I picked up a bushmaster varminter 223 1-9 twist and would like some insight on a good starting point for bullet weight.
Only thing I've had an opportunity to try are WW 45 gr hp's and some Black hills 52gr hp's . It didn't care for either.
Looking 55 gr and up. Beavers, yotes, possible hog and deer.
Fwiw the rifles wearing a Nikon m223 4-12 600 reticle.
Thanks for your time.

Try some 62/69 match ammo. Should group better and work fine for varmints. As for larger game I'd step up to a larger caliber. But if it's all you got I think you can get a 60gr. parition from Federal.

Mine seems to love 40 grain Ballistic tips with 28 grains of H335. It does shoot well all the way up to 69 grain. The 55 grain Vmax does a number on yotes, and would integrate well with your Nikon M223 scope. A better bullet such as the Partition, or a monolithic bullet from Barnes or Hornady would enable you to take bigger game with this rifle.

55 gr Sierra BK, 25-grs Varget and i'll bet you it touches holes. I have not had a 1/9 twist yet that did not like it. I shoot the same 25-grs behind 40-gr BK as well.

Loaded 55 V-max over 26.5 gr. of varget for a buddy(his pick).Shot well enough for him to use in the High power matches.


Allan

55 NBT's with 3031