Hornady 52 gr HPBT versus 53 gr HPFB

[DGP4]

Has anyone compared the performance of these two bullets out of a .223 1:12 twist bolt gun? I am currently shooting SMK 52 gr bullets with good success but want to have a back up bullet that will shoot similarly. Any thoughts?

 

[sneakboxer]

I have used a good bit of 52BTHPs albeit out of a 1-7 service rifle. In my experience the SMKs shot the best followed by Speer target BTHP and then the Hornady's. The 52 hornadys shot fine but I'm my last few uppers liked the SMKs and Speers a little better. I have not tried the 53 flat based Hornady bullets. My press and load were the same for all three bullets with minor OAL adjustments. But that is all based on me and a sling holding the rifle (kinda) still and using a 4x scope. I have shot some Nosler 53gr bullets out of a 1-9 bolt gun, they shot well for the price. Hope this helped ya some.

 

[K22]

I shoot a lot of 223 Rem, 12" twist bolt rifles.

My go to bullets for years for varmint and predator hunting has been Nosler 50 and 55 grain Ballistic Tips. However these are hard to come by ever since the shortages began to appears.

So I've went back to an old standby that I used extensively in the past in 12" twist rifles: the 55 grain Hornady Vmax. This is a flat base bullet and I achieved good results with it. Makes me wonder why I ever switched.

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

The Hornady 52BT and 53FB seem interchangeable in the 222.s and 223s I used them in. Usually get the 52BT's cause it easier to seat. The general wisdom has always been the edge goes to the flatbase. Never tested to that degree.

Frank

 

[Bill K]

The only way you will know, how and what your rifle will do with them, is to try some loads and see.

Has anyone compared the performance of these two bullets out of a .223 1:12 twist bolt gun? I am currently shooting SMK 52 gr bullets with good success but want to have a back up bullet that will shoot similarly. Any thoughts?

 

[DGP4]

The only way you will know, how and what your rifle will do with them, is to try some loads and see.

Fair enough, but I always like to go into the game with helpful insights! Thanks for your responses, guys!

 

[moorepower]

As said above I agree a flat base 'should" be a bit more accurate out to 200yds, give or take.

 

[ND shooter]

As said above I agree a flat base 'should" be a bit more accurate out to 200yds, give or take.

I have personally tested this theory and found it to be true more times than the other way.

 

[Gary in MD]

Either one will probably do ok
But not as good as the ones that come in the green boxes that you are using ! LOL
Sorry, couldn’t help it

 

[urbanrifleman]

Has anyone compared the performance of these two bullets out of a .223 1:12 twist bolt gun? I am currently shooting SMK 52 gr bullets with good success but want to have a back up bullet that will shoot similarly. Any thoughts?

Better.

Berger .224 52g Target Fb 100ct

Precision Rifle Shooting Accessories

theurbanriflemanstore.com

 

[DGP4]

Either one will probably do ok
But not as good as the ones that come in the green boxes that you are using ! LOL
Sorry, couldn’t help it

True, but as Mick Jagger prophetically said " You can't always get what you want but if you try sometimes, you get what you need"

 

[urbanrifleman]

These ?

Hrndy Match 22cal .224 52gr 100ct

Precision Rifle Shooting Accessories

theurbanriflemanstore.com

 

[SSL]

These ?

Hrndy Match 22cal .224 52gr 100ct

Precision Rifle Shooting Accessories

theurbanriflemanstore.com

Best bullet in my old Ruger #1B .223 (1-12") and second best in my Ruger American Predator .223 (1-8"). Also the bullet of choice for my nephew and friend's .223s.

 

[Zero333]

I've shot both 52 gr and 53 gr Sierra's. This was in a 20" SPS 9" twist.
If you're not shooting beyond 200 yards/meters, go with the flat base 53 gr.
When I compared the 52 BT's and 53 FB's at 328 meters the 52 gr just barely took the win.
I was using W-748 powder for both. Between 25 and 27 gr W-748 you'll find a node or 2 for both.

 

[JEFFPPC]

FB bullets are usually easier to tune. They will shoot at distance just as well as boat tails. Nothing less understood and over hyped more than boat tails. The power of advertising. Your barrel will tell you what bullet is best for your application.I will admit boat tails are sexy looking and may or may not be best for you.