300yds max what's best bullet 32gr or 40gr ? Will the 40gr Nosler BT stabilize in a 12"twist
204 Ruger squirrels
- Thread starter Ironworker
- Start date
While I have undoubtedly killed more ground squirrels with my .223/.223 AI than I have my .204 I will say that the .204 is my preferred one of the bunch. The .20 Practical would be such a good choice given that you have plenty of brass.
Everyone of the gang that I shoot the local whistlepigs with has a .223 (more than one as we have AR and bolt guns too) and we all have .204's as well. I think that a 40 grain Vmax in the .223 is ideal (12-14" twist) and a 32 grain Vmax (11-12" twist) in the .20 calibers.
If I was shooting at a 400+ yard squirrel I would rather have my .204 than I would a .223. But still, a juice can sized target at a quarter mile away is still a mighty small target. The accuracy of the gun, the quality of the glass, and the man behind the trigger are more important than if it's a .20 or a .22 caliber.
Everyone of the gang that I shoot the local whistlepigs with has a .223 (more than one as we have AR and bolt guns too) and we all have .204's as well. I think that a 40 grain Vmax in the .223 is ideal (12-14" twist) and a 32 grain Vmax (11-12" twist) in the .20 calibers.
If I was shooting at a 400+ yard squirrel I would rather have my .204 than I would a .223. But still, a juice can sized target at a quarter mile away is still a mighty small target. The accuracy of the gun, the quality of the glass, and the man behind the trigger are more important than if it's a .20 or a .22 caliber.
brokeasajoke
Silver $$ Contributor
I've had good luck with 35gr FBHP bergers thus far.
On my Savage FV 12 twist, I went from 40s to the 32 vmax's. Was getting much tighter groups with the 32's. At max 300yds I would think faster is better.
Yes use the 32 grain. Some 40 grainer's in a 1/12 will, but most find the 39 grain BK works best and will stabilize.
32's out to 500 yards. If it is blowing so hard that I need a heavier bullet then the wind is blowing me and my table around too much to shoot accurately anyway. It isn't like the 40's are impervious to the wind -- they just get moved a little less. The 32's get moved a little more but they are still very consistent.
When people miss with a 32 they immediately say they should have had a 40. When they miss with the 40 they correctly conclude they read the wind wrong, which is frightfully easy to do when you are talking about 400 yards of prairie with wind conditions constantly varying all over the place.
When people miss with a 32 they immediately say they should have had a 40. When they miss with the 40 they correctly conclude they read the wind wrong, which is frightfully easy to do when you are talking about 400 yards of prairie with wind conditions constantly varying all over the place.
Rick in Oregon
Gold $$ Contributor
Since the .20's became popular when the 204 arrived in 2004, I've shot bazillions of both squirrels and PD's in five different .20 cal rifles using various brands of 32gr bullets.
My two favorites are the Nosler 32gr Varmageddon tipped (flat base), and their BT in the same weight. Both have shot in the high "ones" and low .2's with their pet loads. I save the 39/40's for the stuff over 500, which is rare as 95% of good rat shooting here is 350 and under. The 32's just do the job, and the 'graphics' are stellar. Lots of flight lessons.
My two favorites are the Nosler 32gr Varmageddon tipped (flat base), and their BT in the same weight. Both have shot in the high "ones" and low .2's with their pet loads. I save the 39/40's for the stuff over 500, which is rare as 95% of good rat shooting here is 350 and under. The 32's just do the job, and the 'graphics' are stellar. Lots of flight lessons.
searcher
Gold $$ Contributor
I agree with Rick In Oregon and use tons of the 32 V-Max as they are fantastic within 300 yards - though can get pretty consistent hits much further in good conditions. If I were to only have ONE bullet to do everything to 400 and some beyond that - Id opt for the 39 sierra Blitz King. The much better BC really shows at 400. Downside is higher cost in high-volume shooting. The V-Max and Varmageddons will do 90% as well, at about 25% to 40% less cost.
Ok I bought some 32 gr Varmageddons out of 25.5" bbl what powder ? I've used CFE223 with the 39gr Blitzkings with great accuracy
I used several powders but settled on XBR.
Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
Hopefully Sierra will market their new 36 gr as a reloading component, would be ideal for 12 twist barrels.
TAJ45
Silver $$ Contributor
Hmmm, are they flat base?
brokeasajoke
Silver $$ Contributor
Mine too.
long40shot
Gold $$ Contributor
I've had great luck with the 32s and Benchmark. Also, the 39s and RL 10X.
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