choosing bullet .223 PD

[DeadWoodDan]

Any madness to picking "x" bullet for "y" job? So still green as I only shoot paper with the occasional black bird and one coyote that happen to be in the wrong spot while I was practicing.

Not sure if it even matters with this caliber on PD? The OCD in me says pick one with the best BC and mid weight to fight wind??? Fellow shooter has convinced himself to use the lightest weight trying to get the fastest speed. I've worked up and getting good accuracy at 100yds with 53gr V-max. Going to get some 2-300yds practice in and chrono the load before working up something else. I also know one of the other guys shoots the cheapest he can find. Getting close to point that I need to decide and load 1K for a trip.

Shooting Howa 1500, heavy barrel sitting in a Boyds At One stock.
Thanks for your thoughts

 

[johnfred1965]

sounds like you already have your problem solved. Some people like the 40's for higher speed, but they drop off quick at longer range, and if you go heavier, it is just overkill for PD's. If it is accurate, stick with it.

 

[people]

Sounds like you are done.

 

[pdog2062]

I have been shooting prairie dogs for almost 40 years and the majority of that time all I used was 55 grain soft points,usually the cheapest I could find.Killed thousands and never felt at a disadvantage with them,one good thing about this is you are familiar with the trajectory and performance of your equipment.

 

[NCVarhtr]

The 53 Gr V-Max is a great bullet in the .223. Going to be hard to beat. I used the 40 Gr years ago, but the wind really blows it around and it drops off pretty fast. My choice now is the 53 Gr V-Max. Really like that bullet a lot.

 

[a1712]

Don't forget the Speer 50gr. TNT. It's dam cheap and I couldn't count the groups in the 2's I've shot with them out of several rifles. Not the sexiest sleekest bullet, but they shoot extremely well and will explode a PD. Brian.

 

[searcher]

IMO experience, the 40's at high velocity are great medicine out to 350 yards or so. I've gotten lots of kills at double that yardage but when the wind starts blowing, you are are way better off with a 55 grain. Since most of what I shoot is out to about 450 to 500 yards, I have found the 50-grain Hornady V-Max is a great all-around compromise because they are super accurate and cheap when bought in the Z-Max 500-count boxes for about $58.00 (Powder Valley). If you plan on shooting most often past 300 yards - I'd pass on the 40's.

 

[searcher]

a1712 - you are right about those TNT's not being sexy! I have never seen a bullet more closely resemble a flying beer can. They do put the WHOP on 'em though.

 

[retired]

the 50gr vmax is great for accuracy and affect.
i use it in 2 223's
the green zmax was on sale when they dumped that line.
bought lots of cheap green vmax's

 

[markT]

Shoot the bullet that your gun shoots well. I use 40 gr Vmax.. good to ~300 yds. And it can go out further, but.. wind is a factor. Good luck.. keep us posted on what u settle on..

 

[Phil]

I shoot the 50`s, 53`s and 75 amax for distance from my 223`s.....

 

[Hrsmn51]

Another vote for the 53 VMax. I also like the 73 eldm shoots well in my 1/8.
H

 

[DOGCAPPER]

Best results 50 gr Blitz King.
More for the money Hornady 50 gr SX.

 

[DeadWoodDan]

Thanks for all the input! I am going to add, as I haven't researched it yet, is there a big difference between a HP vs. ballistic tip bullet; specifically with the "splatter factor"? I could see where the b.t. may be better with wind drag. I'm not one to pinch pennies and give up accuracy. I would rather each shoot count.

 

[DogBuster]

9 twist 223 AI

53 V max works.....fast & flat !

 

[pacificman]

When I want the challenge of shooting at the longer ranges I shoot the 53 gr. v-max but I also have some 50
gr. v-max for "all range shooting" on the prairie rats. I have a ballistic sheet for each weight bullet to make
it more fun and accurate. There's no reason you have to shoot one weight bullet if you take the time to
dial everything in.

 

[machineman98]

50 - 55gr. VMax

 

[Damon555]

I'm in the V-max camp too.....Pick your weight based on what your rifle shoots the best. Personally I like the terminal performance and accuracy of the 40 grainers out to 350-400 yards or so....Past that the 53 grainers get the nod. I have 2 9 twist rifles (Ar15 and 223 AI) and a 12 twist encore prohunter barrel that all shoot lights out with these bullets. Another big advantage of the V-max bullets is the price. There are very few bullets in that price range that will give you the same accuracy and performance as the V-max's.

 

[jepp2]

all I used was 55 grain soft points

I used those the first year, but too many ricochets for me. Bullets I have used since then:
- 52 gr Speer HP (#4708 for the 1000 bulk pack)
- 50 gr Hornady ZMAX (500 packs)
- 40 gr Nosler BTV
All those were devastating on PD's and didn't have the ricochet problems.

 

[waterfwlr]

I've used the 50 and 55 gr dog towns and 53-55 gr vmaxes. All are nasty. 53 vmax most accurate for me