.223 Bullet comparison

Lilswede1 · December 19, 2010, 11:13 AM

Sierra 50 gr. Blitzking -- Hornday 50 gr. V-max -- Nosler 50 gr. Ballistic Tip Spitzer.
Rifle's are bolt action Tikka T3, CZ 527 and Rem Mod. 700.
Of these three, which bullet is the most accurate?
Which bullet is the most devasting to varmits?
This isn't much info for this type of question but just looking for educated general opinions.
If you have tried these, and have a favorite would like to know what it is and why.

Mobuck · December 19, 2010, 11:21 AM

You won't know w/o trying all in your specific rifle.

**Unclenick** · December 19, 2010, 11:22 AM

I've never compared their destructiveness. They all seem pretty explosive. After that, as Mobuck says, you need to compare accuracy in your guns to see which bullets the individual chambers prefer.

The Nosler, for example, has a very slight taper to its bearing surface. Some guns just love this and it centers up better in them and they shoot better with Noslers than anything else. But some guns can't get along with that taper at all, and always lay the bullets toward one side of it in the bore.

The Sierra will be as good or better on precision and balance than the others, but some guns seem to like the slightly different balance of the Hornady better. I won't be at all surprised if you find at least one of your guns doesn't prefer the same bullet. They may all want different loads under each bullet. I won't be too surprised if you find one of your guns has a preference for one bullet at 100 yards and for a different one at 300 yards, though that is more common when comparing a boattail bullet to a flat base bullet.

4runnerman · December 19, 2010, 11:45 AM

Having tried all 3 of them. In my gun anyhow the V-Max won hands down.
Im shooting a Savage though. I do have to agree with others ,,Your gun will shoot different than others. I asume twist rate is 1 in 9 ?.

Other two i could get good groups but not as good as V-Max was. Most will do a 3 shot group,i do 5 shot groups,Three is just to iffy in my book. They say if you get two shots touching each other and a 3rd flier,keep looking for another bullet or weight. I could give you my recipie,but like stated all guns are different. Trial and error is your best approach to this one. Try step ladder method on all 3 and you will know by the time you are done what your gun wants. Also all listed bullets are devistating to varmints

farmerboy · December 19, 2010, 12:25 PM

I agree with the others, first they have to be accurate out of your particular gun. If they dont do that than they're a waste of time to shoot them. Each and every gun is different and you just have to see. Once they do hit there mark Im sure they will take care of business after that.

rdmallory · December 19, 2010, 01:00 PM

You might want to add Varmint Nightmares to the list if you shoot a lot.
See how they group in your gun. They are about 1/2 the cost of the one you have listed.

Doug

December 19, 2010, 11:13 AM	#1
Lilswede1 Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2008 Location: NW Wash State Posts: 216	.223 Bullet comparison Sierra 50 gr. Blitzking -- Hornday 50 gr. V-max -- Nosler 50 gr. Ballistic Tip Spitzer. Rifle's are bolt action Tikka T3, CZ 527 and Rem Mod. 700. Of these three, which bullet is the most accurate? Which bullet is the most devasting to varmits? This isn't much info for this type of question but just looking for educated general opinions. If you have tried these, and have a favorite would like to know what it is and why.

December 19, 2010, 11:22 AM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,072	I've never compared their destructiveness. They all seem pretty explosive. After that, as Mobuck says, you need to compare accuracy in your guns to see which bullets the individual chambers prefer. The Nosler, for example, has a very slight taper to its bearing surface. Some guns just love this and it centers up better in them and they shoot better with Noslers than anything else. But some guns can't get along with that taper at all, and always lay the bullets toward one side of it in the bore. The Sierra will be as good or better on precision and balance than the others, but some guns seem to like the slightly different balance of the Hornady better. I won't be at all surprised if you find at least one of your guns doesn't prefer the same bullet. They may all want different loads under each bullet. I won't be too surprised if you find one of your guns has a preference for one bullet at 100 yards and for a different one at 300 yards, though that is more common when comparing a boattail bullet to a flat base bullet. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle Last edited by Unclenick; December 19, 2010 at 12:09 PM.

December 19, 2010, 11:45 AM	#4
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Having tried all 3 of them. In my gun anyhow the V-Max won hands down. Im shooting a Savage though. I do have to agree with others ,,Your gun will shoot different than others. I asume twist rate is 1 in 9 ?. Other two i could get good groups but not as good as V-Max was. Most will do a 3 shot group,i do 5 shot groups,Three is just to iffy in my book. They say if you get two shots touching each other and a 3rd flier,keep looking for another bullet or weight. I could give you my recipie,but like stated all guns are different. Trial and error is your best approach to this one. Try step ladder method on all 3 and you will know by the time you are done what your gun wants. Also all listed bullets are devistating to varmints Last edited by 4runnerman; December 19, 2010 at 11:50 AM.

December 19, 2010, 11:21 AM	#2
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	You won't know w/o trying all in your specific rifle.

December 19, 2010, 12:25 PM	#5
farmerboy Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,343	I agree with the others, first they have to be accurate out of your particular gun. If they dont do that than they're a waste of time to shoot them. Each and every gun is different and you just have to see. Once they do hit there mark Im sure they will take care of business after that.

December 19, 2010, 01:00 PM	#6
rdmallory Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2009 Location: Deltona FL Posts: 953	You might want to add Varmint Nightmares to the list if you shoot a lot. See how they group in your gun. They are about 1/2 the cost of the one you have listed. Doug