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Marco Califo · October 16, 2017, 09:33 PM

I will agree with Sierra's recommended "do it all 223 bullet": 55 gr HPBT #1390. There are many powders that will take this bullet faster than Milspec M193 55 g FMJ. The current NATO standard is a different bullet 62 gr with steel penetrator cone M855.

".22 CALIBER (.224) HIGH VELOCITY 55 GR. HPBT
For rifles, the 55 grain #1390 Hollow Point Boat Tail bullet has been designed for the shooter who prefers the rapid expansion characteristics of the hollow point design. This bullet delivers devastating expansion on varmints and small game, and in many rifles it routinely delivers match-grade accuracy, which are vital considerations for long-range varmint shooting. The large, open point makes this a very dependable bullet for all 22 centerfire cartridges, except the very smallest where case capacity limits muzzle velocities with 55 grain bullets. In handguns, this Hollow Point Boat Tail 55 grain #1390 bullet with its cavernous opening can be used for short-range varmint shooting in handguns chambering the 223 Remington or larger cartridges. This bullet is built with Sierra's high velocity design and is capable of extremely high accuracy. "

However, If I had to choose one bullet, and one bullet only, it would be the Sierra ".22 CAL, 65 GR. SBT GAMEKING, This bullet requires a barrel twist rate of 1x10” or faster. The #1395 was introduced in 2004."
Which is capable of taking up to deer sized game. It is not the most versatile; it is the heaviest BT hunting bullet available from Sierra for 223.

What I like best about loading for 223/556 is you do NOT need to be limited to one versatile loading, especially with the common 1:9 twist.
I can load 36 gr Varmint Grenades at 3863 FPS with A2200 and they do not disintegrate in flight.
I can load 40 gr Nosler BT at 3721 fps.
I can load any manner of 55 gr bullet at 3300 fps with Varget or CFE 223.
I can load Sierra 65 gr BTSP Game kings at 3239 with A2520.*
I can load Speer 70 gr RN at 3024 fps (Varget)*
I can load Barnes 70 gr TSX (Copper) at 2932 fps (CFE223) And,
I can load Hornady 75 gr HPBT 2907 (Varget).

And I can choose to shoot those in a bolt gun or gas autoloader.
* Not personally tested by me yet, but all components are on hand for that purpose.

October 16, 2017, 09:33 PM	#6
Marco Califo Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2011 Location: LA (Greater Los Angeles Area) Posts: 2,598	Variety is the Spice of Shooting 223 I will agree with Sierra's recommended "do it all 223 bullet": 55 gr HPBT #1390. There are many powders that will take this bullet faster than Milspec M193 55 g FMJ. The current NATO standard is a different bullet 62 gr with steel penetrator cone M855. ".22 CALIBER (.224) HIGH VELOCITY 55 GR. HPBT For rifles, the 55 grain #1390 Hollow Point Boat Tail bullet has been designed for the shooter who prefers the rapid expansion characteristics of the hollow point design. This bullet delivers devastating expansion on varmints and small game, and in many rifles it routinely delivers match-grade accuracy, which are vital considerations for long-range varmint shooting. The large, open point makes this a very dependable bullet for all 22 centerfire cartridges, except the very smallest where case capacity limits muzzle velocities with 55 grain bullets. In handguns, this Hollow Point Boat Tail 55 grain #1390 bullet with its cavernous opening can be used for short-range varmint shooting in handguns chambering the 223 Remington or larger cartridges. This bullet is built with Sierra's high velocity design and is capable of extremely high accuracy. " However, If I had to choose one bullet, and one bullet only, it would be the Sierra ".22 CAL, 65 GR. SBT GAMEKING, This bullet requires a barrel twist rate of 1x10” or faster. The #1395 was introduced in 2004." Which is capable of taking up to deer sized game. It is not the most versatile; it is the heaviest BT hunting bullet available from Sierra for 223. What I like best about loading for 223/556 is you do NOT need to be limited to one versatile loading, especially with the common 1:9 twist. I can load 36 gr Varmint Grenades at 3863 FPS with A2200 and they do not disintegrate in flight. I can load 40 gr Nosler BT at 3721 fps. I can load any manner of 55 gr bullet at 3300 fps with Varget or CFE 223. I can load Sierra 65 gr BTSP Game kings at 3239 with A2520.* I can load Speer 70 gr RN at 3024 fps (Varget)* I can load Barnes 70 gr TSX (Copper) at 2932 fps (CFE223) And, I can load Hornady 75 gr HPBT 2907 (Varget). And I can choose to shoot those in a bolt gun or gas autoloader. * Not personally tested by me yet, but all components are on hand for that purpose. __________________ ............