Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles For P. Dogs and Gophers and the ,223 what wt. bullet!!

Everyone, thanks for the help.

Since were talking a 223 here, the hottest Accurate powder 35-36 gr. load hits 3,900 and change. The 30 shows 4,000. There's also the freebore there in the 5.56 we're not even taking into consideration, if it's being used as a benchmark for 223 loads.

We both know it probably isn't something we'd want repeatedly in front of our faces as a primary PD load in July, since 2200 isn't known for being real consistent in a hot chamber.

I've got a friend that had 40 grain loads that clocked 3,800 several times out of his K-Hornet without hurting even the cases or having "normal" pressure signs, but it wasn't a "hey, look at this" moment, at least not for us...I guess I should have taken a picture of it!

Oh for crying out loud.
I've used both 35 and 40 VMs, alongside 40 Blitz Kings, and that weight is "efficient" and versatile in a 223 when the target is "gophers and prairie dogs."
One can run gopher loads (Blue Dot, or anything that Seafire has cooked up otherwise) out to 200 yards with all three bullets, maybe 250 (I'm a rotten shot), The advantage is, barrels run much cooler when the shooting is really good.
A bit more, I make up "full house" loads with either of the 40s. Those work great out to 300/350, but your rate of fire will be slower.
Then, if there's wind, I have loads at 50, 55, and 60 grains, or if I'm after whistle pigs or coyotes I want a larger bullet.

Bottom line, I have five different good loads I rely on in the 223, they are like irons in the golf bag depending on how far, and the rate of shooting/opportunity, plus the size of the quarry. In this case, the 40s will serve best.

the 53 V max is the most logical 224 cal p/dog boolit out there

fast & flat & very explosive.......2nd in line would be the flat base 53 gr Noz Varmegedon

Just ask Seafire............

You've had success with the 53 gr. VMax then. It's always nice to read about someone who has found a magic load. That also gives you an excuse to keep experimenting to find if it can be improved. Another powder. A different bullet. Etc.

.53 V Max , 25 grains of H 322, Remington VLS in 223 Rem.

100 yds, scope power 8X... 3 shot group.

dammmmmmmmm

atta boy Seafire..........

Rem 700 ?????????????????????????????

Before anyone sees Seafire's post and actually tries to duplicate those ridiculous velocities, they should read through the linked posts below, and see just what kind of crazy we're dealing with:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/13232658/1

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/13233126/1

So Goats....

Are you now taking a new position,

or are you complaining I down load something and "leave 600 fps on the table"

or are you complaining now I load something too fast.." that data is 600 fps over max book load listed by XXX source"

or are you researching info on me so you can do one of those Bill Reilly type Books " Killing Japan or "Killing the SS".... so you're going to call it " Killing Seafire"?

I should feel so honored.... didn't know I was being stalked.. especially by say... Prairie Oats...

Since you are so high and mighty, and perfect, please feel free to fire away....

There is a small group on here that love a good Character Assassination attempt...

Show us all your true character...and reasons to be here.

Seafire,
I say this with all sincerity: There are folks out there who can help.
Here’s the National Alliance on Mental Health’s Oregon Helpline - 800-343-6264.
Give them a call. They’ll point you in the right direction of much needed treatment.

Damn the panties are getting bunched up a lot on the fire. Cant we all just get along

WoW 'Oats....I am really touched by your concerns and your "sincerity"...

Feel free to call my mobile phone and we can discuss this...

You can reach me at 202.456.1411.

I look forward to your call...if you reach my receptionist, tell her you are calling for Don...

I'm gonna stay out of the previous donnybrook and say that my favorite .223 load is 26.0 Benchmark and any of the 50gr. plastic-tipped bullets. That load is a half-grain under book max, shoots well in a half-dozen rifles I've owned over the years. I normally use the Federal 205M primer, but that load works. I tend to favor the V-Max bullets, or the Sierra BlitzKings. Price is always a factor for me, especially with volume shooting.
Benchmark works, burns fairly cleanly, doesn't bridge in a powder measure, and is easy to work with.

50 or 53gr V-Max for windy days and 40gr V-Max for still days. 40's really bust a p-dog, especially inside 150yrds.