223 bullet selection.....

[dave]

Well this has probably been done to death buuuuuuut what is a good weight projectile for short to mid range (150-500 yards max) bunny busting? Im guessing it will have to be 50gr plus to hold up against the elements, something say 50-60gr as its a standard twist varmint barrel. Any suggestions and what do you guys think of using 2206H in the humble 223???

[Rumpus]

Im using 2206h in my Sako Varmint and its fine.. Was using Nosler Ballistics in 55 but now using Nosler shots as they are cheap and last week shot a .5 moa group with em.... But then today they wouldnt shoot 1" haha.. I blame the shooter ...

[macca]

Lot's of people use 2206 in the 223.I prefer BM2,I get more consistant results with it in hunting and match rifles.The 55gr BT is good for what you are doing.I use it or the 52gr A max.Sometimes the Nosler shots are worth a try.The 223 can be blown about a fair bit and past 300/400 yards plenty of practice in wind reading is usually needed.It will do the job on rabbits a long way out when you hit them though.I use 1:9 and 1:8(1:7 match) for the long range job .
cheers,
Macca

[Curtley78]

G'day Dave,

I found in my old .223 (Ruger Mk II) that Nosler 50 grn BT's and Hornady 55 grn V-Max's performed extremely well.

I ran these using BM2 and had another load utilising 19 grns of 2207 with the 55 grn V-Max's.

If you can still find them, the 50 grn Taipans are also a good projectile.

Regards

Sean

[cam_mackps2]

I have been using 55gr Nosler BT and 2206H with a max or just over it. I find for larger volume shooting they could be a little expensive $45/100 I bought some Sierra bulk 55gr SBT aka Sierra Super Roo Load, it is just a 1000count box of sierra's SBT that normally come in 100count boxes. Best thing is they are $180/1000. Still needing to work up the load for this, am waiting til i finish my current lot of BTs.

[Plowboy]

Was at the LGS today and they were wanting $55/100 for Blitz kings and most most other stuff actually. Dont know if they are very competitive on price and will be shopping around for sure. Asked about buying in bulk and they don't do that.... it is fast becoming my ex LGS!!!! Crappy sevice while the owner is in the shop and no attemps to look after regular customers.

[BIG E]

Im running nosler shots 55grns at the moment $140/1000 cnt complain at that price and they do the job well.Have used vmax bts but they start 2become xpessive wen shooting every nite of the week.SIERRA SUPER ROOS at LGS r now $250/1000.Im running 2208 in mine with cci benchrest primers buy as much in bulk as ya can afford or go halves with someone.

[Plowboy]

Thanks mate I was looking for 50gn BT pills. lil bit faster and less richocet. First started with power shok fed but was not happy with the hole on the other side of the fox/bunny(the one in the ground!) so went to 50gn HPs.

[stinkitup]

Another options is the nosler 40gr BT's, they are very slippery (high BC) for their weight and the 223 should have them moving at over 3500 I would think. They work nicely out of my 222 rimmed. Would have to compare on wind etc versus the 50's but they prob have equal bc or higher of the 50gr HP's.

[Plowboy]

Not concerned by wind as I never shoot in wind. If the night is windy I find something else to do!

[simmo]

Hey Mate,
SBK'S 55gns $195 500 + post. When available

[lowndsie]

Another vote for the Nosler Ballistic Tips. Either 50 or 55gr. I was using 2206H for both weights with excellent accuracy. Personally, I would consider 250 meters under field conditions a long shot for the .223. The 22-250 would be a better choice for stretching out a bit further. 500yards is a long way!!

[siacci]

I load highland 50gr sp with 2206 for my Tikka and have no problems out to 240m on foxes. Cant consisitently hit a rabbit beyond 150 (that all me).

I load 40gr Vmax with bm2 for my brothers Wetherby. He can consistantly hit and kill rabbits to the 150 mark and has shot foxes dead beyond 240m on more than one occasion( tin arse )

Dave

[Plowboy]

When I finally get my reloading setup I already have a couple of different bullets types to try but will be trying a few different ones to see what my rifle likes and what does the best job and will most likley be going for nosler 50/55gnBTs. Sound the goods.

[17MachIV]

I use the 55 gn Sierra super roo load and 24.5 grns of BM2 in my ruger VT, they are as accurate as I can shoot and can't make the furries any deader, very happy with this load.

Steve