223 on the trapline... Bullet help

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BigBraz15

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N.W. Alberta
I picked up a 223 weatherby vanguard s2 for packing on the trapline. Seems to be the most versatile without being overkill for the little stuff... And still have enough power to down a wolf should the opprotunity come up. Just wondering if anyone has had good success using the 223 on wolves and what bullets will mushroom but still get penetration? I'm not a barnes guy... Seen too many issues in my mind. Also any suggestions for low power dispatch rounds for smaller critters just in case?

Thanks!
 
There is inserts that use 22 lr for the 223 for low end and for bigger animals I don't know. I use hornady sx50g for yotes depending on twist might be able to use a heavy bullet over 60g
 
223 seems like a bit much for dispatch. If that's all you can lug around no doubt go for it. Figure your standard velocity factory hp rounds angled properly through the brain and into the body should do minimal fur damage. As it is right now I'm packing my TT33 for protection and the bolt action 22 sits in the truck ready to grab if needed for dispatch. I am working on a cast bullet load in 223 for small game.
 
.223 is perfect for dispatch... load 45 grain SP Hornet bullets over 4 grains of Trail Boss. For full power loads use the 60 grain Partition with a case full of CFE-223... these will stabilize in everything from 7 to 12 twist barrels.
 
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brybenn said:
4 grs of varget? Does that even seal the brass to the chamber walls?

Nosler partition would be my choice for wolf if I had to use a 223
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Oops.... bad typo!!!! Was supposed to read 4 grains of Trail Boss... will go back and edit the post. Thanks.
 
Factory Ammo:)
Wolf: Federal Premium 60gr Nosler Partition
Dispatch: Winchester White Box 45gr JHP or if you want soft point, Remington Core Lokt 55gr (presuming FMJ is illegal where you are)
 
Thanks Guys! I just was not sure the partition would stabilize in the 1 in 12 twist. I think that would be the best bet. I would normally use a 22 short for dispatch, but out on the line a few miles from road its hard to pack 2 on the sled!

Have a merry christmas!
 
BigBraz15 said:
.. I would normally use a 22 short for dispatch, but out on the line a few miles from road its hard to pack 2 on the sled!ï!
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The load I posted above (4 gr. TB with 45 SP) is what we use as a small game load when coyote hunting with the .223's... head shots kill cleanly, but don't mess them up.
 
hoytcanon said:
The load I posted above (4 gr. TB with 45 SP) is what we use as a small game load when coyote hunting with the .223's... head shots kill cleanly, but don't mess them up.
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This. The perfect one gun solution.

I have been having issues with shooting coyotes in my yard at 30 yards with full power 223 rounds and blowing them all to h#ll and thought this was the answer. I just ordered a 22 wmr yesterday. I may still load up some trail boss loads for the 223 and let the wife shoot the 22 mag.
 
hoytcanon said:
The load I posted above (4 gr. TB with 45 SP) is what we use as a small game load when coyote hunting with the .223's... head shots kill cleanly, but don't mess them up.
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Thanks Hoyt! That's exactly what I'm looking for. Any ignition issues with only 4 grains in the case? Would I need to use any filler?

Thanks!
 
BigBraz15 said:
Thanks Hoyt! That's exactly what I'm looking for. Any ignition issues with only 4 grains in the case? Would I need to use any filler?

Thanks!
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No ignition issues and no filler required... these are really good loads for grouse and hares and backyard coons and skunks... they are very quiet also. I colour the head stamp with a blue permanent marker to differentiate the squibs from full power loads
 
jongun said:
223 seems like a bit much for dispatch. If that's all you can lug around no doubt go for it. Figure your standard velocity factory hp rounds angled properly through the brain and into the body should do minimal fur damage. As it is right now I'm packing my TT33 for protection and the bolt action 22 sits in the truck ready to grab if needed for dispatch. I am working on a cast bullet load in 223 for small game.
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Eeh? TT33 carried for protection in Canada? You may wanna keep that to yourself. And if you have an actual wilderness atc. I just have to ask how you got it with such an anemic cartridge
 
Popular item around here is the sawed off little .22 LR made by Norinco, according to the local SG dealer. More than enough oomph and about as handy as possible.

Grizz
 
Grizzly Adams said:
Popular item around here is the sawed off little .22 LR made by Norinco, according to the local SG dealer. More than enough oomph and about as handy as possible.

Grizz
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I agree its gret for dispatch or smaller critters up close, but I have wolves all over and if I run into a pack of them it seems quite undergunned. I do agree if it wasn't for the large furbearing animals that's certainly what I would have with. Easier to pack around and less weight.
 
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