expensive options.

Set The scope for 53gr SuperFormance Varmint.  My previous review considers this the benchmark for this barrel.  Lightning fast and high ballistic coefficient despite only being 53gr.
53gr Superformance Varmint
1st group <span style="color: red;">next to last of the day, .84" / 1.41"  to set scope
Next to last group of the day <span style="color: red;">1st group of the day .51" / .78" BEAUTIFUL.  Four were touching in a chain.
Last group of the day 1.07" / 1.37" and no POI shift from first group

FM 40gr VMAX - felt no different from 55gr as far as kick and recoil.  I was hoping this would be a hoser load but I see no advantage to it.
1.12" / 1.27" and 1" left.  3 holes were touching
3400fps , 3375 , 3359 , 3363 , 3364 , 3317

FM 55gr FMJ
.88" / 1.35" and 1" low.  this is BULK AMMO and very accurate
3124 , 3097 , 3141 , 3072 , 3165 , 3122 , 3147 , 3134 (some shots were to get the scope on paper before setting the scope)
EDIT 12-3-16 .... 0.81" / 1.32" group with a red dot.....96yds.

FM 55gr VMAX
.66" / 1.20" and 1" low
3137 , 3139 , 3174 , 3189 , 3164

FM 60gr VMAX
1.22" / 1.47" 1" low and 1/2" left
2914 , 2892 , 2912 , 2911

FM 69gr HPBT
.63" / .81" with 3 touching.  1" low BEAUTIFUL.  I had to try that again a few groups later
.74" / .88" and 2" low.
2652 , 2668 , 2678 , 2667 , 2592 , 2610 , 2625 , 2642 , 2644

FM 77gr HPBT - VERY NICE, but slow.  Seemed to kick a little more.
.63" / .91" and 2" low
2406 , 2480 , 2381 , 2460

Summary.  I'm not buying 223 FGM  any more.  The 53gr Superformance is over twice as expensive as the Freedom Munitions HPBT's and only has velocity advantages.  This gun is normally used as a 3 gun blaster.  I was just setting it up with the bigger scope and silencer for an "egg shoot"  and KIM's games.  I didn't hit the egg, but at about 150yds I NAILED a 1" smiley face between the eyes in the KIM's game.

Top is FM 77gr HPBT
Middle is Hornady 53gr Superformance
Bottom is FM 40gr Vmax



Top left is FM 60gr Vmax
Top center is FM 55gr FMJ
Top Right is FM 69gr HPBT
center is Hornady Superformance 53gr Vmax
Middle right is  FM 69gr HPBT
Bottom Left is FM 55gr Vmax
Bottom Right is  Hornady 53gr Superformance Vmax


Hornady 53gr Superformance Varmint

FINALLY got into the safe with the camera charged up.

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Be aware that Hornady recommends against using Superperformance ammo in ARs. I doubt it's a big deal.

Yes it has a weird pressure curve apparently.  I had this particular gun set for XM193 with the silencer, but it was a short stroking undergassed bolt action with Hornady Superformance 53gr varmint.  RIFLE gas system.  This rifle had run slow 55gr reloads, 40gr loads, XM193, and 77gr 5.56 loads just fine, but not the SF.  One click up on the Syrac Ordnance gas block ran the SF just fine.

My 12.5" MIDLENGTH SBR however seemed overgassed with the same 53gr Superformance ammo when already running 55gr powder puff loads and XM193 flawlessly.

I think as long as you have an adjustable gas block it should be fine, but you may have to gas up or down.