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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on January 29, 2011, 08:04 PM:
 
Was it the 55 gr V-max ya'll liked for your 22-250 AI's?

I was perfectly content with my 50 gr NBT's in my standard 22-250 until I picked up 200 fps and now I've had one coyote get up and run, another one was a runner but I hit him again and he became a spinner till I took the back of his head off and today I blowed a huge hole in a cat and it didn't exit.

I'm running these at 3833 fps vs my old load that was 3650 fps in my 22" barrel. I also wonder if the 250 count "varmint pack" is a different bullet, maybe a lighter jacket? I killed a couple of coyotes with this combo earlier with no issues but was I just lucky?

I've killed plenty of critters with Nosler Ballistic Tips in the past and found the 50's better than the 55's but this is making me wonder.
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on January 29, 2011, 11:45 PM:
 
I wouldn't use any 50 grain .224" bullet as a matter of principle in a 22-250 of any configuration. I have used quite a few match bullets in 52 and 53 grain HP in 22-250 Remington and 220 Swift. They always performed very well, for me. The best, for me is the 52 Speer and second is the 53 Sierra.

Now, in 22-250 Ackley, as I have said a thousand times, I use 64 and 65 grain bullets. The normal performance I get is to drill the animal straight through and they shudder and drop dead in their tracks. The exit is usually about the size of a 25 cent piece. That's what I want.

I have not ever used the 55 Nosler BT in 22-250 Ackley, but people that I talk to claim it kills very well without a lot of damage, but I don't remember seeing any examples?

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by the bearhunter (Member # 3552) on January 30, 2011, 03:44 AM:
 
i quit using the 50 bt's last year out of my 250's. strait ons and broadside worked well but lost to many that were running away. i switched to sierra 55 btsp #1365 and absolutaly love that bullet. pounds them at any angle. exits are usually small.and very accarate out of my rifles
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on January 30, 2011, 05:22 AM:
 
Leonard I guess I was thinking of your 223AI, don't you use the 55 V-max in that?

I know 3800 fps isn't all that fast and I've shot these bullets or at least other 50 gr NBT's in other rifles for years. Just never had so many act this way.
 

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Posted by DanS (Member # 316) on January 30, 2011, 08:09 AM:
 
I've only killed maybe a dozen with my new 22-250 AI and the Nosler 55 bt's, so that small number probably doesn't mean too much. Would have like to have called in and killed more.

I am getting quarter to 50 cent size exits. They are very accurate and shoot to almost the exact point of aim as the Sierra 55gr SBT's. I have had a little less damage with the Sierra's and less running. With the Noslers, I have had a few run perhaps 75 yards with what I thought were well placed shots.

Funny thing, I shot a little bobcat a couple weeks ago with the Nosler. About 125 yards almost straight on. It made an ugly spot, though salvageable, but didn't exit either. I did nick the shoulder though.

BTW, I had good luck with the 60gr VMax out of the 223Improved.

[ January 30, 2011, 08:17 AM: Message edited by: DanS ]
 

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Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on January 30, 2011, 09:31 AM:
 
52 gr. sierra H.P. at vel. less than 3800 fps and shots taken under 300 yds..
52 gr. A-max at vel.s faster than 3800 fps and shots taken from 200 yds and more...
 

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Posted by Bofire (Member # 221) on January 30, 2011, 09:36 AM:
 
When I tried 55 VMax in my 22-250 I got huge damage. Most my shots are 100 yards or less, they made some nasty holes. I went to a Hornady soft point unless I hit bone it makes two smaller holes.
Carl
 

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Posted by CrossJ (Member # 884) on January 30, 2011, 11:25 AM:
 
Tom, I like the 55g Nosler in my AI. My velocity is around 3955fps. Its a 26" barrel with a 1/12 twist. I have been very pleased with the bullet. I do have to do some sewing with odd angle shots, but typically do not have an exit.
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on January 30, 2011, 06:59 PM:
 
It sure made me miss my Sako in 17 Rem but I just don't call enough cats to justify building another one.

Though I do have an extra stock on order...
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on January 31, 2011, 05:17 PM:
 
My guess is that Geordie has a very good set up for a 22-250AI. I like the one in twelve twist and for a carry gun, 26" is a real practical limit on length. The only question would be on the contour? That rig should last a long time, and outperform a 220 Swift with no neck trimming or split necks. If I build another one, that's probably the specs I will choose. It's a combo that's hard to beat.

Good hunting. LB

edit: To answer a previous question; yes I use the 55 VMax in my 223AI, not the 22-250AI. And, to Bofire, yes, I expect you WOULD get quite a lot of damage with that combination.

edit: and another thing. The 223AI is an Arizona daylight gun and the reason why I am using a destructive bullet is because the coyotes have very little value and I just want them dead.

edit: for Tim. I have no use whatsoever for the Sierra 52Match bullet which is a boattail. The Sierra 53HP (for me) has always been a much better performer at 220Swift velocities.

[ January 31, 2011, 05:26 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
 

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Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on January 31, 2011, 05:45 PM:
 

quote:

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edit: for Tim. I have no use whatsoever for the Sierra 52Match bullet which is a boattail. The Sierra 53HP (for me) has always been a much better performer at 220Swift velocities.

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quote:

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but I am a firm believer in one gun, one load and everything is pretty much locked in, at the present time

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I agree. Its the same here Leonard. For youre type of calling there is nothing wrong with useing a flat base bullet if the shots are under 300 yds and youre gun will shoot them..
For me whether I'm calling or hunting coyotes I don't always know how far the shots are going to be and I know at anything over 300 yds the B-T will perform better on most situations.
Best way to find out is shoot a few targets at 300 yds or more and see what each type of bullet does...
I know Paul M. has switched over to the 52 gr. A-Max but have'nt heard how its working for him....
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on January 31, 2011, 07:39 PM:
 
Well, I have long maintained that 400 yards is a responsible and practical distance to be shooting at predators. Too many things can happen beyond that range while the bullet is in flight, and running down cripples is a huge waste of good hunting hours. Flat base bullets seem generally more accurate than boattails and the slightly less ballistic coefficient seems negligible as is the resulting drop, within that distance. And, flat base bullets kill better, in my view. I don't know why there is a problem with core separation, but, for me, it exists and although boattails perform better down range, I will take my chances with good old flat base bullets.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by coyote whacker (Member # 639) on February 01, 2011, 08:36 PM:
 
the 52 grain A max is a very accurate bullet in a rem 22-250 great paper puncher not great coyote killers. At 3,500+ FPS and bone you get alot of bullet splash, not a big deal in the wide open "most" of the time but in cedar brush and tall grass runner coyotes unless placed well.

Reason I have switched to a .243 I can get accurate bullets that are built for coyotes and if I miss judge wind a little the end result is still the same dead coyotes, not ripped up dead but very dead and in decent shape a high majority of the time.

Just got a new savage .243 and so far 85 grain Inter bonds shoot darn well, yet to kill a coyote with it, but have no fear that they will perform making dead coyotes/

My other bullet in a rem model 700 .243 is 95 grain nosler bal tips again dead coyotes very little runners.

The problem with small thin skinned bullets and high rates of speed, they all fragment on bone and don't make near as pretty outcomes as my .243 rifles.
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on February 01, 2011, 09:01 PM:
 
Odd thing is my 243AI shooting 75gr V-max's has done less damage than the past 3 250 kills have. I'm just lucky sometimes I guess.

Gonna try the 250 again in the morning, we only wound up with 5" of snow and sleet but the winds were running pretty hard all day making for some nice drifts. Shut the whole town down here today, I'll open up bout 10ish.
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on February 02, 2011, 03:05 PM:
 
Well my luck just keeps getting better...

Went out this morning for a couple of stands before work. It was 7 degrees wind blowing 25mph out of the NW. I walked into mt first cat stand and called a rather large cat and proceeded to shoot just over him. Cats don't stop with a bark...

Had time for one more stand and called straight downwind into an area that also holds a cat or 2 but I got a coyote sneaking through the woods for my trouble. I knew as soon as he topped the pond dam about a hundred yards between us he'd smell me and be gone. So I waited till he topped the dam and as his nose went up in the air, I pulled the trigger. He dropped dead in his tracks but someone did CPR on him and he did a ninja roll off the dam as I was putting the spent case in my pocket.

I tracked him for a half a mile with specs of blood in the snow, all the way to a large thicket, I said screw it and headed in to work.

I'm gonna drag out my machine gun if this keeps up but I missed the cat and maybe I pulled right or left with the coyote, it felt good but who knows.

I get to try again in the morning, benefits of the blizzard of 11.
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 02, 2011, 05:12 PM:
 
We otter put you on restriction, based on that honest report. Did you find that using enough gun was helpful?

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on February 02, 2011, 08:28 PM:
 
Well the 243AI did get serious consideration but I don't think the damage would be nearly as salvageable as the 250.

Like I said I need to go back to the lowly 223 in my machine gun I guess.
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 02, 2011, 09:28 PM:
 
Back to the 223? I give up! No hope for this guy...and I was starting to like Okis.

edit: Oh, tell me about Higgins and his speech. He's a friend and likable and all that, but (for me, at least) he's a rather boring speaker.

Good hunting. LB

[ February 02, 2011, 09:30 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on February 03, 2011, 04:45 AM:
 
One of my greatest regrets is that I didn't make it to the hunt this year and hear him. I heard it was the best seminar they've ever had and everyone wants to hear him again.

I even missed meeting Andy, who by all accounts is a most likeable fellow.

I thought being your own boss meant I could take off whenever I wanted to but somewhere along the way, I became an employee every boss would love...

I'm gonna give the 250 another chance this morning and aim small.

[ February 03, 2011, 04:46 AM: Message edited by: TOM64 ]
 

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Posted by Hutch (Member # 3695) on February 03, 2011, 05:17 AM:
 
Tom, you missed a good one (it was my first one)...Anyhow Rich's seminar was good. I'll need to watch it several more times just to absorb half of what was said....It lasted from 7:30 til about midnightish, give or take a sixpack or two...
Yeah Tom, you missed a good one....

Loenard, I like your little slice of the web, lots of gitter done folks, and Tim.

Hutch
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 03, 2011, 06:27 AM:
 
Welcome to The New HuntmastersBBS.com, hutch. Glad to have you on board.

Hmm? he must have improved his delivery, either that or he doesn't talk about anything I haven't heard before?

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by Hutch (Member # 3695) on February 03, 2011, 07:36 AM:
 
Pretty sure it was all the beer..

Hutch
 

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Posted by Jeff Rheborg (Member # 2551) on February 03, 2011, 07:43 AM:
 
I shoot the 22-250AI with the Sierra 65gr Spitzer (3900fps). My results are similar to Leonard's... not alot of wiggle left in em'... with minimal pelt damage. Just my 2 cents.

Jeff.
 

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Posted by tawnoper (Member # 497) on February 03, 2011, 07:51 AM:
 
that's a lot of velocity (3900) from a 65gr bullet.
 

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Posted by Hutch (Member # 3695) on February 03, 2011, 08:06 AM:
 
I'm gittin about 3150 from a 69gr bullet in my 22-250....

Hutch
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 03, 2011, 08:22 AM:
 
Hmm? This member posted once about six months after he registered and here again, just like clockwork, his second post! I'm just ribbing ya, whatever time you have or inclination is okay with me.

I notice he lists his home page as Varmint Hunter Magazine? I don't know him, but the Mag has a very good reputation, unlike almost all the other publications that deal with the subject. I have only read it a couple times. Well done effort. So, if he is responsible for that content, I have to conclude that he knows what he is talking about?

I wonder what load Jeff is using? I never tried a 65 Sierra, but have used 64 and 65 Bergers and currently, a special run of 65 Starke HPs. I just don't see how you can improve on performance like that?

My load is 44.0 grains of H414 w/a Fed 210Match primer, for comparison, IF he jumps in here within the next six months or so? lol

Good hunting. LB

PS, I have driven past Varmint Hunter once when I was visiting Scott; actually, I was just a passenger. They pronounce Pierre a bit different than you might suspect?

edit: my velocity is still hanging in there right around 3925fps. I could get a bit more, but why?

[ February 03, 2011, 08:26 AM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
 

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Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on February 03, 2011, 08:24 AM:
 
A 65gr.Sierra @ 3900 from a 250AI?
Crap, I thought my short barreled (22") 223Wizzer was runnin' them pretty good @ 3500!
And the Wizzer still has about 10% more case capacity over it? (47 vs. 53, give or take)

What powder & length tube are you rockin', Jeff?
Thats some serious Rippppmmms being generated!

As for Mr. Higgins, I found him to be a quite engaging speaker and enjoyed his seminar. I know just enough about coyotes to know that I don't know enough about coyotes. Needless to say, I've got ALOT yet to learn, so was soaking up whatever I could. Glad I was there!

Leonard, please know that I'm not trying to slight you by making mention of that, either. Just offering my baloney breath commentary, since the topic came up...

Back to that AI! That's gotta be one brass crackin', throat torchin' SOB!!! Need to hear more about it...
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 03, 2011, 08:36 AM:
 
Absolutely no offense, we have a personal issue and the LAST THING I would want is for people to choose sides. Higgins is a good guy, no question about it.

But, performance wise, (back to Jeff) if he can get that speed with accuracy, I don't doubt it a bit. I have run my load through my Ohler screens enough times that I'm confident of my statements, and can prove it should anybody doubt it. Other machines I'm not that sure?

Good hunting. LB

edit: excessive RPM's? Maybe not, if he has the correct twist?

edit: actually, not true. I don't get split necks, ever. Can't help a little throat erosion though.

[ February 03, 2011, 08:39 AM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on February 03, 2011, 01:44 PM:
 
I may have found a reason to get mine improved, it won't shoot 60 gr bullets with it's 1/14 twist. I know we've gone over this twist thing before but I want a 1/8 or maybe a 1/9 twist in my new tube.

Fred he runs a 36" barrel.

Well maybe it's 26" but once you get past 24" what's the difference?

No joy this morning, 5 degrees and windy kept everything in it's bed except me I guess.
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on February 03, 2011, 01:46 PM:
 
Hutch start out easy, they're just getting used to okie talk.
 

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Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on February 03, 2011, 02:27 PM:
 
Is there a market for okie's????

If so could we trade them to the mexicans for coyotes or jaguar's??????
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on February 03, 2011, 03:13 PM:
 
You couldn't handle us for shit.
 

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Posted by Hutch (Member # 3695) on February 03, 2011, 04:59 PM:
 

quote:

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Is there a market for okie's????

If so could we trade them to the mexicans for coyotes or jaguar's??????

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Is broccoli boy bringin tha sauce??? Really?

I think yer green beenie's a little tight...

Hutch...
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 03, 2011, 05:50 PM:
 
Tim, with all the people you have already pissed off, you still want more? In particular it's not smart to mess with Okis. They ain't right!
(happy face)

Why don't you try a little sweet talk for a change?

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by coyote whacker (Member # 639) on February 03, 2011, 07:49 PM:
 
My question would be why one would want to take a bullet that is light skinned and push it to those speeds? 3,900+ fps?

Any bone hit and your dealing with a mess. I can see the flat trajectory and another way of dealing with wind drift, but give me a larger bullet more predictable and a better jacket construction over a small pill for longer ranges any day my .02 I guess I'm just a big fan of the 6mm efficiency. If I where to AI anything it would be my .243 and make the best out of better constructed bullets

Talking coyotes only not fox or cats.
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 03, 2011, 08:29 PM:
 
Yeah, but either you didn't read these first hand reports, or are applying your own logic, while ignoring people that are using this combination and telling you what the results have been?

I have been using the gun in question for 8 or 9 years, and I promise you; I get an entrance and an exit and damned little damage. Then we have a more recent testimonial that essentially agrees with my experiences.

I have no disagreement about 243 as an efficient coyote killer. I happen to own a 243Ackley and a 25'06Ackley. They have a place in my vehicle for when the range gets beyond 400. and there is a contest involved. At that point, I could get a lot of damage, or maybe not, but I have a dead coyote, regardless.

My application for the 22-250AI is real simple, that I take a whole lot of guesswork out of the majority of night hunting situations.

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by Jeff Rheborg (Member # 2551) on February 04, 2011, 07:15 AM:
 
Hey guys, I have been with the Varmint Hunter Magazine for 16 years now and lovin every minute of it. I hang out with Randy Roede when I can and we even get to hunt together sometimes...

I am not saying I know alot about anything, but this is what I have found on this particular load.

Lapua Brass
CCI BR-2 Primers
43.2gr IMR 4831
26" Brux barrel 1-9 twist
65gr Sierra Spitzer Boat tail (touching lands)

Best 5 shot group at 100yd is .395 should have been lower but i flinched on the last shot and it opened up. (I do have a picture) I to questioned the fps... so I changed the batteries in the chronograph and reset everyting. The same results posted 3 times. So this is what I am working off of. It's my opinion this is on the edge and I won't be trying for more. I did work up another load that is not quite as hot and had very good results. 42gr IMR 4831 (3750fps)at 100yd measured .490...

The bullet seems to handle anything I throw at it. I have yet to have a splash so to speak. I did shoot a coyote a little far back in a tournament Randy and I were in and it did splash. I shot it in the arse and there was a splash. Not alot of meat left on the rear, I did have to shoot it again. I don't have alot of pelt damage with this bullet. It will do damage if your shot placement is not optimal, but for the most part small going in and quarter to fifty cents coming out...

Again, this is just what I have found and works for me.

Sorry for not chiming in more often, it's a great forum and I will make an effort to post more when I can.

I would also extend an invitation to anyone who is in our area to stop in and visit. We have a great shooting range and clubhouse, the magazine is pretty good too...

Thanks, Jeff.
 

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Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on February 04, 2011, 10:46 AM:
 
I appreciate you for following up with specs & load data, Jeff!
I've got some 75gr Amaxs loaded up with 4831SC for the 223Wizzer (1:8 Shilen). Can't say for sure if a parallel can be drawn between the two, but your #s are inspiring. heck, I'm gonna re-visit those 65 Gamekings with the 4831 now too!

Thanks!
Fred
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 04, 2011, 09:17 PM:
 
SPEED FREAKS! Fred, what exactly is a 223 wizzer?

H4831 has always been a decent powder for 220Swift, I suppose it would be okay in a "wizzer" whatever that is.

But why so hot on 4831 when maybe H414 could be a better choice. My velocity is slightly higher than what Jeff gets, but you apparently didn't notice? Using H4831, the recipe is usually a full case, maybe even compressed? I will tell you something, when I was using a full load of 4831 in 6MM, which has a short barrel I got tremendous muzzle flash and a lot of unburnt powder igniting three or four feet in front of the muzzle. That's not efficient.

Don't be so in a rush to gain velocity without doing your homework. BTW. Something Jeff said about seating to the lands is a way to increase pressure in a slow burning powder like H4831.

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by Nikonut (Member # 188) on February 04, 2011, 11:47 PM:
 

quote:

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I would also extend an invitation to anyone who is in our area to stop in and visit. We have a great shooting range and clubhouse, the magazine is pretty good too...

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Jeff, that is very much an understatement! Some of the finest nature photography in any hunting/outdoors magazine and good reading, too. I was a member when I could still afford such things. I would and will certainly take you up on that offer if I'm ever in the area!
I used to shoot with Dave Boyer, Charlie Bland, and Gene Ford from here in Central Illinois and they speak highly of all you do! I'd love to make the trip out to Pierre with them someday!

TomC/Nikonut
 

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Posted by Kelly Jackson (Member # 977) on February 05, 2011, 07:54 AM:
 
LB - some folks call a WSSM a wizzer.
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 05, 2011, 10:32 AM:
 
Okay, thanks Kelly. Shit, I thought that one was stillborn? dUH!
 

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Posted by Kelly Jackson (Member # 977) on February 05, 2011, 12:31 PM:
 
Being able to pin a WSSM upper on a standard AR15 lower has gave these short fatty's a bit longer life. I got one in 243 and also did some trading a few years back and have a 223WSSM bolt gun that shoots well. About the only time I use it, is when night hunting. Rather carry the AR in the day for around here.
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 05, 2011, 01:51 PM:
 
OH Man! Thanks for the heads up, Kelly! I'm doing a wizzer upper on my next machinegun!

But, like my other favorite Oki says.....I can't afford all the ammo!

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on February 05, 2011, 07:27 PM:
 
We call em wizms, cuzz has one in 223 wssm that pushes a 50 gr NBT over 4000fps but he settled on a light load pushing 60gr V-max's at 3600 fps.

I killed a coyote today and it was back to normal, I think I need to shoot better and let the bullet do it's job.
 

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Posted by sparkyibewlocal440 (Member # 397) on February 05, 2011, 08:45 PM:
 


Leonard,here is an example of a 55 grain NBT for ya, killed about a month ago. Not from a 22-250 AI but an .22-243 Midd. This is the entrance side.



And the exit side. How's that grab ya?
The distance incidentally, was 302 yards.

Gary
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 05, 2011, 09:32 PM:
 
Looks boringly consistant, Gary. Thank you.

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by sparkyibewlocal440 (Member # 397) on February 06, 2011, 12:49 PM:
 
In all fairness Leonard, if that Coyote was 200 yards closer, the odds are, the outcome would have been much different. It's been my experience on Coyotes, out past 250 yards,the "violent expansion" diminishes. I thought this Coyote was worthy of a picture, simply because there was no trace of an entry wound.
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 06, 2011, 01:26 PM:
 
I'm not too sure, Gary? I have seen plenty of close in hits, lung shots that passed through just like your example. The only difference I have noticed is that sometimes (very few) they run a bit, hit inside 25 yards or so?

What you said brings into question bullet behavior at 22-250 velocities and below. Does a 55 Nosler Ballistic Tip rip a hide at 3400fps, at 100 yards?

Fact is, every shot coyote is a law unto itself. It's either clean or it's messy but you can't kill every one standing sideways @ 100 yards, so they all look different.

However, I do get almost exactly what your photos show, front and back with my 65 Starkes. Maybe they start opening up out past 600? And, maybe they don't?

Anyway, when I talk to those that like the raw speed of the 55 ballistic tip in high intensity cartridges, the answers I get are that they don't do anywhere near the damage of a 55 VMax, for instance.

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by Mert Bargenquast (Member # 772) on February 07, 2011, 04:16 PM:
 
I have used the Sierra 55gr. Gameking SBT for years on coyotes in my 22/250 Imp. and they work very well.
 

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Posted by coyote whacker (Member # 639) on February 08, 2011, 06:00 AM:
 
My point was highly frangables like the v max and varmint bal tips drawn with thinner jackets to create violant results by nature of the bullet.

High speeds, light varmint bullets and bone = a mess most of the time.
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 08, 2011, 10:48 AM:
 
Granted, but that's not what we are talking about. The 55 Nosler is an example of a strongly constructed bullet, and the 65 grain bullets that I have used display no explosive tendencies whatever, regardless of initial MV, up to around 4,000fps. I have no flesh and blood data on that particular threshold because, contrary to what might be assumed, I do not push my pressures and in this case, I backed off one and a half grains from what I considered to be maximum, in the interest of case life and avoiding pierced primers, something speed freaks deal with routinely. I can get 4400 from 55 grain bullets but found the 65's to be vastly more reliable and just plain superior....in my gun.

For others operating in this realm, the 55 Nosler appears to be a good choice simply because it is not as frangible as some of the others in that weight class. I don't even consider 50 grain bullets to be suitable for coyotes regardless of speed. As a category, they should be saved for squirrels and prairie dogs.

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by DanS (Member # 316) on February 08, 2011, 12:54 PM:
 

quote:

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I don't even consider 50 grain bullets to be suitable for coyotes regardless of speed. As a category, they should be saved for squirrels and prairie dogs.

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This is interesting. I know a few people that like the 50 Nosler BT for close/called in coyotes in a 223 or similar speeded cartridges. However some of these guys like the 17's and 20 call too, and I don't think you recommend those either.
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 08, 2011, 01:24 PM:
 
You speak specifics and I was talking in generalities. In the first place, I don't think too highly of the 223Remington as an adequate coyote cartridge although I agree that I might be slicing it a bit thin when I frequently use the 223Ackley for exactly those AZ conditions that you use as an example. However, I also use a very destructive bullet for that application; the 55 VMax.

I might approve of the 50NBT, if it passes my sniff test?

On the other hand, you have never heard me diss twenty caliber, even 19. Show me.

When I talk "sub-calibers, you can pretty much assume that I mean popular chambering in 17 caliber.

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by DanS (Member # 316) on February 08, 2011, 01:57 PM:
 
LB, my post wasn't an attack.

I "assumed" from previous post, you were not a 17 cal or a 223Rem enthusiast, I lumped the 20 cal in there too. Yes, I remember the old saying about ASSUME.

Hell, I don't know what "I" like anymore. I have gone full circle a couple of times using 17 Mach IV's to the 243. Some may not believe it, but I do generally hunt MO the most.

So many opinions from many different people. I'm just trying to wrap my brain around it all.

This is where I generally hunt, mostly oak trees. This just happens to be a power line cut. Generally in here, shots are under 150 yards, usually under 100. I went to the 22-250AI with the 55 NBT after talking to Shaw.



I'm always looking for that magic bullet, that does everything.

[ February 08, 2011, 02:14 PM: Message edited by: DanS ]
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 08, 2011, 02:54 PM:
 
No prob, Dan. I didn't mean to convey the impression that I was under attack. Just a series of clarifications, in my opinion.

If you take advice from Shaw, I don't see how you could go wrong?

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by coyote whacker (Member # 639) on February 08, 2011, 02:57 PM:
 
Magic bullet that does everything well IMO that would be a 95 grain Nosler bal tip around 3000 FPS from a .243. Will kill coyotes with little work to be done no different than as some smaller calibers, will kill deer cleanly as well.

One guy mentioned that the 6mm 95 grain bal tip was the best designed bullet to ever be made, forget where I read that?

The other bullet I have yet to coyote test is the 85 grain Hornady Interbond wanting to see how they do as well. Yeh do I really need a bonded bullet? Heck no, but want to see how it performs in a savage rifle.

I have shot the 80 grain Nosler bal tips at 3,150 and did not care for the same splash effect I saw from others, the key again is the jacket is drawn thinner for varmints.

I too have heard great results from the game king line of bullets, I know Possum al uses these in his .243 down south, yet to try them but might by a box.

I'm only after coyotes no fox or cats. Trying to find one bullet that will work equally as well in one caliber for all? Wow! That is why they make all these choices so we can go out and buy more guns
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 08, 2011, 03:16 PM:
 
There will always be a lot of ink wasted on bullets and calibers for just about any application. Can't help the argument and very few minds will be changed but, hey, if it keeps us out of the Honky Tonks, it's good for ya.

Good hunting. LB
 

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Posted by the bearhunter (Member # 3552) on February 08, 2011, 04:05 PM:
 
i could live the rest of my life shootin nosler partitions in every caliber and all game.
the .22 cals pound coyotes but are just to damn expensive for the amount of shooting i do

[ February 08, 2011, 04:06 PM: Message edited by: the bearhunter ]
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on February 10, 2011, 10:16 AM:
 
well it just keeps on getting better...

Shot this one this morning before work, 150 yards behind the front leg and got this exit. He did run a spell but at least he died.

 

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