.223 Loads & Bullets For Gopher Hunting

Henry Nierychlo

Henry Nierychlo

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Surrey, B.C.
Hi guys
I'm getting ready to load up some 223 for my new Stevens 200 in .223 with a 1-9 twist
Got a Bushnell 7x21x40 3200 Elite on it and a Harris Bipod.
What is the most preferred bullet out there for getting gophers??
Is anyone using IMR4895 for powder. I've got a bunch of it.
So best bullet and loads please.:D
Kind Regards, Henry
 
I use a 12fvss Savage 1 in 8 bore and fire the cheapest 75gr bullets I can find propelled by 23 gr IMR3031 ( very close to 4895 powder) they never hear the "boom" from out to 300 yards. You could load up for some of the 55gr.bullets you have in front of 25 gr 4895, Henry. Gopher hunting does not have to be costly, just fun.
 
Just shot a bunch today out of my 1-9" Savage 12FV...used the 60gr V-max. Found that the 40gr V-maxs would some times come apart at the speeds I can get with the 26" barrel.
 
Cappy said:
Just shot a bunch today out of my 1-9" Savage 12FV...used the 60gr V-max. Found that the 40gr V-maxs would some times come apart at the speeds I can get with the 26" barrel.
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What load were you running with the 40grn V-Max? I was just about to load some 40grn V-Max Moly's up and have not shot them before.
 
Sent you a PM. They were some factory loads. If you keep the load to around 95% of max I'm sure you would be fine. I was only having 1 in 4 or 5 coming apart.
 
joe-nwt said:
Hornady SPSX.
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X2 on these bullets. They might be an older design now when compared to plastic tipped bullets, but they work great on gophers and are less money than a lot of bullets on the marked today. They don't call them super explosive for nothing!
 
I really like Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint 55gr loaded with H335. They shoot great and the powder is very consistent.
ballistic_tip_varmint_bullets.jpg
 
My Stevens 200 likes win 748 at 26.0 gr and 55gr bullets. Winchester PSP and Hornady Vmax to be exact. 55gr Sierra Blitzking shoots alright as well but not as accurate as the Wins or the Vmax, they average about an inch.
 
I shoot 75 grain AMAX over Benchmark. Not the fastest or most explosive, but they shoot well out of a fast twist 223, and are fragile enough to perform very well. I've found that 52 grain AMAX also work very well, over varget, and are every bit as explosive as the VMAX

I used 40 grain ballistic tips and 36 grain varmint grenades out of my 22-250, and 40 grain ballistic tips and 50 grain VMAX from my 222. 35 grain VMAX work exceptionally well out of my 22 Hornet, as well as the 36 grain Varmint Grenades
 
thebaron said:
I really like Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint 55gr loaded with H335. They shoot great and the powder is very consistent.
ballistic_tip_varmint_bullets.jpg
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I stay away from the 40grs as I have seen coyotes while hunting hogs, and The baron choice is a very good one those balistic tips Nosler can shoot one hole groups, and can cause a yote a heep of problems out to 350 yards.
The powder that he uses is a good but here are some other very good powders for the .223 rem Varget, Rl15 VT540, 748win
good luck
 
I used 50gr Sierra Blitzkings in my Rugers, a.223,a 22-250, and a 220Swift with excellent results.Besides providing entertaining results on a hit,the possibility of ricochet is greatly reduced.
However be very careful,shooting gophers with high speed varmint bullets is VERY addictive.
 
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