Hi guys i have just started reloading my .223 and im after a good varmint projectile for rabbits and foxes, any reccomendations??? and what powder load to put behind it?
Im going shooting red deer next month and i feel a little over gunned with my .308 what do you think about a 62gr barnes TSX out of the 223...... would it do the job (placed well of course) the shots would be no longer than 80-100m...
Dont know if standard 223 barrels will stabilise a 63gr projectile, but definitely dont use one on a red deer, unless your within 100m and know you can hit in in the head every time. 308 would be much better choice.
I also use the Vmax and BM2 in my 223.But my best load in a 1:9 twist barrel is 55gr ballistic tips and BM2.
The 308 is better choice for deer as everyone has pointed out.
Have a good one and welcome to the wonderfully satisfying world of reloading.
Macca
G'day mate, I use 50g V-max with 25.7gs AR2206, works wonders out of my CZ527.
I believe that 2206 is being stopped so I will have to try another powder. 2206H?
The Sierra 50/55/63 grain SMP series in .224 are recognized here in the Southeast US as whitetail bullets for very careful shooters. The Winchester 64 PP and the Speer 70 grain soft point are in the same category. All will stabilize in the 14 twist 222 or 12 or quicker twist in most 223s.
Every time I carry one of these combinations, I end up with a fox, groundhog, crow or wild dog. Never a deer though. I like your fine powders for these bullets too!
pogy
The Europeans use the RWS 70 grain KS for REH deer, but they're little animals compared to Reds; limits apply for the range within which they can be shot.
I use a variety of projectiles in my SS Ruger, however for game I use 50 grn Nosler and 55 grn Hornady V-max. Hornady also manufacture a 60 grn V-max which are also very good.
Of memory I shot my silver medallion with a 53 grn Sierra soft point using 2206 loaded with a Lee classic field kit.
On paper I use a 52 grn Sierra match King and get half inch groups at 200 yards. Whether target or hunting I now only ever use 2207 (I do have a new tin of BM2 in the safe but cant justify experimenting with it given the velocity, accuracy and consistency I receive from 2207).
Unless your after meat and intend to head shoot then it may be best to leave the .223 at home and stick with the .308
I am going to be giving some 40gn Blitzkings using BM1 ago as soon as I get set up. I want to see how the light projectile performs at the 250-300m mark and BM1 was the only powder available for the 223 within 350kms from my place.
Has anyone had much of a go with this projectile and or powder in the 223
I load 40 grain Hornady ballistic tips using 26 grains of BM1. For my brothers Weatherby vanguard Stainless. It shoots well with this load. He has pulled off some impressive long shots with it as well. So accuracy is good enough for small game.
Dr Dre.. I use 40 vmax and 40 blitz kings that both shoot 1/4 groups with my tikka varmint 223. Use for spotlight on fox, have some 40 noslers coming so will give them a run. I use 2206h 27.3gr was runining 27.5 but groups were not as consistant, seem to be effective getting one shot kills out to 270 steps probably better but not shot many over that distance as hard to get a shot of past this distance at night because of rolling hills. Hope noslers group well as they have a better BC. Not sure on velocity but must be getting up there. Clancy 204 custom is not far away(rem action McMillan A3 stock nightforce scope) hope I get a bit more performance than my 223 40 loads not to sure I will over those distances but it wil a lot more pretty than the tikka.
Dont know that much on the 223, but the 40gr bullets move pretty quick out of them. The only thing that is a problem with them is that they dont carry as much energy out further as the heavier pills do. Of course they shoot flatter though. Give them a go. You might get a bit more out of benchmark 2, but BM1 will work, follow the ADI guide on the net and you will be fine.
