Reply to thread

17-223 is a great way to avoid the 17Rem brass problems. Especially in an AR15 or Savage DIY switch barrel.


I found my 17Rem w/25gr HPs @ 4000fps were a little rough on grey foxes. But so are 223Rem 40gr Vmax @ 3600fps. Those greys like to split open at the belly and armpits from the dramatic impact, like stepping on a banana until the seams burst. My buddy's 204 isn't much better. All 3 seemed to be hit n miss for damage.


223Rem works perfect for me on coyotes from a 26" barrel, just like the 17Rem. Watch your shot placement and you'll be fine.


223Rem 40gr Vmax slowed down a bit (16" barrel vs 26" barrel) seem to damage foxes a lot less, but is also less effective on coyotes. They'll often hit the ground and then try to raise up and breathe or howl for a moment before expiting. Still drops them, but the velocity loss from a short barrel absolutely takes away from the effectiveness.


223Rem 45gr TSX worked great on both coyotes and foxes, instant DRTs, and small entry/exit.


Those 223 40gr Vmax are wicked accurate little bullets, but if you want MORE speed for squirrels then try the 35gr NTX which are also super accurate and fast. Not the best on the 2 coyotes I shot with them, one had a huge splash entry which paralyzed it but needed a follow up shot.


Bottom line, there's no perfect cartridge for both foxes and coyotes. The closest thing in my experience is a 223Rem with 45gr TSX. Maybe a 50gr TTSX but I haven't had a chance to try those yet.


Back
Top