223 bullit weights

[crusader204]

I have a New Ruger Hawkeye Predator in 223 with a one in nine twist. Whats the heaviest bullit I should shoot out of this rifle? 77grains? 69?. Mostly will be shooting varmints and predators. Can anyone recomend a heavy 223 hunting bullit?

 

[savet06]

The heaviest bullet my 1:9 will shoot consistently is the 69gr sierra. I have had decent, but inconsistent luck with 75gr amax's. Some groups would be excellent,0.3-0.5MOA), but then some would be 0.75 to 1MOA. I have had consistent 0.5moa,or better when the gods shine down) performance from 69gr. It really depends on how far you are shooting, and what your accuracy needs are. At 200yds I doubt you would have much of a problem with the 75's, but once you get out to 300 and beyond, at least in my rifle, that type of inconsistency would put too much doubt in my mind. You may find that your rifle does just fine with the 75's. Give them a try, and see.
For a good, heavy varmint bullet I would look in the 60gr + region, and be sure that the bullets are designed for such an endeavor. You don't want a target bullet to let them get away.
Hope this helps.

 

[Dimwit Flathead]

You need to have a fully stabilized bullet before you'll get consistent accuracy. Bullet stability is a function of the barrel twist, velocity, bullet length, weight and diameter. If you know these numbers you can calculate the degree of stability you will have at a given velocity. I believe you can find a stability calculator on the news updates here somewhere or another, posted in the last couple of days. A short session with that should help.

 

[Johnboy]

hello, all i can say is just try some different weights.i just started testing for my 223 with 1:9 and i was able too get the 75g Berger VLD's to shot @ .336 out @ 100.i also got the 77g custom noslers to shot a .756 @ 100.my powders are benchmark,imr4064,varget,blc-2,r15h,and 4198.can't remember the powder weights.just give it a try and see what happens.
Johnboy

 

[cliffy]

For hunting game up to 150 pounds, try 60 grain Nosler Partitions and you shouldn't encounter disappointment. These are heavy-hitters in .22 caliber configuration, but keep your shots within 100 yards for best results. A .223 Remington is not a cannon, but with careful aim . . . cliffy

 

[jthyttin]

Second the Nosler Partition.

As to the heaviest bullet, I'd say Hornady 75gr BTHP,not A-Max) should function OK. They're designed for mag length AR-15 in 1-9' twist, which I happen to use them for.

 

[shootsanything]

I just tested Berger 70gr VLD and because of conditions was only able to test at 100 yards. I have a 1:9 twist CZ and at 3000fps the group was 1', at 3060 was 3/8' and at 3100 was a one holer. Started to get pressure signs and stopped there. This tells me a couple things:
1) Not fast enough twist to stabilize at 3000fps
2) 1:9 is probably marginal on 70gr and heavier,have to be careful here - length is the true issue)

Like the other posters I have had good results with 69gr SMK and Nosler CC.

My favorite varmint / predator load is 55gr Nosler BT at 3100fps and very deadly on p-dogs to 500 yards with kills on g-hog fox and coyotes to 300 yards - never tried further.

Although I haven't used them, I don't think you could go wrong with the 60gr Nos Partition or the 65gr SGK and 1:9 should stabilize these very well.

 

[fatalbert]

I shoot coyotes and crows,and the V-Max gets my vote.I shoot a savage model 12 with a 1 in 9 and the 55' s shoot good.I've shoot some 69 sierra HPBT that have given me some really good groups but there not that much better than the V-MAX.Try the 55 gr. v-max with 26gr. of H4895 that's my coyote load and I've made one shoot kills out to 200 yards.

 

[dennisinaz]

Out of a 223 and at reasonable ranges,less than 500 yds) I think you are better off with the 55s. I have had great luck with 55 grain Ballistic tips and 52 grain Amaxs with a 1-12 twist. I just don't think that the velocity is there for hunting with the heavier bullets at longer range.

I won a local 500 yd BR match using 40 grain Vmaxs out of a 22-250 a few years ago. The rules didn't allow for any sighters and it was 5 shots unknown each relay. You can't spot 22 cal holes at 500 yds with the rifle scope so I shot the 40s as they gave me the best odds at this distance and I was one of the few that kept all the shots in the scoring rings. Don't under estimate the poly-tipped 55 grain and under bullets for this.

My only experience with the 60 grain Partition is that they won't stabilize in a 14 twist barrel- at least not the two I tried them in. They will likely work in anything tighter than 14