Hammer bullets in 221 fireball

[DJD]

Has anyone tried the 35gr hammer hunter or even the 44gr in a 221 fireball? I'm looking for performance results on fox, bobcats, and coyotes. My current gun really likes the short bullets so thinking about trying the 35gr out, just wanted a field report if anyone has used them. Thanks

 

[SeabeeKen]

Youll get full penetration and a dead animal with either one. The petals breaking off add to the destruction. I get full penetration on deer with the 51 gr in 223

 

[WV Hitman]

I've used 40 gr. BTs in my .223 Contender handgun for years. Explosive inside groundhogs, badger, deer. NEVER an exit.

 

[Gabe22BR]

Using the Ballistic tip bullets in the gut, neck area produces a basketball lump in both areas…
For saving hides, I’d probably use the hammers or custom HP bullets…

 

[Clancy]

A very good friend of mine actually designed and piloted the 35 gr in his 218 Bee. I can ask him if you’d like.

 

[jwv2001]

Has anyone tried the 35gr hammer hunter or even the 44gr in a 221 fireball? I'm looking for performance results on fox, bobcats, and coyotes. My current gun really likes the short bullets so thinking about trying the 35gr out, just wanted a field report if anyone has used them. Thanks

Well, here you go. I can speak to what I use in my Fireball. My rifle and my XP100 really like the same load, which uses 40 gr. Vmax @ 3200 fps. Using CFE BLK, Lil Gun, & 4227. I haven't shot fox, but plenty bobcat and coyote.

 

[DJD]

A very good friend of mine actually designed and piloted the 35 gr in his 218 Bee. I can ask him if you’d like.

Yes please

 

[DJD]

My main concern in blowing up a fox or cat. I'll be shooting the nosler 40gr BT majority of the time but want to have something worked up for when I know I'll be in an area that has a better chance of fox/cat

 

[wkndwarrior]

Not an answer to your specific question, but someone in here had recommended speer 1023 45 gr varmint spitzers to me for fox when I had the same concerns. I haven't had a chance to see how they do though.

 

[Richard Jones]

Well, here you go. I can speak to what I use in my Fireball. My rifle and my XP100 really like the same load, which uses 40 gr. Vmax @ 3200 fps. Using CFE BLK, Lil Gun, & 4227.View attachment 1623868 I haven't shot fox, but plenty bobcat and coyote.

View attachment 1623869

That, sir, is one beautiful rifle and a gorgeous stick of wood....

 

[DJD]

That, sir, is one beautiful rifle and a gorgeous stick of wood....

I was thinking the same thing, I'd almost be scared to set it on the rocks for pictures but seen the seat cushion behind it in the coyote pic.

 

[jwv2001]

My main concern in blowing up a fox or cat. I'll be shooting the nosler 40gr BT majority of the time but want to have something worked up for when I know I'll be in an area that has a better chance of fox/cat

You should be able to see from my photos that there is almost no damage. Both photos were taken on the exit side. Both dropped exactly where I shot them, not a quiver.

 

[DJD]

You should be able to see from my photos that there is almost no damage. Both photos were taken on the exit side. Both dropped exactly where I shot them, not a quiver.

I couldn't find a load that shot good enough in my gun with the Vmax, so im going to try the 40gr nosler BT and 40gr blitzking.