223 Varmint Bullet

[Diver]

I have recently begun working up some target and hunting loads for my new custom 223 rifle.

I would now like to work up some varmint loads. I would like some recommendations on a very explosive varmint bullet. I would prefer a heavier bullet to take advantage of my 1 in 8 twist barrel. These bullets will mainly be used on crows and gophers. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Mark

 

[prosper]

Generally, lighter bullets are preferred for crows & gophers.

Hornady VMAX's and nosler BT's have never done me wrong

 

[Silverback]

I use Speer 50 gr TNT bullets in my 223, they will blow a gopher in two.

 

[joe-nwt]

While you are at it, try Hordady SPSX.

 

[badbrass]

223 bullet

I use thr Hornady v-max 40gn bullet,have taken badger, yode, and gopher, and crow's with it and has never let me down!

 

[todbartell]

50 gr Speer TnT would be a good choice, and they can be had in 1000 bullet packs. I picked one up last Xmas for about $140.

Benchmark is what I reach for when loading 223 accuracy loads. Varget/RL15, and other powders like 4895 work well too.

F205M is my primer of choice

I usually use Winchester brass, but recently picked up some Nosler stuff, but havent tried it at the range yet. Sure didnt vary much on my scale Ive used F-C, R-P, Black Hill match, and some other brass, but Winchester is what I usually use. Lapua would be another terrific choice.

gotta love the 2 2 3

 

[boney]

Not sure how they perform at 223 velocities but I like the sierra 60 grain,hollow point, flat base bullet in my 22-250.I've seldom had exit holes even at close ranges on coyote.

 

[Scott_N]

I'll second joe-nwt, I found the 50 gr Hornady SPSX to be the most explosive bullet on small critters from the modest velocity that my .222 produces. I guess they don't call them SX (Super Explosive) for nothing!

 

[gth]

I'll second joe-nwt, I found the 50 gr Hornady SPSX to be the most explosive bullet on small critters from the modest velocity that my .222 produces. I guess they don't call them SX (Super Explosive) for nothing!

Same here,

As long as they hold together in that quick twist barrel you have there they should be devastating on critters.

The spsx was just a little hard to find last time I stocked up but as far as I know there are still out there to be had.

 

[Diver]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I will try to pick up some 50 gr Speer TnT and 50 gr Hornady SPSX at the Truro Gun show this weekend (I aready have some Sierra varmint bullets). I'll work up some loads and try them on some critters to see how they work.

Cheers,

 

[gpracer]

I use Barnes Varminators, 50g, cheap as dirt, extremely accurate in Tikka T3 using reloader 10x powder.

 

[Levi Garrett]

Check the makers web pages, for a bullet that will come apart in the 60-70 grain range.

 

[mikeelliot]

Anything from 40gr all the way up to 70gr should shoot well in your gun.

 

[lcq]

If you are feeling lazy the cheap 40 pks of winchester 45gr work very well but they are hot loaded.

Brian

 

[tucker05]

If you have a 1/8 twist bbl you will have some real problems with Hornady SPSX and Sierra Blitz (not to be confused with Blitz Kings) as they will tend to come apart in flight due very to thin jackets and the high rotational speeds. I have had this happen many times in my 1/9 custom .223. Essentially you are limited to normal jacketed bullets which is everything except the above mentioned.
If you want to try something heavy I would suggest Sierra 69 Matchkings