224 Valkyrie a Year Later: In-Depth Discussion with Federal at 2019 SHOT Show

[@joethecoffeeguy6663]

I realize this is 2.5 years old, but I"m just getting into 224 Valkyrie and found this video to be very informative. looking forward to more of your content. Just subscribed.

[@530eman]

It had some bumps at the start but I still love mine…! Just upgraded a bunch of components as well 😎

[@jassonco]

Best NO BULLSHIT shot show interview I'v watched. You usually feel durty after watching them!

[@znutar]

I like my little Valkyrie AR I built. Mind you I went with an X-Calibur 18” 1:6.5 barrel and have had zero issues....ultralight DMR

[@Ultimatereloader]

Good deal!

[@JosePerez-zc1nv]

You are just awesome to ask those questions and getting the information from the roots. That’s why I like your Chanel man testing, challenge, research like a engineering

[@reedpond6867]

I have found that my 1/7 to 1/6.75 not the 1/7.15 to 1/7.36 barrels work best for the 224 Valkyrie with the heavy for caliber bullets. 5R rifled barrels are fantastic for the 224 Valkyrie with an exact 1/7 twist rate.

[@shannonnunn]

My craddock 5r 6.5 twist rocks!

[@jimvail6531]

This is some of the best technical info I've come across in my journey to understand my Valkyrie. Great discu. Thanks for producing it!

[@Ultimatereloader]

Thanks Jim, and you are welcome!

[@jeffcal816]

Everyone compared the valkyrie to the grendel, I went with the grendel,glad I did,love it!

[@omicrondec]

Do you shoot any Wolf 6.5G steel case? I'm interested in 6.5G and how limited that steel ammo is.

[@jeffcal816]

@@omicrondec no I haven't shot any wolf through it all I can find around here is hornady black

[@omicrondec]

@@jeffcal816 ah. Hornady isn't the most affordable but is nice stuff.

[@jeffrobodene1485]

Let's see this round take a deer at 400 yards. NOT.

[@BisonArmory]

I shot the 224 Valkyrie next to a 6.5 Grendel at 1000 yards and the Grendel performance was less than impressive. The Grendel did OK to 800 but after that the bullets were clearly wobbling looking at the holes in the target and the groups were opening up. The Valk had no trouble at 1000 hitting the target cleanly and keeping the groups around 1 moa.

[@edyoung6264]

Great interview. One of the best I've seen for Shot Show. Wish you had inquired if they have plans for a 6mm Valkyrie based of the 6.8 case.

[@fredeb67]

Three years later, isn't that the 6ARC?

[@edyoung6264]

@@fredeb67 I think the 6ARC is based on the Grendel case. I prefer the 6.8 case.

[@nealmyers2735]

Federal is a good company and I'm glad they stuck with this because I just got rid of 300 blackout to get one of these.

[@olliebarwise7264]

I feel bad for this guy, he’s drawn the short stick so he has be the face of a round that, by all accounts, was rushed out. If you prefer 1/6.5 got 1/6.5. If you want cheaper ammo get into hand loading. There is a lot of hate on this guy but he just has to say what the bosses tell him to. I’m sure there is research behind what he’s saying otherwise federal would’ve stayed quiet. The .224 Valkyrie has such incredible potential and did not deliver on its release, but to be fair what round in recent history has? I’m excited for where it’s heading. Also a huge amount of credit must be given to the handloaders who are producing the majority of the data for detailed analysis and research in the development of valk.

[@530eman]

Still have mine, love mine still ringing steel past 1000 😎

[@beecoo66]

The 22-250 still has my heart tho…..

[@anchorbait6662]

Johnny's Reloading Bench where you at??

[@joelstrain6664]

Anchor Bait he's at the tactical sling booth

[@anchorbait6662]

@@joelstrain6664 lol great answer.

[@Dustysa4]

@@joelstrain6664 Funny stuff! 😂

[@geog.8120]

Thanks for getting some answers on the real issues that many have dismissed!

[@aspitofmud6257]

I have found in the past that when speed is the goal bullet integrity is an issue. My team mate shot a high master score at a DCM match one week using 52g bullets at 100yds with reduced targets at max loads. Next week he barely hit the target at 200 yds because the jackets were peeling off the core before it reached the target. I hope manufacturers are stepping up their game as we are finding out the velocity is much more effective than bullet diameters. Thank very much for your research and interviews as much has changed since my competition days. Now I'm looking forward to doing some effective hunting in my retirement. Yep. Thanks again!

[@thebigmansoutdoors]

Great video. Very nice to hear that information straight from the source. Thanks for getting the interview and putting it out there. Would love it if they would get the brass sorted out.. ;)

[@IHFarmer2007]

Thanks Gavin for all you do! Very informative all the time!

[@Ultimatereloader]

Thank you!!!!! I love my job...

[@72codeman]

I always wait for the bugs to get worked out on this stuff. I’m waiting to see how well 300 prc really works. Media hype doesn’t mean anything to me

[@Ultimatereloader]

That's what I do- actually build a rifle, build the ammo, and capture the long range shots on camera. There's no substitute for hands-on experiences :)

[@MikeBrown-dq2ge]

The 300 norma smashes the 300 prc

[@FrancisColonPRS]

Great interview! Covered all the big points and solid responses from Justin. Looking forward to 2019: Year of the Valkyrie!

[@Ultimatereloader]

Thanks, and well said! :)

[@shannonnunn]

I have sub moa loads for 95 smk, 88 eld.. Get a craddock upper and learn to load match ammo tuned to your barrel...

[@angryd5552]

Very interesting with his opinion on the twist rate. Leaves me wondering though. Glad you sought out the info straight from the source!

[@AP2020_Outdoors]

I am ready to jump into the 224 Valkyrie pool. I may have zero experience with the 224 Val per say, HOWEVER, I can honestly say that I was one of the 1st shooters/reloaders/hunters to develop a viable load with a 6.8SPC Wildcat. Specifically, my 6PDK = 6mmX6.8SPC which I started running in 2010 or so. The barrel was chambered by John Holliger from WOA back in 2009 I'm guessing. Hundreds of groundhogs, feral hogs, and coyotes all gave up their lives in the name of science! If you watch my signature video on my KZbin Channel; the 2nd rifle is my 6PDK with a 20" 1:7.5 Kreiger. I managed to hit a 12" x 12" AR500 steel plate at 1,000 yards, I think 4 out of 8 shots. This rifle has always been a 1/2MOA or better shooter since day 1. My pet load at the time was a 6mm 90gr Berger @ 2,850fps. Stay tuned, I have some tricks up my sleeve that I have learned over the years! I use PDK headstamp brass and have over a dozen firings with zero primer pocket stretch. ****Major EDITS!!****

[@Ultimatereloader]

Keep us posted!

[@AP2020_Outdoors]

@@Ultimatereloader Will Do! BTW, I watched your video with Jon Patton, next year we will have to meet and greet at SHOT Show, I just missed you guys!

[@captainamer71]

Don't do it. I had two and both shot FGM 90 horrible

[@AP2020_Outdoors]

@@Ultimatereloader , kzbin.info/www/bejne/emfYnWNpgsR5e7c

[@AP2020_Outdoors]

@@Ultimatereloader , kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWfFdKR4nZdgqKs

[@herbbie4714]

Great interview with useful information.

[@mtnshooter2487]

If I was going 100gr or over bullets with a valkyrie, why not go to a .243 with a proven track record , or a 6 CM with better BC's?

[@kickapoo621]

not defending the valkyrie, but the reason is, so that it fits in an AR15, which .243 and 6 CM does not fit into.

[@matthewgroff433]

@@kickapoo621 There are companies that offer AR style rifles chambered in .243 and 6 CM, they fit in the AR-10 platform.

[@mtnshooter2487]

( thats why I build both 308 size and 223 size AR's ) ;)

[@kickapoo621]

@@matthewgroff433 I know that it will fit into Ar10, but that is not the point. It is specifically made to fit an ar15.

[@Predalien195]

@@kickapoo621 But you fail to understand IF you're using Valkyrie at the ranges and distances it's claiming to be capable of, you're going to be a bench rest shooter or shooting from the prone, etc, etc... Weight wont be an issue when you're sitting on your ass shooting. The whole "But it's an AR-15!" is over sold as hell and realistically has been shown to be completely unimportant. The only argument for weight would be you have to lug said heavy gun out in the field or whichever. You can get lightweight bolt actions in .243 Winchester that are like 5 lbs. You wont get a 5 lb AR-15 without going all super carbon fiber and expensive to replicate what a $300 gun can do. But then you got guns like the POF Revolution, which take the AR-10 platform, shrink things down and so forth... or modular rifles like the LWRC REPR, the Colt CM901, and etc. In short... the AR-15 aspect is again over sold and pointless. So lets look at from a long range precision standpoint... It's not a precision cartridge. Even if you got the proper twist rate, it wouldnt replace .243 Win at distance, it wouldnt replace 6.5 Creed at distance, it wouldnt replace .300 Win Mag at distance, or any number of PROVEN long range precision and performance calibers. Now lets look at hunting... Ok, he mentioned Coyotes and Prairie Dogs. Now I've seen videos of it taking Prairie Dogs at 500 meters. Like I said before... bench rest shooting though. .243 Winchester will reach out and take them at the same range, it'll also take deer, hogs, coyotes, and so on. And if you're using at 300 meters or closer, what is it doing that loads like 6.8 SPC, 6.5 Grendel, .300 Blackout, 7.62x39, and etc arent already doing? It's a versatile cartridge potentially.. problem is, in the areas of which it's trying to be versatile, other calibers already blow it away in the same aspects. And in specialized areas, there are FAR superior options.

[@paulvenn4447]

Dem primer pockets tho

[@BisonArmory]

I got some of the new 90 SMK FGMM to the range in my 24" rifle and it is vastly superior to the old stuff. Slower for sure, but supersonic well past 1100 yards or more and went from shooting 2" to 3" groups at 100 yards to shooting sub-MOA. First two 5-shot groups out were 0.78 MOA and then ran quickly to 300 yards and got back to back MOA 5-shot groups there too. I think Federal has it figured out. I ran some hand loads with the new 90 SMK bullets from Sierra too and they shot great. Also, the whole thing with out of spec chambers looks like an error in the method used to measure freebore. Using a backwards facing bullet, even with a perfectly flat base, to infer freebore from cartridge OAL doesn't work. It just measures the OAL of a cartridge in which the base of the bullet is contacting the leade, not the freebore. The freebore for 224 V is minimum 0.2246" diameter (up to .2266" within the SAAMI tolerance of 0.002") , not the 0.224 max of a bullet. The leade is cut at 1.5 degrees, so the bullet will be past the end of the freebore by 11 thou at a minimum, and up to 50 thou while still meeting the SAAMI spec.

[@shotover7719]

Excellent job UR! I like hearing from the source. I cant wait to see what they (Federal) are gonna be doing with Berger Bullets mid year! Thats all I use is Berger in the 80gr and 90gr VLDs. 3025fps and 2900fps respectively. ;-)

[@Liemciemdk89]

I take Wrong twist rate out 2000 yards + magnum bolt guns. 224 is off by .25 twist rate = bad 100 yards

[@williammcmillan6202]

I found that I got excellent SD less than 3 fps on 10 shots using 88 Hornady with 25.5 H380 fps 2510

[@yuriys.6352]

Very interesting interview! Thanks!!

[@dustinstanoch9803]

Love the cartridge but they messed up. It gotten A bad name try a berger 80.5 in a 1 in 6.5 twist u will love it

[@Dustysa4]

It'll be interesting to see how this caliber plays out. The best examples for it's ELR ability that I've seen have all been out of bolt guns. Yet, a main selling point of this cartridge is that it can be fired from a small frame AR. Most of your 90 grain projectiles are a VLD profile, which is temperamental with seating depth. VLD's tend to perform well either jumped or jammed. Well, jammed in an AR isn't ideal due to mag constraints. And jumped poses issues with compressed charges, as folks have been breaking seating stems. Hopefully we start seeing more hybrid profile 90 grain bullets that shoot great without messing with seating depth. Time will tell...

[@abcertweld]

funny I've never had an issue with Federal Gold Metal Match 90gr. 224 Val. They have always been dead on for me. Then again I do know what I'm doing.

[@andrewstoll4548]

I'm sorry but I have a box of 90gr SMK's that was bought long ago. On the box it says 1/6.5 twist barrel or faster only. This was from when that bullet first came out. That's what the maker of the bullet says.

[@working_to_hunt]

If you spend the money on 224V you want to shoot 90gr+. Just admit that you didn't take manufacturers twist tolerance into account and you need a 6.5 twist...

[@Ultimatereloader]

1:7 has worked great for me with 88 grain ELD-M bullets...

[@jonlockhart8436]

@@Ultimatereloader And yet everyone else I have seen has had problems. TGC have tried several times. Even with his bud who is a competition shooter with reloads can't get it to shoot. Chad at IV8888 can't get it to shoot and is blowing through brass. Same with Big Man's Outdoors. JRB has had mix results depending on the day with the 7 twist. Certainly not sold with small pockets of success with a lot of people not able to get the 90+ stable or small groups. Plus you have to compete in open with it against 6.5 and that's a proven cartridge.

[@georgeshorter142]

This was not the answer!

[@thebigmansoutdoors]

I don't think everyone wants to shoot the 90's. There is a benefit of lighter bullets going really fast (Red Rockets as example). Personally I am working on trying to get one of those loads worked up. I am not unhappy with a 1:7 and I would go that route if I where to do it again. The 90's will stabilize if they go faster than 2600 fps per the Sierra site. It all comes down to what you are looking to do with the rifle.

[@jonlockhart8436]

@@thebigmansoutdoors Agreed, it's all in what you want to do, but in reality I have seen better accuracy out of heavy 223 than I have Valkyrie. For example the Black Hills Mark 272 load is a but kicking 223 with much better accuracy performance than I have seen even with the moderate 224 using the 80+ grain offerings (also the sentiment of John at TCG in his last 224 video). Plus to my knowledge to shoot this in competition you would he placed in the open class with guys shooting 6 to 6.5 mm offerings which have already proven to be accurate out to very long ranges. I am sure they had their growing pains too but I just don't see where the Valkyrie fits in yet with all the issues guys been having and other offerings available.

[@showout0476]

Could you help me with a hand load on this caliber with a 90 grain or so projectile for deer and a good bolt rifle for this caliber

[@shannonnunn]

6.5 is a better twist for the 95 grainers with a 22 inch barrel

[@anchorbait6662]

16:05 hopefully you mean behind the gun :)

[@Ultimatereloader]

Yes, good catch. :)

[@kickinitoutdoors5782]

Sry all I will stay with my 308 and 6.5 Creedmoor, out 308 first of I shot it in the military as a marksman/sniper, I know it well for me knowing the chambering is more valuable then the chambering itself. I have been shooting the Creedmoor for 4 yrs and got to know it well. Brass life on both of those far exceeds most others along with barrel life.

[@senditreloadit]

Great interview! I think I got one of those early barrels that was cut too deep.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Wonder if you could have it re-chambered?

[@senditreloadit]

gavintoobe Wilson Combat told me to send it back. That if it’s was reamed incorrectly or just wasn’t a MOA barrel they would replace.

[@paunchouspilot6757]

Appreciate the info.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Thanks David- the guys at Federal are awesome.

[@DinoNucci]

So many words for a problem that didn't exist.

[@donaldheine9169]

What I want to know is where is the cheap plinking ammo that was promised? About $15 a box is about the cheapest ammo I've seen. Where is the $10 a box ammo that was promised? You end up with another expensive to shoot round that wears out barrels in 2000 rounds. It's fine for shooting paper when you have someone pulling and marking targets for you. Good luck seeing bullet trace or impact at long range with 22 caliber bullets. Glad I didn't jump on this bandwagon.

[@Bimmersixx]

Bass Pro shops currently has 224 in 75g TMJ for right at $10/box. You can get the same ammo online at Target Sports USA for $8.99/box. www.targetsportsusa.com/federal-american-eagle-224-valkyrie-ammo-75-grain-total-metal-jacket-ae224vlk1-p-78465.aspx

[@dhphotography644]

$55 a box of 20 for the "cheap" valkyrie stuff in Australia. Or $90 for a 100 count bag of brass. Can't see the chambering lasting too long here, 22 creed has a higher following here. The valkyrie will end up like the dinos Esp in this country.

[@aspitofmud6257]

MELT THE TURBOS!!!

[@SLFYSH]

You did hear the-‘why’ of why he would choose 1-7 twist right? -So he can shoot 55gr, 60gr, to 90gr. The whole purpose of the platform is built around heavy bullets. There are a zillion other BETTER as in higher performing, or cheaper, more user friendly choices of .22cal cartridges if you want to shoot light bullets. Valkyrie and light bullets is a profound waste of time. Use it if you want heavy bullets at range, if you don’t, it’s easy to find a better cartridge.

[@Ultimatereloader]

I shoot bullets from 70 grains to 88 grains currently (will be testing 90s and 95s too). To have one rifle that can span these ranges is great. I do agree on the point about the reason for Valkyrie, and I have a great shooting load for heavy bullets that can do that. If I want, I can shoot 70s too- both work great.

[@jaysonwulf6077]

24in 1-6.5 twist with 90gn smks shoot laser beams in my rifle when not loaded by federal.

[@tausnowboarder2142]

Ohhhh ya. Wisconsin eh?

[@rtakahashi]

Justin is a awesome guy...

[@Ultimatereloader]

yep, solid dude!

[@paulwatterson5992]

Gavin do you know anything about the Diamondback 224 Valkyre ?

[@anchorbait6662]

Why in the world would you use 224 v in a bolt gun. It's literally built for the Ar-15 platform and you give up alot if you limit yourself to using it in a bolt gun. Much better cartridges for that application.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Lots of reasons for me- 1: as a test platform for accuracy and ballistics 2: it's fun - more reasons outlined here: ultimatereloader.com/2018/10/26/224-valkyrie-remington-700-build-p1-planning-the-build/

[@anchorbait6662]

@@Ultimatereloader yeah I guess. Maybe it just doesn't fit any need I have

[@Predalien195]

@@anchorbait6662 It's not just you... a bolt action in the caliber is pointless. It's pretty pointless in a AR-15 if you're trying to shoot it at 500 meters or farther too. You're going to be bench rest shooting, weight no longer becomes an issue when you're sitting pretty on your ass and shooting. As a result, a bolt action in .243 Winchester or .270 will easily beat the pants off .224 Valkyrie in a bolt gun. In an AR platform, an AR-10 in .243 Winchester will also beat it... even in .308 it'll beat it. For accuracy... the Valkyrie will likely be more accurate than most .308 AR-10's, but I've seen accuracy tests at ranges like that, it's not that impressive. Secondly, if you're looking at bolt guns, it's not going to be doing better than proven calibers like 6.5 Creed and etc. In short, it was this super highly promising caliber intended for long range shooting and possibly hunting and it's purpose of long range shooting is already taken by like 30+ different calibers and the only real claim it has is "Well you can use an AR-15!" which I've already explained why it really doesnt make a difference with that claim. As for hunting.. yeah, shooting at Coyotes or Prairie Dogs at long range it'll do just fine. Seen plenty of good examples of it doing exactly that at ranges like 500 meters. But when there's umpteen million calibers designed for AR's which are designed to have better long range performance and etc... why choose the Valkyrie? 6.5 Grendel is a thing, 6.8 SPC is a thing, .25-45 Sharps is a thing. There's so many calibers that can extend the range of the platform and deliver more power and be extremely capable of taking Coyotes and Prairie Dogs at such ranges just fine. In short... it's a versatile option for 2 very highly defined niche roles. Hunting and Long Range shooting. I like versatility, but in the realm of both of those categories, it's not doing anything the .243 doesnt do for both of those.

[@randalloc]

Several reasons.. 1/If you got a Valk on the AR platform you have common ammo between the two. 2/makes a great training rifle for PRS with factory ammo and some guys are shooting it in PRS now and you will see more, it has low recoil and easy and fun to shoot an can do well out to +/-1000 yds. 3/It makes a good varmint/coyote rifle as well with long barrel life and access to factory ammo today.4/With a BA you can also load long or extend the free bore to push it some using an AICS mag platform.

[@wwaytobe]

So for a bolt gun shooting 55-100gr, 500 yards, Did we forget that the 243 win is no slouch? For me its 5.56 7.62x39 6.5 Grendel + the 308, 30-06 and 243. That covers just about everything sub 1000 yards. And most are lucky if they can hit anything at 400+ just sayin...

[@Painfulwhale360]

M_ White008 what’s the point of saying “just sayin” at the end of your sentence? My mother in law says that all the time and she is super annoying lol

[@Ebaybow]

Gavin putting the pressure on 224V!

[@JayJay3Fifty7]

My PSA 224 Valkyrie is gonna be sending yotes and pork to Valhalla.

[@beecoo66]

I have the Stag Arms 18 inch, been good out to 400 yards with all ammo???

[@j5689]

Lucky, I was gonna build a 224 Valkyrie using their left-handed 6.8/224V bolts but they stopped making all 6.8 stuff apparently.

[@sickkid129]

Shot show!!

[@bryanholmberg1042]

I’ll stick with my 22 nosler

[@todwinn693]

So it looks like I still need to wait. I have a 6.8 SPC that runs a Wilson Combat "6.8 SPC II, Recon Tactical, 16", 1-11 Twist, Stainless, Fluted" barrel and I'm wanting to build a matching upper for with the W/C "224 Valkyrie, Recon Tactical, 20", 1-6.5 Twist, Stainless, Fluted" barrel, but haven't felt comfortable enough yet to commit. Too much of that 1:7 versus 1:6.5 and wondering if 95-100 grain was ever going to show. Or if Wilson was going to back down to 1:7. I am committed to run the heavier grain, so strictly 88-90+ is all it'll ever be fed.

[@Shooter7point62]

Federal and Sierra royally screwed up the introduction of this cartridge.

[@egouldE5]

Federal rushed to market and blow it. Take the time and get the round and twist rate right.

[@CS-ow3io]

Idk what all the fuss is about with negative comments. I can stick 10 rds of $8.99 75gr american eagle into a 2" group at 200yds with my JP barrel. Not sure what it does past that but I'm having fun. Hand loads of 80gr smk make .3moa. I'm happy.

[@cannonroberts5129]

If anyone wants to hear about brass go to 22:13. *The fix is to just buy 1000 cases - Gavin. 😹😹

[@Ultimatereloader]

A great option. If you're shooting a hot rod cartridge, and are serious about long-range $360 in brass isn't a big investment for 4000-6000 firings, no?

[@zgennaro]

Good interview, I believe this cartridge will end up getting all the bugs worked out, but it does sound like they want to distance themselves from the 90+ grainers with the 1:7, which really isn't that big of a deal. I will say though that at the expense of a little more powder, one can get very low recoil and good barrel life out of 6mm CM and 243. You don't HAVE to push a 110 SMK at 3100 fps; that is when you get barrel life of 1k rounds. You can shoot a 243 bolt gun and have a 107 SMK go 2800-2900 fps, get better performance, similar recoil and excellent barrel life. Maybe not 308 barrel life but certainly 3000 rounds @1/2 MOA, lots of people have done it.

[@tradermonk9403]

Daughter BEHIND the gun!

[@mr.mr.3301]

224 seems over hyped. He said it... you barely get it right the first time

[@Ultimatereloader]

I said- "my results have been great". :)

[@faithandfarmingtennessee872]

I don't see a reason for this cartridge, especially running match bullets at 2675fps.

[@jaimecyu]

Behind the gun, not in front of gun

[@anchorbait6662]

"we went back to the drawing board" cool, but maybe you should just go to the range and shoot it. The "real world" doesn't always fit inside the trendy computer modeling.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Did you hear how many rounds they put through test barrels? Justin is a solid guy and shoots a ton himself... Why would you make those assumptions?

[@anchorbait6662]

@@Ultimatereloader ok but they obviously didn't get it right even with that many test rounds. And since having it out a year alot of real world tests and shooting have shown alot of issues. I just think it was undercooked when they released it.

[@usadaytrader]

They even fooled the mac channel

[@amym828]

He can talk all he wants about improvements, I'm still not buying into this cartridge

[@Ultimatereloader]

It's not for everyone- but if you want to take an AR to 1000+ yards, it's pretty compelling.

[@Predalien195]

@@Ultimatereloader If I want to take an AR to 1000+ yards, I'll take an AR-10. Put it in .243 Winchester, you'll do everything the Valkyrie claims it could do, but actually be able to do them. If you're shooting at 1,000+ yards anyways, you're going to be a bench rest shooter so weight isnt an issue...

[@michaelhammer6168]

6.5 grendel was already there

[@georgezink6338]

All these great rounds,to play with. New guns. Many of them .beat the hell outta ar15/m16 shitgun As a combat wounded vietnam vet. I hated thd damm m16./5.56 round.i had dozens of jams.in my cat.d7g.ROME PLOW.LAND CLEARING.VIETNAM 67/69..5 minutes on cut.it would fire 1 to 3 rounds jam.thomsons.saved our asses. Maybe.a 224 valk.would have been so much better.or ruger mini14.with 40 round mags.or a 100 round drum. Take care God bless

[@jeffrobodene1485]

Another over-hype round because the manufacturer has the money for advertising. Not interested.

[@paulparadis66]

Still making excuses for an overhyped faddish caliber I see.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Please be specific- what excuses exactly? I see a company here owning a "rocky path", not making excuses.

[@johnsenuta1038]

The caliber continues to be a disaster. Friends JP shot like crap. Swaped out barrel for Wilson Combat. Still shot like crap. Even the new production Federal Fusion shot like crap.

[@Mike-xi4zt]

what would cause primer pocket lifespan of 4 firings? Number one source of short brass life is Peak chamber pressure being higher than the brass can withstand.. what causes high Peak chamber pressures? jamming the bullet into the lands bullet very close to the lands? Why do shooters think that jamming the bullet into the lands is a good thing? Because they think it makes the gun more accurate when reality is jamming into the lands is only trying to straighten out the cartridge in the chamber that the dumbass design spring loaded ejector in the bolt is torquing the round in the chamber. So if someone using their brain where to stop jamming bullets into the lands to correct the problem of a stupid design Bolt with a spring-loaded ejector you would lower the peak chamber pressure which would reduce the problem of the primer pocket being blown from a huge spike in chamber pressure from seating the bullet against the lands. There are other ways to improve chamber alignment other than jamming the bullet into the lands but evidently everybody is too stupid to figure that out.

[@BisonArmory]

Here's my take on the reamer issues: 68forums.com/forums/showthread.php?129809-224-Valkyrie-Freebore-Lies-Damn-Lies-and-Measurements

[@abcertweld]

People who don't understand the concept of the 224 Val are the same who don't like the 6.5 Creedmoor, or if they do shouldn't like the 6.5 Creedmoor with their way of thinking. Basically there opinion is one of ignorance. It's that simple.

[@randalloc]

Great insight and interview Gavin and Justin.. thanks for the groups shoutout too!! IF you want the insight to the 224 Valkyrie visit us at FB at Valkyrie Ascending[224 reloading] and Valkyrie Bolt Actions facebook.com/groups/398943407218038/ facebook.com/groups/ValkyrieBoltActions/

[@beachboardfan9544]

Do it right the first time and just buy a .308

[@Ultimatereloader]

That's funny.

[@beachboardfan9544]

GT any plans for a .223 v .224 video? Say both 77 grain, since that seems to be (at least currently) the most common .224.

[@fishinfool247]

Fad caliber i did 6.5 grendel 2 years ago its the superior cartridge for the ar platform im a federal fanboy i buy federal before anything else but i hope this caliber dies its a fad

[@AlexKS1992]

Just like the .300 Blackout its a stupid fad cartridge being sold and pedestalized by people who know nothing of ballistics. If I'm getting an AR I'm getting it in 5.56 NATO or 7.62 NATO. Not some oddball, goofy, faddish cartridge. Don't be suckered people. Stick with that has been proven.

[@Ultimatereloader]

That's great for you- go for it. Everyone has to decide for themselves. 224 Valkyrie is working for me...