What is your favorite .223 reload for hunting medium sized game?

Rebel9793 · October 11, 2012, 08:17 PM

I am just getting started in reloading and have the essentials to reload but there are so many choices in bullets, powders, etc. Just wondering what works for y'all out of a bolt action rifle. my loads will be intended for use on deer and hogs in south Florida. Yes I know a .223 isn't well suited for deer, but down here they are small enough to kill them with a sling shot and marble, just about lmao. Thanks for the help!

603Country · October 11, 2012, 09:23 PM

I'm fond of the Sierra 65 grain Gameking. In my rifle it's very accurate over AA2230, with a charge of about a grain under the Lyman 49th max. I haven't shot too many deer with it, but have shot plenty of hogs and coyotes.

Rebel9793 · October 11, 2012, 09:51 PM

I normally use Hornaday 55gr vmax and 26 grains of varget. Its fairly accurate but i was just interested to see what everyone else used. my rifle seems to love the 55grain bullets.

droptrd · October 13, 2012, 05:50 PM

^^^ this

Jbotto · October 13, 2012, 11:09 PM

I haven't got a chance to try it out on game yet, but I have a load of 25.0grs of H335 under a 60gr Partition that shoots very well in my rifle.

the led farmer · October 14, 2012, 12:13 AM

What are your barrel specs yo

Rebel9793 · October 14, 2012, 02:03 PM

Ive tried 25gr of H335 and with the Vmax but It didnt seem to cut as well as I would like on paper. 22" barrel with a 1:9 twist.

highbrow · October 14, 2012, 09:51 PM

25gr TAC with 60gr Nosler Partition out of a 1/8 twist Rock River match barrel. 10 shots at 1". Should work in 1/9 twist.

mohr308 · October 14, 2012, 10:32 PM

I have a load I like, the 65 gr. SGK with 24.5 grains of H335 using LC brass with CCI41 primers. Im using that in my RRA AR with a 1:9 twist 16" barrel, submoa @ 100yds.

Rebel9793 · October 14, 2012, 10:42 PM

I might have to try that. I have a pound of Varget and H335 with a few boxes of 55gr Vmax, Nosler Ballistic tips, and Remington Accutip that I plan on seeing what I come up with. If I cant come up with anything that works great in my rifle with those, I will just load em up for my little sister to have some trigger time haha. Oh, and these loads are being used in a Bolt action hunting rifle. Not sure if the load data is any different for bolt action to an AR platform.

603Country · October 15, 2012, 08:56 AM

You've listed some explosive bullets, none of which would be my preference for hunting pigs and deer. The Nosler Partition would probably be best, but the 63 grain and 65 grain Sierra's will do just fine, as will some of the Barnes bullets.

Rebel9793 · October 15, 2012, 10:10 AM

indeed I have, but I dont do body shots on deer or pig with a .223. on pigs, I shoot in the head or behind the ear. A deer, its right below the jaw line on the neck. Never had a problem before. I plan trying a heavier bullet tho.

5R milspec · October 16, 2012, 07:12 PM

I just loaded up a few more for another test.( 70gn Berger VLD ) Sunday they did really well out to 200 yards for a first test.My go to powder is 8208xbr.In my rifel 1:9 twist a charge of 23.5gn of 8208xbr did really well.The three shoot group came in just under a dime.The other three shoot group was 23.9gn of the same powder and just as small.So now I have loaded up the two in five rounds each and ready for testing.

I too tried 4007 with one lot of three at 25gn and it too did really well.For some reason or another I have found this powder to work in a 223 with 69gn or heavier bullets.( to date I have tried 75gn and 77gn bullets with this powder with good results ) BUT I keep going back to 8208 for its cleaner and works with any temp better for me.Plus I can pick up the FPS with less powder.

If the 70gner works out for me I know it will be my go to bullet for deer hunting.I have and still use the 75gn VLD but wanted to try the 70gner.I will post when the testing is done to what is going on.Just need to take the time to shoot again.

Rebel9793 · October 17, 2012, 12:25 PM

I have some 55gr soft points on the way. Going to see how they shoot. If well, I plan on trying find what powder they are most accurate with and test them on some piggies down here in Florida

brokenanew · October 18, 2012, 01:07 PM

60 gr V-max behind 25 gr of varget renders game dead with the right shot placement. And its a load that shoots subMOA out of my 16" chrome-lined AR15 (not really designed for accuracy but for rapid assault SHTF kind of deal)

However, there is a new round that is specifically designed for hogs
http://www.ammoland.com/2012/08/15/w...#axzz29fuQDk2I

I haven't tried it but the review claims great accuracy with the kind of penetration an no separation that you need to punch through the gristle plate of a boar. I don't know if they offer just the bullets for reloading or if its the combination of powder and bullet etc in their commercial load that makes it so effect against boar.

O and if your shooting .223 with a bolt (which I think u said) you definitely want to stay away from body shots. The AR allows a quick follow up the pig doesnt drop quickly, bolt? not so much.

My personal opinion is I wouldn't try the soft points on piggies, those things from what I understand will separate rather badly and you will not only have meat damage (though not as much as many other bullets) and you may not have enough uhmf to get that bullet through the gristle plate with enough energy to down the pig with one shot. Might as well aim for head. I don't know...I'm an amatuer but I speak w/ a lot of experienced peeps in my area and they only use soft points for plinking and would much rather have a bullet better designed for controlled expansion for hunting. I could be sounding like a dummy, but thats my 2 cents. V-maxs are realitively cheap, accurate and deadly.

Jbotto · October 18, 2012, 02:04 PM

I fear some of the cheaper sp's that aren't made to hold together as well as a "premium bullet" or a thinly-jacketed varmint bullet are coming into this conversation for the wrong reasons. I hope, for ethical purposes and for fairness of the creatures we pursue, that we use the right bullets for the job and know our own limitations. Please use some sense and skill in choosing the load you use for hunting. Remember guys and gals, that animals are not made of paper or cardboard and do not care if they are killed with a sub-MOA load compared to one that will do the job better.

paknheat · October 18, 2012, 03:16 PM

60 gn Hornady Spire Point & 25 gn of Varget, with a Winchester small rifle primer have put many a hog in my freezer. But I only shoot them in the head. Makes for a short tracking job.

Rebel9793 · October 18, 2012, 03:22 PM

the sp's are going to be for plinking and small pigs mostly. I usually use the 55gr Vmax, but I may step up to the 60gr and see how they do.

Jbotto · October 18, 2012, 05:21 PM

Quote:

60 gn Hornady Spire Point & 25 gn of Varget, with a Winchester small rifle primer have put many a hog in my freezer. But I only shoot them in the head. Makes for a short tracking job.

Your shot placement makes all the difference! Sounds like that load is a meat-getter for you!

Quote:

the sp's are going to be for plinking and small pigs mostly. I usually use the 55gr Vmax, but I may step up to the 60gr and see how they do.

Gotcha, I misunderstood the context in your above post.

Rebel9793 · October 18, 2012, 08:45 PM

Head shots are the only way to go! same with a deer. Cant eat them horns!

paknheat · October 19, 2012, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebel9793

Head shots are the only way to go! same with a deer. Cant eat them horns!

Nope, but I gotta appreciate a meal that comes with its own toothpicks.

Rebel9793 · October 19, 2012, 09:54 AM

Yessir! Just shoot em in the ear. Never had one loose its horns that way

browninghunter86 · October 21, 2012, 11:28 PM

anyone shoot deer with the 68 BTHP? If so where should shot placement be

October 11, 2012, 08:17 PM	#1
Rebel9793 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 134	What is your favorite .223 reload for hunting medium sized game? I am just getting started in reloading and have the essentials to reload but there are so many choices in bullets, powders, etc. Just wondering what works for y'all out of a bolt action rifle. my loads will be intended for use on deer and hogs in south Florida. Yes I know a .223 isn't well suited for deer, but down here they are small enough to kill them with a sling shot and marble, just about lmao. Thanks for the help!

October 14, 2012, 09:51 PM	#8
highbrow Member Join Date: November 22, 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 92	25gr TAC with 60gr Nosler Partition out of a 1/8 twist Rock River match barrel. 10 shots at 1". Should work in 1/9 twist. __________________ Mosin: Know the safety, Love the safety, Be the safety There are some corners of this country which have bred the most terrible things, things that act against everything we believe in. They must be fought. FBHO- Free Edward Snowden

October 14, 2012, 10:32 PM	#9
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 466	I have a load I like, the 65 gr. SGK with 24.5 grains of H335 using LC brass with CCI41 primers. Im using that in my RRA AR with a 1:9 twist 16" barrel, submoa @ 100yds. __________________ Lock and load, the zombies (democrats) are coming (to take your guns)!

October 16, 2012, 07:12 PM	#13
5R milspec Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2009 Location: South Carolina Posts: 360	I just loaded up a few more for another test.( 70gn Berger VLD ) Sunday they did really well out to 200 yards for a first test.My go to powder is 8208xbr.In my rifel 1:9 twist a charge of 23.5gn of 8208xbr did really well.The three shoot group came in just under a dime.The other three shoot group was 23.9gn of the same powder and just as small.So now I have loaded up the two in five rounds each and ready for testing. I too tried 4007 with one lot of three at 25gn and it too did really well.For some reason or another I have found this powder to work in a 223 with 69gn or heavier bullets.( to date I have tried 75gn and 77gn bullets with this powder with good results ) BUT I keep going back to 8208 for its cleaner and works with any temp better for me.Plus I can pick up the FPS with less powder. If the 70gner works out for me I know it will be my go to bullet for deer hunting.I have and still use the 75gn VLD but wanted to try the 70gner.I will post when the testing is done to what is going on.Just need to take the time to shoot again. __________________ life is great but its better when you can own as many guns you wish to own.for me I haven't bought enough yet.

October 18, 2012, 01:07 PM	#15
brokenanew Member Join Date: September 14, 2012 Posts: 83	60 gr V-max behind 25 gr of varget renders game dead with the right shot placement. And its a load that shoots subMOA out of my 16" chrome-lined AR15 (not really designed for accuracy but for rapid assault SHTF kind of deal) However, there is a new round that is specifically designed for hogs http://www.ammoland.com/2012/08/15/w...#axzz29fuQDk2I I haven't tried it but the review claims great accuracy with the kind of penetration an no separation that you need to punch through the gristle plate of a boar. I don't know if they offer just the bullets for reloading or if its the combination of powder and bullet etc in their commercial load that makes it so effect against boar. O and if your shooting .223 with a bolt (which I think u said) you definitely want to stay away from body shots. The AR allows a quick follow up the pig doesnt drop quickly, bolt? not so much. My personal opinion is I wouldn't try the soft points on piggies, those things from what I understand will separate rather badly and you will not only have meat damage (though not as much as many other bullets) and you may not have enough uhmf to get that bullet through the gristle plate with enough energy to down the pig with one shot. Might as well aim for head. I don't know...I'm an amatuer but I speak w/ a lot of experienced peeps in my area and they only use soft points for plinking and would much rather have a bullet better designed for controlled expansion for hunting. I could be sounding like a dummy, but thats my 2 cents. V-maxs are realitively cheap, accurate and deadly. Last edited by brokenanew; October 18, 2012 at 01:17 PM.

October 11, 2012, 09:23 PM	#2
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	I'm fond of the Sierra 65 grain Gameking. In my rifle it's very accurate over AA2230, with a charge of about a grain under the Lyman 49th max. I haven't shot too many deer with it, but have shot plenty of hogs and coyotes.

October 11, 2012, 09:51 PM	#3
Rebel9793 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 134	I normally use Hornaday 55gr vmax and 26 grains of varget. Its fairly accurate but i was just interested to see what everyone else used. my rifle seems to love the 55grain bullets.

October 13, 2012, 05:50 PM	#4
droptrd Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 342	^^^ this

October 13, 2012, 11:09 PM	#5
Jbotto Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2010 Location: MN Posts: 437	I haven't got a chance to try it out on game yet, but I have a load of 25.0grs of H335 under a 60gr Partition that shoots very well in my rifle.

October 14, 2012, 12:13 AM	#6
the led farmer Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2012 Location: so cal Posts: 246	What are your barrel specs yo

October 14, 2012, 02:03 PM	#7
Rebel9793 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 134	Ive tried 25gr of H335 and with the Vmax but It didnt seem to cut as well as I would like on paper. 22" barrel with a 1:9 twist.

October 14, 2012, 10:42 PM	#10
Rebel9793 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 134	I might have to try that. I have a pound of Varget and H335 with a few boxes of 55gr Vmax, Nosler Ballistic tips, and Remington Accutip that I plan on seeing what I come up with. If I cant come up with anything that works great in my rifle with those, I will just load em up for my little sister to have some trigger time haha. Oh, and these loads are being used in a Bolt action hunting rifle. Not sure if the load data is any different for bolt action to an AR platform.

October 15, 2012, 08:56 AM	#11
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	You've listed some explosive bullets, none of which would be my preference for hunting pigs and deer. The Nosler Partition would probably be best, but the 63 grain and 65 grain Sierra's will do just fine, as will some of the Barnes bullets.

October 15, 2012, 10:10 AM	#12
Rebel9793 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 134	indeed I have, but I dont do body shots on deer or pig with a .223. on pigs, I shoot in the head or behind the ear. A deer, its right below the jaw line on the neck. Never had a problem before. I plan trying a heavier bullet tho.

October 17, 2012, 12:25 PM	#14
Rebel9793 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 134	I have some 55gr soft points on the way. Going to see how they shoot. If well, I plan on trying find what powder they are most accurate with and test them on some piggies down here in Florida

October 18, 2012, 02:04 PM	#16
Jbotto Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2010 Location: MN Posts: 437	I fear some of the cheaper sp's that aren't made to hold together as well as a "premium bullet" or a thinly-jacketed varmint bullet are coming into this conversation for the wrong reasons. I hope, for ethical purposes and for fairness of the creatures we pursue, that we use the right bullets for the job and know our own limitations. Please use some sense and skill in choosing the load you use for hunting. Remember guys and gals, that animals are not made of paper or cardboard and do not care if they are killed with a sub-MOA load compared to one that will do the job better.

October 18, 2012, 03:16 PM	#17
paknheat Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2006 Location: East Texas Posts: 334	60 gn Hornady Spire Point & 25 gn of Varget, with a Winchester small rifle primer have put many a hog in my freezer. But I only shoot them in the head. Makes for a short tracking job.

October 18, 2012, 03:22 PM	#18
Rebel9793 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 134	the sp's are going to be for plinking and small pigs mostly. I usually use the 55gr Vmax, but I may step up to the 60gr and see how they do.

October 18, 2012, 08:45 PM	#20
Rebel9793 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 134	Head shots are the only way to go! same with a deer. Cant eat them horns!

October 19, 2012, 09:54 AM	#22
Rebel9793 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 134	Yessir! Just shoot em in the ear. Never had one loose its horns that way

October 21, 2012, 11:28 PM	#23
browninghunter86 Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 2011 Posts: 524	anyone shoot deer with the 68 BTHP? If so where should shot placement be

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