Need a scale and a .223 bullet/powder recommendation for groundhogs

Although they are on the hairy edge with a 1:9 I have had success with Hornady 55gr SP SX. The jacket is so thin that with a 1:9 at 223 velocities they could spin the jacket right off. Mine hold together and are positively explosive.

I've been trying 55gr SPSX in a 223 Savage I just got. While working up a load on the weekend I noticed that some of the groups at the higher end (26.5-27gr Varget) only had 3 holes on paper rather than 5, I was suspecting the bullets were coming apart as I couldn't see accuracy going from MOA to minute of barn, but I wasn't sure. I guess my suspicions are confirmed. I always thought SPSX were good to go until you moved up into 22-250 territory, but maybe the 1:9 has an effect.
 
Resuscitating an old thread here but has anyone had any luck with the 53 gr vmax ? I'll be firing a 1:9 twist bolt action and looking at plinking targets and exploding gophers

If so any recipes out there ?
 
Resuscitating an old thread here but has anyone had any luck with the 53 gr vmax ? I'll be firing a 1:9 twist bolt action and looking at plinking targets and exploding gophers

If so any recipes out there ?

That is mostly what I use. Very good bullet. Shoots really good in my 1:9. I use 25.7gr varget col 2.244"
 
I have two AR15 rifles and one of these has a 1 in 9 twist and a bolt action Stevens 200 with a 26 inch heavy barrel and 1 in 9 twist. The 53 grain Vmax will work fine along with "any" powder listed in the reloading manuals, I say this because your rifle will have its own preferences and vibrate in its own way.

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There is no perfect load, I have barrel lengths of 16, 20 and 26 inches and each rifle has its own likes and dislikes when it comes to powder and bullets. As an example I was fireforming military cases for my bolt action with a upper mid range load of 748 with the bullets jammed into the rifling and was getting very tight groups and wasn't even trying or loading for bug hole groups.
 
Cool and you guys prefer it to the 55gr ? Thanks for the advise.

Right now, I prefer the 55s..but only because the only 53gr. I've tried was factory Hornady Superperformance...and it's accuracy was only so-so from my gun. Maybe Varget will calm it down a little. Since hometownhero likes spending my money :) ...I'm picking-up some 53gr. V-Max tonight and including some of those in the load testing this Saturday. Don't mind a lighter/faster bullet though. :) I'd be a little surprised if they out-performed the 55gr. V-Max..but we'll see. I'll report back.
 
Right now, I prefer the 55s..but only because the only 53gr. I've tried was factory Hornady Superperformance...and it's accuracy was only so-so from my gun. Maybe Varget will calm it down a little. Since hometownhero likes spending my money :) ...I'm picking-up some 53gr. V-Max tonight and including some of those in the load testing this Saturday. Don't mind a lighter/faster bullet though. :) I'd be a little surprised if they out-performed the 55gr. V-Max..but we'll see. I'll report back.

Just getting you back for spending mine on the hm2 lol.
 
who are you picking them from ? wouldn't mind buying some with you maybe, im in the trenton area

cheers!
 
Just getting you back for spending mine on the hm2 lol.

Hey..no sweat. :) The Rifle Basix in mine now is awesome. Maybe the nicest trigger in the house.

who are you picking them from ? wouldn't mind buying some with you maybe, im in the trenton area

cheers!

Hey Tak~I'm just north of Toronto, and had to order them from my local dealer. He stocks 55gr., but has gotten everything for me I've ordered~pretty quick too. Send me a PM if you want his contact info.
 
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