I tried using a .223 for ground hogs in OH this year. At best it was disappointing as I had a miserable time with the long shots. My rifle has the 1:9 twist so I'm stuck with 50 gr or higher. I tried 40 gr and was disappointed. I'm not a fan of the fast twist rifles because I believe in using light frangible bullets so there are no richoches.
This rifle is going to be sold in favor of a .22-250 with a 1:14 twist.
