| Posted: Sun Nov 6th, 2005 12:46 AM |
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Gunrunner
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I've been thinking lately of getting my A-Bolt 223 and Mini-14 ready to do some coyote hunting. I'd also like to salvage the pelts. To that end I'm going to try some lighter bullets than I've normally used in the past. I've always been partial to 55gr Ballistic Tips or V-Max's, and those always left a nasty exit hole when the shot was fairly close, within 100 yards let's say. The only one that didn't exit was a lot further out. I never really cared about saving the pelts, just wanted to get the dogs off my place. That was in Southern California, where the 'yotes didn't have much of a winter coat.
During this past deer season I was able to see how much better the coats are on the 'yotes up here in Northern California. Problem is, they were both shot with 7 Mags. Not the type of round to keep the hide intact. So I'm looking for a bullet to use in a 223 that makes a small hole going in and then explodes. No exit hole.
Would the 40gr BT's and V-Max's work thay way? Even at close range? Or should I try for head shots if time/distance/accuracy allow? I do feel a lot more comfortable aiming for the chest.
Any favorites or thoughts?? Thanks, Gunrunner
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| Posted: Sun Nov 6th, 2005 01:15 AM |
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Timberghozt
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GunRunner,Ive never had an exit hole from the 40 grain VMAX in my 223 and that was pushing 3600 fps muzzle velocity..Your hides will be in excellent shape with this bullet and the 223 Rem...
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| Posted: Sun Nov 6th, 2005 11:51 PM |
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Gunrunner
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Timber, I think I'm gonna order some of the coated BT's in 40gr. The Combined Technology from Nosler/Winchester. With the grey/black color I'll be able to easily distinguish them from the red or orange tip 55gr bullets. I tried a box of these before in my 22-250 and they were ok accuracy wise. In the 223 they might be real good. Midway, here I come.
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| Posted: Tue Nov 8th, 2005 11:43 AM |
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sglshotkw
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You could also try the 40 grn Seirra blitzkings I have had great luck making this fly out of both my 22-250 and in the 20 cal size the 20 tactical.
Plus they have a green tip so easy to identify
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| Posted: Wed Nov 9th, 2005 09:54 PM |
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Gunrunner
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Thanks for that tip Sglshotkw. That green tip would be a good identifier. Those will have to wait though. I placed an order with Midway and got a box of the CT Silvertips. (Along with some bullets for other calibers and some odds and ends.)  Boy those prices add up fast.  
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| Posted: Thu Nov 10th, 2005 01:02 AM |
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sglshotkw
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yeah i know that feeling seems like i never leave the reloading store for less then a $100
but oh well i have to get hollered at for something, at least this is for fun
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| Posted: Fri Nov 25th, 2005 12:40 PM |
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Timberghozt
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Hey GR...I also have one box of the 40 grain Sierra Blitz`s I bought for my Weatherby.I couldn`t get them to pattern for **** in my little sporter but Kirby used them for testing in my Savage after he reamed it and was getting groups in the .4`s or .3`s with them if I recall.I don`t remember what powder he was using.I would think they would also do the job...
I am done deer hunting for a few weeks besides helping rattle,grunt and guide for the 243 kid that lives here too...So I am gonna really push the coyote calling for a few eeks and will try to get you some pics of hides up close.With the 40 grain VMAX it is imperative you put a lethal accurate shot on him..There is very ,very little blood and it is nearly impossible to find him if he gets into thick brush on ya.The one I killed before that last pic I put on here was whacked with the 40 grain VMAX.Him and a gyp came in at my back within 20 feet.I heard the oak leaves rustle as they kicked in the after burners as they winded me.They ended up about a 120 yards out and stopped for just a second.I threw one right into the male`s air compressor and heard that distinctive'''ttthhhwwwaaapppp" in front of the muzzle blast.I knew I busted him good.He got into the woods about 20 feet in front of him and with no blood trail..I could not find him..Thats why I say,you have to make him down with that first shot,it is highly unlikely you`ll get a second.Ive hit a few running dogs but it is hell to do ...
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| Posted: Fri Nov 25th, 2005 04:20 PM |
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Gunrunner
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I'll keep that 'lethal shot' advice in mind Timber. Don't need no stupid dog makin' me track through the woods looking for him.
So far the BST's are working out ok in my A-Bolt. Still on the slow side at just 3,100 fps with 27 gs of Varget. Accuracy is acceptable for yotes out to 200 yards, maybe even 300. Shot a few 3 shot groups under 1/2", but not consistently. Gonna try W748 next, as I have some on hand, and the Nosler manual shows more velocity than with Varget.
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| Posted: Sat Nov 26th, 2005 04:53 PM |
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bea175
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In the 223 Rem the Speer 50 gr TNT with Win 748 very seldom exits with a solid body shot. This is one good hide bullet if your rifle will shoot them .
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| Posted: Tue Nov 29th, 2005 01:39 PM |
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Handgunr
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Gunrunner,
It's a crap shoot trying to get that load that works well at varying ranges. Especially when you shoot the higher twist rates like the AR's have.
Great gun for dogs, but being such a fast rate, it "might" play hell with a lighter bullets weight or construction.
Hornady did their homework when it comes to the VMax's. They seem to work well in many different conditions, speeds, and distances, as well as give great inherent accuracy in many loads.
Based on a lot of confusing variables though, I know you probably ask yourself the questions;
-Do I stick with what I have and just slow it down ?
-Do I go to a lighter weight bullet & push it faster...or slow it down ?
It gets pretty confusing overall, but one reason that seems to throw a wrench in the works of an otherwise good load is the "time in target" theory.
Many of my loads perform excellent at 125yds. on out to 450 or so, but pop a coyote, or worse, a fox inside of 100yds, and pass throughs and destroyed pelts are the norm.
Meaning that, even though I'm using a frangible bullet at high velocity, it's travelling so fast at closer ranges, it's "time in target" isn't even enough to allow it to perform as desired. It will expand quite a bit at those speeds/ranges, and will leave a nasty exit wound, but where it would totally come apart at longer ranges, and slower speeds, it's going so fast that before it has a chance to react, it's beyond the target already.
I'm using a 55gr VMax at 3500fps in my .22-250. I use that same bullet in my .223 at 3200fps. and it allows closer ranges a little more, but the .223's energy limits my overall effective range for longer shots.
That's one reason why I opted to build a barrel on a wildcat cartridge (.22 Super Jet). It would give me a closer range "woods gun" and still allow me 200-250yd. shots with decent performance.
Performance can be tailored to suit your hunting conditions pretty easily on an educated guess regarding your loads.
I guess the best way to decide what would work the best for you, would be to decide what your "average, or most common" range would be. Then build your loads to bracket that range in the middle.
For example, if using a 55gr. VMax at 3200fps. is giving you pass throughs inside of 100yds., drop your speed, and quite possibly, your bullet weight, to bring your "in target time" to a longer span.
My guess, a 40 or 45gr. polymer tipped, or HP "varmint bullet" at 3000fps. or so, should make a pretty decent performer from 75yds. on out to 200 or so.
My 2 cents............
Good luck,
Bob
Last edited on Tue Nov 29th, 2005 01:41 PM by Handgunr
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