77 SMK for Varmints

[Old Navy]

I have been on the search engine and can't find a positive yes or no using them in my .223 for rock chucks. I haven't hunted chucks for probably 25 years. I have a 200 loaded up for plinking and would like to use them if they will work. I don't want to just shoot holes in them. When I did hunt them I had real dedicated varmint bullets. I have a good medium range load for my 6br using 70 TNTs. Some of the shooting will be under 200 yards. Not sporting for my 6br.

 

[urbanrifleman]

No.

 

[Bocephus]

I’d probably give them a try.
Tried 100gr MK in a 25-06 on woodchucks several years ago. Complete pass-thru with zero expansion. Lost a few before I figured out that the hollow point was too small and the jacket too tough for reliable expansion on chucks beyond about 300yds.

 

[Pawnee Bill]

I'm not sure the Rock Chuck would know the difference.

 

[Fuj]

I'm not sure the Rock Chuck would know the difference.

No they don't !! I tested my own, Black Hills, and the
one that I keep stocked.....IMI Mod1 77 SMK Razor
Cores. I quit loading my own when I found these a
few years back and my RRA full bull Varmint say's thank
you......Note to check to see if your rifle is rated for the
higher pressure 5.56's. The Israelis' have these going
just under 3000fps as checked by my Lab Radar and 24"
barrel.

 

[Albany Mountain]

They will work with minimum damage, you may have a few crawl off.

 

[boltfluter]

I personally would use a tipped match king for reliable expansion. Match bullets will be erratic as far as expansion goes.

Paul

 

[DGP4]

You will be shooting holes in them as you say. SMKs do not expand nor are they meant to despite having a very small hollow point.

 

[dfrosch]

Culled a few deer with them in a 22-243 Middlestead. They wouldn't expand on a neck shot. The deer would flip over backward, but they got up a few minutes later. They would expand on a shoulder shot and cause massive damage.

 

[Old Navy]

Thanks to all. I will try to find something made for the job.