Is there a thread already out there or could folks advise me about the different types of ammo [soft points, hollow points, balistic, full metal jackets, etc], what they do, which to use when, etc.
I'm using a .223. What load should I use for yotes?
I did that...and will probably do it somemore, but I ended up wading through a lot of 'off topic'stuff and while I have found individual recommendations/preferences, I was not able to find info on the differences between the various loads aka what they do and what their intended purpose is.
I will give it a shot. I think most are dodging the question for fear of someone trying to argue the points. This is in my experience. Others may differ
Soft Points- Come in two varieties Spitzer and semi spitzer. The spitzer is a more pronounced point. These will generally open onceinside the tissue. They tend to stay together longer into the tissue and give good terminal performance. In about any brand they are accurate and reliable.
Hollow Points. Two prominant designs. one with a small hole and these are usually Match grade. They are hollow point for two reasons. The tip stays in tack during feeding and the center of gravity is more rearward than the same weight in a soft point. gives good downrange flight. They tend to not open so fast in tissue. and sometimes at reduced velocities will ast like a FMJ. The full open HP is designed to open on impact and will give explosive performance on even the small stuff. If you want to see a Prairie dog turn to a red mist, hit him with one of these. On larger animals you will probably get a lot of surface splashes. The full open HP will have a lower BC and because it catches wind in flight will slow down faster in flight.
Ballistic/Polymer tips. These are a combination of the HP and the Spitzer. They are a Full open HP with a polymer tip designed to reduce wind drag and increase downrange performance. This also allows the poin to slam back wards on impact and create an sxplosion so to speak with the bullet after it has entered tissue.
FMJ-designed for shooting through stuff with very little terminal performance in the tissue. They are generally less accurate and can be dangerous to shoot at game animals. There is a high possibility the bullet will punch in punch out with a very small wound channel and ricochet on to its final resting place.
Then we can throw in the premium high cost bullets such as but not limited to the Nosler Partitions. They have a two core design that will open rapidly on the front section and stop expansion during it passage through tissue to aid in its penetration.
Randy, I appreciate you taking the time to lay this out for me. I understand much better and with that background I better understand what folks are saying when they advise their preferred load. THANKS!!
MY, the ones I have shot with the match HP, have less damage than the full open HP or the ballistic tips. I have never had one splash even on the shoulder. seldom exit, and when they do it is a small hole. 15 yrs ago i was shooting the 53 gr match in a 223. It worked well.