Calhoon 37gr DHP in .223

[Loki610]

Anyone with any experiences loading these? I picked up a 3/4 full box at a gun show and they look fun to try!
Rifle is a savage 25 1-9" twist
Powders I can have. H335, IMR3031, CFE223, Varget.

 

[a j cave]

I use them a lot in my Hornets. Look for data for the 40gr & you will be good. Do not drive as fast as the max. The thin skin & hollowed base makes gophers disappear. Good luck Aj

 

[Loki610]

Sounds like its worth a try, I had a good load for 40 grain vmax with CFE223. I'll reduce it a bit and start from there.

 

[sunray]

There's 36 grain data on Hodgdon's site, but 40 grain data will do. One to 3 grains wont matter, You don't need maker specific data either.
The 1 in 9 twist might give you a headache though. Nothing dangerous. Just might not stabilize those wee bullets well.
You might want to check the diameters too. The Hornet doesn't use the same diameter as .223. Only a thou different though.

 

[hometownhero]

I cram 27-27.5gr of varget in a winchester case then seat a 36-40gr bullet in it as long as I can. Shoots well for me. My 1/9 twist stabilized 36gr bullets just fine as well as up to berger 77gr bullets.

 

[titch--]

I got a Stevens in 223 with a 9 twist and just worked up a load with the 36gr varmint grenades and h322 for gophers.

 

[Loki610]

Load data is fine. Anyone ever used these Calhoon bullets in their .223? how did you like them?

I'm currently using 55grain Varmageddons, extremely accurate but doesn't seem to pop gophers as well as the Vmax.

 

[Jmiverson]

^I've had that same experience with 55gr Noslers in a 20" 1:9. Not enough velocity I think. Looking forward to seeing how those calhoons work. FWIW, 55gr. Blitzkings give me a better "pop"

 

[Loki610]

Loaded a batch with 24.4 grains of H335 and tried them out on the gophers. Yesterday with the light breeze they performed excellent. Very explosive and very accurate out to 300. Seemed to shoot a little higher than my 55 grain varmegeddons I've been using. Today in the 60 km wind they didn't work so well past 150.

 

[DLab]

46 gr. Calhoon DHP .223 1-8 twist 10 grns. Blue dot pistol powder, 2550 fps.Reduced load good for 150-175 yds.,with some once fired range brass,makes for cheap shooting.