Turkey Hunting bullets?

[Bugs]

Hi Folks,
Looking for a recommendation on a 50-52 grain .223 bullet that will kill turkeys effectively at .222 / .223 velocities but not be overly destructive out to about 200 yards or so. Any help would be appreciated. Loading down a bit to Hornet++ velocities is always an option. I'm using a Tikka combination gun and/or an old Rihimaki Sako, both of which have rather slow twist barrels and will not stabilize the heavier .223 bullets.

 

[jb77]

Bugs even if you load down to hornet velocities most of the 50-52 grainers are going to expand and cause a lot of tissue damage. You could load some FMJ's for less meat destuction but, I wonder if they would kill the bird quickly enough? There are some bullets out there designed for limited expansion Trophy bonded,Nosler Partition's but most of these start at 55gr's and go up in weight.

You could try headshots if your gun load combo is accurate enough. But hitting a turkey in the head at 200 yds under hunting conditions is going to be a mighty challenge.

Good luck.

 

[expiper]

Just turn whatever Boat Tail bullet you have around backwards..I have used everything from 222 to 300 mag with good results...the bullets will remain stable to aprox 150yds,,most of mine were loaded to between 1500and 2200 fps MV)depending on MV,accuracy at 50-100yds is as good as the gun will shoot anything else...you dont have to buy FMJ's,they are more accurate, very noticable with the bullet backwards...and will not expand....Roger

 

[24kshooter]

Go lighter - I have used my hornet with several bullets on Turkeys. The vmax 35 grain will kill 'um dead with a head shot but leaves a big hole if you miss the head. The fmj's work but also will ruin alot of meat if you hit a breast. The Remington 46 grain Hornet bullet works well if you throttle it down to 2500 to 2600 fps - sight it in at 50 yards and it will still be flat out to 125 yard.

 

[jb77]

Expiper I do not understand your post are you saying that the boattails turned around backwards are more accurate than fmj's or they are the same accuracy nose first or base first out to 150yds or so. Do you know what happens to the accuracy with the bullet turned around base first after 150 yds? Do they tumble, wobble, keyhole. Very interesting.

I read somewhere that the Germans did this with 7mm during WWII trying to defeat light armor.

 

[expiper]

Hi JB...yes,,turn your regular ole' garden variety boat tail bullet around....when a bullet tumbles the bak end tries to get ahead of the front end....so just put the base of the bullet foreward to begin with and it will fly further before it tumbels or keyholes...at reduced velocity,1200-1800fps.mv) most typically heavy,for the cal.) bullets will tumble at aprox. 150yds....a FMJ bullet has the lead inserted from the rear....it is very difficult to make this style of bullet as well balanced as one with a typical jacket cup that has the lead inserted from the front then pointed.!!!...Most same size FMJ's will not shoot nearly as good as the same weight SBT,even backwards...) I have used 22 cal 52's --6mm 80-85's --7mm 140-150---30 cal 150-168s backwards in 222-22/250--243--270--7mag--30-06/300mag--etc with amazing accuracy ...I generally use 2400, Longshot, lil gun,or V V-110...,not H-110!!! it is ball powder),,because it is fluffy...and eliminates the possibility of double charging the case,,,DO NOT USE A HALF CHARGE OF THE REGULAR POWDER USED IN YOUR PARTICULAR CTG.!!!!!!!...LIKE 4831 ETC....
Hope this clears the mudy water ...it is something I have dabbled with since the 60's....It works...there will be naysayers....just proceed with caution...the usual disclaimers....Roger
PS...when I was a kid hunting with my dad and finally there were enough turkeys in these parts to hunt,,we said no matter how good you are at callin em...you will see more at 50-150yds than at 20yds.....and they are not near as wary as when they are rite there lookin in the brush pile for that cute lil hen...lots of folks will buy a special "turkey gun" ...spend hundreds$$$$ for over under etc etc...special scope ...you name it.....just load some of these special ctgs. for ole betsy,most guys have a fav. deer rifle with a perfect scope ...so just use it) ..and give it a try....Roger

 

[people]

I once used one.