|
Author
|
Topic: Peferred bullet in the .223
|
Dsmith7136
Knows what it's all about
Member # 732
|
posted December 10, 2005 11:35 AM
Shoot. I meant to ask in that last post what bullet you guys like best in the .223 for coyotes.
For fox? bobcat?
I've ben shooting the Winchester white box 45 grain HPs, but they seem overly destructive. I'm thnking maybe I should go to a heavier, slower bullet. Any recommendations?(I'm shooting a Ruger M77, 1-12 twist).
--------------------
Beware the man who shoots just one gun...
Posts: 44 | From: Loveland, CO | Registered: Nov 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Tim Behle
Administrator MacNeal Sector
Member # 209
|
posted December 11, 2005 09:27 AM
I'm shooting the 55 Grain Hornady SPSX in mine for coyotes and like them pretty well.
--------------------
Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take
an ass kickin'.
Posts: 3160 | From: Five Miles East of Vic, AZ | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 11, 2005 12:51 PM
The term: "overly destructive" would seem to apply to that Hornady SX bullet? Tim? Not that I care, but if you are looking to salvage the hide, some bullets work better than others. Across the board performance, with minimum destruction is hard to do. You can go light and you can go heavy. I'd rather go heavy and count on an exit. No easy answers, 100% reliable.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32370 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Tim Behle
Administrator MacNeal Sector
Member # 209
|
posted December 11, 2005 02:00 PM
Leonard,
My .223 is mostly used as a loaner rifle. I'm more concerned with a coyote dead at the point of impact. So I don't have to spend half the day tracking someone's "First western coyote kill"
If I'm hunting for fur, I'll take the 17 Remington. If I'm calling for fun, I take the .243 with 68 grain Berger MEF's.
I've probably not shot a coyote with the 17 in over a year, but I have been having a lot of fun if that tells you anything! ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
--------------------
Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take
an ass kickin'.
Posts: 3160 | From: Five Miles East of Vic, AZ | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 11, 2005 02:20 PM
You really know how to get in trouble with the CG!
Actually, I'm not afraid of destruction, either.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32370 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Cal Taylor
Knows what it's all about
Member # 199
|
posted December 11, 2005 04:27 PM
I told you you'd like those bullets, Tim!! LOL!
--------------------
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.
FoxPro Field Staff Member
Posts: 1069 | From: Wyoming | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Rich
2,000th post PAKMAN
Member # 112
|
posted December 11, 2005 05:19 PM
Dsmith7136,
I would stay away from the thin jacketed bullets for coyote or bobcat. Fox is probably gonna get fairly large hole no matter which bullet you use. Try the Sierra 55 grain "Gameking". It is a pretty tough bullet and will do well on your coyote and cats.
--------------------
If you call the coyotes in close, you won't NEED a high dollar range finder.
Posts: 2854 | From: Iowa | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Todd Woodall
Knows what it's all about
Member # 439
|
posted December 12, 2005 02:43 PM
Go heavy
We are fixing to try out the Hornady 75gr. bthp vs. the 53gr. bthp. On paper it looks like the 75's are pretty close to the 53's and have a ton more knockdown power. I like a heavier bullet over a lighter one any day. We will see how it all plays out. I dont have the ftlbs of energy on hand but I will look for them.
Here are the box stats.
53gr bt w/c tragectory +1.4 0.0 -7.2 -22.5 -49.4 (100-500)
(muz vel 3330)
75gr bthp _ tragectory +1.9 0.0 -8.3 -24.1 -49.3(100-500)
(muz vel 2790)
53gr bthp vel/energy(ft-lbs) muzzle 3330/1305 100yd 2873/971 200yd 2460/712 300yd 2083/510 400yd 1742/357 500yd 1446/246
75gr bthp vel/energy(ft-lbs) muzzle 2790/1296 100yd 2561/1092 200yd 2344/915 300yd 2137/760 400yd 1941/627 500yd 1757/514
Thats doesnt look so good without tabs but Oh well you get the drift.
Take care,
Todd
[ December 12, 2005, 03:19 PM: Message edited by: Todd Woodall ]
--------------------
Texas Predator Pursuit videos
110 hunts on 2 DVD's
www.texaspredatorpursuit.com
Posts: 181 | From: Weatherford Texas | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
UTcaller
NEVADA NIGHT FIGHTER
Member # 8
|
posted December 13, 2005 09:02 AM
I'm with Rich,I like the 55 grain Gameking SBT.I shoot this bullet in my .223 Ackley.
Posts: 1708 | From: Utah | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 13, 2005 12:07 PM
Chad,
you know a lot about this stuff. You reply is way less useful than it could be.
quote:
I'm with Rich,I like the 55 grain Gameking SBT.I shoot this bullet in my .223 Ackley.
Why do you like this bullet, what does it do that others you have tried didn't do. Describe what happens on impact, does or doesn't it exit. Does it cause a lot of damage? Are you a fur hunter? Do your hides require a lot of repair.
Good hunting. LB ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32370 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Rich
2,000th post PAKMAN
Member # 112
|
posted December 13, 2005 01:19 PM
Leonard,
The "Gameking" line of bullets have a fairly heavy jacket. You will almost always experience an exit wound with the 55 grainer in .223 or even .22-.250 on those broadside shots. The exit wound is usually not all that large, and a whole lot smaller than the entry side blowup I have seen when striking a shoulder bone with those stinking Blitz King, SX, varminters and the like.
--------------------
If you call the coyotes in close, you won't NEED a high dollar range finder.
Posts: 2854 | From: Iowa | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
UTcaller
NEVADA NIGHT FIGHTER
Member # 8
|
posted December 14, 2005 08:21 AM
Like Rich said.
What I like is that it is a good coyote killing bullet.Goes through bone better than the hollow points,vmax/ballistic tips/blitzkings.The B.C is pretty high(.250)for good trajectory.Very Accurate at least in my rifles,and VERY reasonably priced.I do hunt for the fur and as Rich stated you won't get blowups.Most always exits but it is CONTROLLED.Usually 22 cal. entrance with a golf ball sized exit or less.But The thing I like most is Bang/Flops.
If i'm not using my .204,which isn't very often anymore,I will use either my .223 AI or my .22-250 both loaded with the #1365 SBT.Hope that explains it alittle better. Good Hunting Chad
Posts: 1708 | From: Utah | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 14, 2005 11:08 AM
Sorry I had to smoke you out, Chad. You know, I could probably answer every one of these bullet performance questions, hard to find one I have not used? But, it is better to get everyone's story; this isn't the dark side, after all? lol
Actually, my concept of bullet performance very closely matches yours. The object is to first kill them, dead. Then, if you can do it with less damage and an exit and you still have acceptable accuracy, that's what it's all about, in my book. Modified big game performance, where I also like to see an exit, from a heavy bullet, as Chad, Todd and Mr Cronk have already stated their preference.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32370 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
scruffy
Knows what it's all about
Member # 725
|
posted December 14, 2005 11:52 AM
Are the "Gamekings" similar to the 55 grain remington psps's I'm using in my 22-250 and .223. How would they compare to a 60 grain Nosler Partition as far as performance?
(also, I'm not handloading... I have access to all the stuff, and I'm accumulating brass, but just no time right now...I'm shooting factory loads only)
later,
scruffy
[ December 14, 2005, 11:54 AM: Message edited by: scruffy ]
--------------------
Git R Done
Posts: 361 | From: south central Iowa | Registered: Nov 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 14, 2005 12:48 PM
scruffy, as far as my experience with the Sierra bullet, accuracy should be better than the Remington or the Nosler partition, although I have little actual experience with either one. Most people will tell you that the Sierra boat tail or the flat base version, (which I prefer) is a better coyote bullet, all things considered.
With the amount of coyote hunting that you do, it seems to me that you are way behind in getting acquainted with the advantages of custom handloading. Do yourself a favor and cozy up to a friend that handloads and take the plunge. You will never regret it.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32370 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
scruffy
Knows what it's all about
Member # 725
|
posted December 14, 2005 01:07 PM
Yea, a buddy of mine and I went in on halves on a reloading setup many moons ago. We have all the stuff to reload for my .270 and 22-250. Actually my buddy has some pet loads for his each of his 250's, a howa HB 22-250 and tikka lite 22-250.
So it would take very little work for me to get some handloads done up. I'd just have to buy the bullets and some powder and drive 20 minutes to my friends house. I just don't have the time (6 month old daughter, me working days, wife working evenings, no daycare). Any time I have free I grab my calling bag, rifle and/or shotgun, an run for the truck.
But maybe this summer, after I have some factory 22-250 brass emptied, I'll find some time to load up a couple boxes, head to the range, test, load up more, head to the range, test, load up some ...... Oh the end less cycle!!! Yea, I don't have time for that right now, I wouldn't get any calling done.
Edit: and what are your thoughts on the gameking 65 grain SBT in a 1-12" 22-250? Or would it take a 1-10" to stabilize them?
later,
scruffy
[ December 14, 2005, 01:19 PM: Message edited by: scruffy ]
--------------------
Git R Done
Posts: 361 | From: south central Iowa | Registered: Nov 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Richard Grantham
Knows what it's all about
Member # 107
|
posted December 14, 2005 03:22 PM
I haven't hardly ever posted here, however my thoughts on bullets is so oppisite I had to post. Just so you don't ban me for life :>).
I like the 50 gr Sierra sp Blitz, and I like the 50 gr Hornady Sx even better. I have always been a shoot and leave them lie hunter, guess that comes from warm weather country. I like a bullet that Don't exit, just in and when you pick up coyote or cat they seem to gurgle and feel like inside is slush. I have never had a blow up on entrance type experience. Moderate loads in 222 and now in 223 ie 3200 fps.
Richard Grantham
Posts: 44 | From: Schertz, Tx | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted December 14, 2005 04:46 PM
That's the nice thing about Huntmasters, Richard. You don't get banned for disagreeing with the king hell dictator. I appreciate the fact that people have different opinions.
People have a different motivation, too. I don't hunt fur much, but if I did, considering my concept of sufficient horsepower,I would still use the most predictable performance, which is complete pass through, at all possible ranges.
See, that's the thing about the light bullet in a small case solution. It only works in a limited number of scenarios, and if your hunting style allows it, you are in good shape. However, if you must take your animals under a wide variety of possibilities, you should see a failure, now and then. I do agree that the mush makes a neat statement.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32370 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Jack Roberts
unknown comic
|
posted December 14, 2005 11:31 PM
If you want fur, traps and snares can not be beat. Rifles are hunting things.
Make up your mind what you want.
Jack
IP: Logged
|
|
Rich Higgins
unknown comic
|
posted December 15, 2005 06:28 AM
Nice theory, Jack. I'm betting Quinton Waggoner, Blaine Eddy and many others don't buy it.
IP: Logged
|
|
Rich
2,000th post PAKMAN
Member # 112
|
posted December 15, 2005 08:27 AM
I think that Q. Waggoner likes the 55 grain Nosler ballistic tips, and you can't argue with success. As for the 60 grain and heavier bullets in .223 or .22-.250, most of the factory rifles have too slow of a twist rate to stabalize them. This is unfortunate, because the heavier bullets in these calibers would be the cats meow for coyotes I think. Guys who shoot the spray and pray black rifles are in luck, because of the one in nine twist of the barrels.
--------------------
If you call the coyotes in close, you won't NEED a high dollar range finder.
Posts: 2854 | From: Iowa | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
UTcaller
NEVADA NIGHT FIGHTER
Member # 8
|
posted December 15, 2005 09:43 AM
Trapping is a nice idea and could be a rewarding hobby for fur .Especially like Cal with the cats.But as far as coyotes go it sounds like a real pain in the A$$.Alot of time and energy for a few coyotes worth 20 bucks.Where I can go out for a couple days of calling in some areas and call and kill 10+ coyotes on any given trip.Like RH said you can't argue with the success Q and Blaine have had.For the numbers these guys are taking every year you'd need a hell of alot of traps and time to get that many coyotes.LOL FWIW Good Hunting Chad
Posts: 1708 | From: Utah | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Dsmith7136
Knows what it's all about
Member # 732
|
posted December 18, 2005 09:11 AM
Thanks guys, you've all been a tremendous help. I knew going into this the answers would be subjective and vary with individual expectations and hunting styles, and that no one bullet can do it all, but there does seem to be a common thread in all of your responses: Heavier bullets probably destroy less fur and ensure quicker kills under more adverse conditions than lighter, faster, more frangible ones.
I guess I'll start experimenting with 50,55 and 60-grainers and see where it all leads.
Thanks again for all your help.
Dennis
--------------------
Beware the man who shoots just one gun...
Posts: 44 | From: Loveland, CO | Registered: Nov 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Kokopelli
SENIOR DISCOUNT & Dispenser of Sage Advice
Member # 633
|
posted December 20, 2005 09:28 AM
If all else fails.....I've had good luck with Black Hills 52 grn. match hollow points.
--------------------
And lo, the Light of the Trump shown upon the Darkness and the Darkness could not comprehend it.
Posts: 8237 | From: Under a wandering star | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Barndog
Knows what it's all about
Member # 255
|
posted December 20, 2005 03:27 PM
"It all depends on your barrel. Two barrels at the factory made at the same time will shoot different every time." -S.W.A.T. Sniper Instructor
I don't know about every time but I know what he means.
I've tried a number of brands of ammo and the one that shoots best in my .223 is some over seas no-name brand I bought when I was in high school more over a decade ago for less than 10 cents a round. I wish I could remember were I got it. But its 55 gr. FMJ, and I'm getting better than 1/4 inch groups at 100 yards. I don't even think I could make a hand load that good. And it doesn't even foul my barrel up. But FMJ really don't get the job done on a bad shot.
This next comment might open up a can of worms. If you find a HP that shoots good for you. Try making your own BT by pushing the tip into a bar of soap. Make sure your tip is full and soap is flush with the top of the bullet and every bullet is consistant.
I've been hearing good news with the 52 gr. HP. Looking forward to trying it.
Posts: 185 | From: Idaho | Registered: Dec 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic
