Has any body out there been using Australian OutBack and or ADI Australian ammo in the .223 55 gr category? VS Hornady V-Max for example? Being new to the .223 caliber experience, I'm looking for some input from some of you Old Salts on ammo suggestions, specifically for Prairie Dog shooting most often in the 150 to 275 yard range.
.223 Varmint Ammo
- Thread starter Dog Gone
- Start date
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
Although I don't shoot the .223 Rem. as a varmint cartridge, I do shoot the .222 Rem. and the .22-250 Savage AI in the Varmint fields. Both of these cartridges get loaded with the 53 gr. VMAX as indicated above. The mild little .222 Rem. performs well in the opening hours of a PD shoot until I transition to the longer range .22-250 AI to get at those PDs who ran for the protection of longer distance between me and them. The 53 gr. VMAX is superb on these thin skinned small targets at ranges out to 350 or so yards. Beyond that, I usually bring out the bigger artillery for those targets seeking safety at the real long range distances. I switch to the AMAX bullets which I managed to buy in quantity before Hornady screwed us with their new 'design'.
If your targets stay within your distances mentioned then the .223 with a varmint bullet should be just fine. You don't specify which 55 gr. bullets are used in the factory ammunition mentioned but it should be something varmint friendly.
If your targets stay within your distances mentioned then the .223 with a varmint bullet should be just fine. You don't specify which 55 gr. bullets are used in the factory ammunition mentioned but it should be something varmint friendly.
Intell
Silver $$ Contributor
I bought several boxes of the 223 Australian outback loaded with 55 blitz king Sierra bullets before a prairie dog shoot at $9 per box. Worked well out to 500 yds.
it was for an AR varmint gun with a rock creek 1-12 twist and they shot great, 1/2” range.
I also use the Fiochhi factory loads with 50 grain bullets and they shoot tight in my rifle also, they were $19 per 50 box.
For 223 varmint rounds, it’s much easier for me to buy loaded ammo, vs all that time on the loading bench especially at those prices. I have enough left for one more trip some time. Now days, I’d probably load up all the spent brass from those hunts, looking at recent prices. I was impressed with the accuracy of both brands for factory ammo.
it was for an AR varmint gun with a rock creek 1-12 twist and they shot great, 1/2” range.
I also use the Fiochhi factory loads with 50 grain bullets and they shoot tight in my rifle also, they were $19 per 50 box.
For 223 varmint rounds, it’s much easier for me to buy loaded ammo, vs all that time on the loading bench especially at those prices. I have enough left for one more trip some time. Now days, I’d probably load up all the spent brass from those hunts, looking at recent prices. I was impressed with the accuracy of both brands for factory ammo.
JSH
Gold $$ Contributor
For the distances you describe, I would just buy some and try it in your rifle. I would suspect it should shoot fairly decent unless it is total junk.
The price of ammo and trip expenses, I would suggest a suppressor to be in your budget. They definitely make a difference, especially at the close ranges you describe.
I was slow getting on the wagon myself, hope mine is out of “jail” by spring. I may just order another one as well.
The price of ammo and trip expenses, I would suggest a suppressor to be in your budget. They definitely make a difference, especially at the close ranges you describe.
I was slow getting on the wagon myself, hope mine is out of “jail” by spring. I may just order another one as well.
I use to shoot Australia Outback 223 ammo 15 years ago. It shot 2nd best in all of my AR15 rifles and bolt guns. It was 3/4 to 7/8 groups every box. At the time I was paying I think 7.99 a box. Then it got high priced and could not even find it anymore. Another brand is Midwest outdoors Dog town ammo. That shot 3/4 inch groups. I was paying 42 cents a round for bulk 200 round boxes. I don’t think they have had any of that in 2 years now. MD
sw282
Silver $$ Contributor
Back before Winchester closed their Newhaven plant l bought a Winchester Model 70 Coyote in 223Rem.
Varmint barrel in stainless, blued receiver. 1 in 9 twist. l took the gun to North Dakota for a prairie dog shoot.
Since l was flying l chose to take factory ammo. Winchester white box with their most excellent 45gr JHP@3600fps. Great performing ammo at a great price. l dont remember what my longest shot was. l prefer to stay within 250-300yds. l cant see them POP at longer ranges. Those 45gr Winchesters work good on coyotes too. l had not so Wiley Coyote come out looking for a free meal. He got a 45gr Winchester JHP AND a dirt nap
Varmint barrel in stainless, blued receiver. 1 in 9 twist. l took the gun to North Dakota for a prairie dog shoot.
Since l was flying l chose to take factory ammo. Winchester white box with their most excellent 45gr JHP@3600fps. Great performing ammo at a great price. l dont remember what my longest shot was. l prefer to stay within 250-300yds. l cant see them POP at longer ranges. Those 45gr Winchesters work good on coyotes too. l had not so Wiley Coyote come out looking for a free meal. He got a 45gr Winchester JHP AND a dirt nap
In a Savage .223 rifle 12+ years ago, the factory Hornady V-Max 55gr bullets were the most accurate I had found for that rifle ... from 100-200yds. Didn't shoot the .223 much at 300yds, so I can't say beyond 200yds whether it was equally accurate, though I'd assume so.
Typical 100yd -- easily sub-0.5", often the same raggedy hole.
Typical 200yd -- easily sub-1", occasionally a raggedy grouping larger than a cloverleaf.
I'd try them and see how they work in your rifle. Good stuff, from my experience.
Typical 100yd -- easily sub-0.5", often the same raggedy hole.
Typical 200yd -- easily sub-1", occasionally a raggedy grouping larger than a cloverleaf.
I'd try them and see how they work in your rifle. Good stuff, from my experience.
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