223 loads
- Thread starter peterk1234
- Start date
peterk1234
Active member
I got a small break from the 40mph winds today. So off to the range I went. I'm getting 2900 fps with the 53gr vmax and hitting a 3 inch target on every shot at 200 yards. Went for the 10 inch gong at 520 yards and was able to hit it fairly consistently once I got the windage right. Man, that little bullet sure can get pushed around. All in all in very happy to get results like that out of my 1:8 twist. Next thing to test is how it does on a coyote.
Last edited:
I'm happy for you.
I took some time out of my busy schedule doing nothing to look up your load on Hodgen's website. According to the 2900 FPS report you must be near a minimum load. Now they are saying a 24" test barrel and yours is 20" so you lose a little speed there.
As I said before in the big picture it doesn't matter if it accurate but I was expecting to see 3100 FPS zone. How many grains are you loading?
| Manufacturer | Powder | C.O.L. | Grs. | Vel. (ft/s) | Pressure | Grs. | Vel. (ft/s) | Pressure | ||||
| Hodgdon | Varget | 2.200" | 24.4 | 2,986 | 41,400 PSI | 27.0 | 3,275 | 53,300 PSI |
peterk1234
Active member
25.5. Results started to spread when I loaded above that. I will take accuracy over velocity.
I agree 100% on that.
55 gr Speer Varmint 27 gr A2230 3300 FPS out of Tikka Varmint 23.7” barrel.
I believe in developing an accurate load yes but, I also have FPS goals so that one can comfortably take game within certain distances.
I tested many factory loads, most were slightly under box FPS. A lot 50-55gr bullets are 3240 fps box rating. I’d like to be in that vicinity. Boat tail bullets matter more past 400 yards. Like many have said don’t be afraid of flat based bullets to try.
Don’t forget to practice a few rounds using real world conditions as well. You can be accurate from the bench but if you can’t shoot as one hunts a tighter group doesn’t mean a dog gone thing.
I believe in developing an accurate load yes but, I also have FPS goals so that one can comfortably take game within certain distances.
I tested many factory loads, most were slightly under box FPS. A lot 50-55gr bullets are 3240 fps box rating. I’d like to be in that vicinity. Boat tail bullets matter more past 400 yards. Like many have said don’t be afraid of flat based bullets to try.
Don’t forget to practice a few rounds using real world conditions as well. You can be accurate from the bench but if you can’t shoot as one hunts a tighter group doesn’t mean a dog gone thing.
coyotekilla83
Active member
Well... i shoot a 223 a bit. Had a ruger g2 american, now a Tikka ranahan. The tikka likes a 75 bthp, the ruger did well with a 55sp over 26.2 of cfe223. Also the fiochi 50 vmax, blue & white box.
Working on a 55sp over tac cause its bargain components with the 10 cent bullets & $40 powder
Working on a 55sp over tac cause its bargain components with the 10 cent bullets & $40 powder
Widow maker 223
Well-known member
I shoot a ton of Hornady 55gr SP over AA2230. Those bullets shoot under an inch in several different guns from 10.5, 16, to 22'' barrels. Impressive for cheap.
Used .223 for coyotes and hogs for years with the 55 gr. Nosler BT. Extremely accurate in 6 different rifles. They didn't seem to be too hard on fur, but I didn't save it so not my primary concern. Even used that load to cull whitetails if that was what I had in hand at the time. 99% of the shots were 200 yds or less.
This load is on the warm side, so need to work up carefully; IIRC correctly it chronographed just a tad over 3000 fps.
This load is on the warm side, so need to work up carefully; IIRC correctly it chronographed just a tad over 3000 fps.
DoubleUp
Well-known member
Bob, what is the max range you would feel comfortable taking a coyote with those 35 NTX bullets?