13 replies to this topic

[Fill]

Ive been testing terminal ballistics for a variety of handloads loads lately. This batch came in a little hot for hares Im guessing. This load chrono'd at a little over 2900 fps from my M4 barrel. I knew it would drop them fast, but not like this. The other side looked even worse.This might be a good Coyote load though.....very accurate!I dont really eat rabbit, but I usually try and keep furs. This one went to the trash unfortunately. Im going to try some 36 grainers and slower powder charge too.This shot was taken at about 90 paces. I apologize upfront for the wasted kill.  1.jpg   23.53K   20 downloads

[oz_fox_hunter]

Cool pic. that's one sorry looking rabbit :DEven a lighter slower load is going to mess up a rabbit. Another idea is go for the most accurate load for your gun and place head shots where possible. It just depends on how much you want that pelt.

[4RHUNTS]

If you do not want that mess stay away from the Vmax bullets. Slowing them down will not change things.

[.22guy]

At least it didn't suffer.....

[Fill]

If you do not want that mess stay away from the Vmax bullets. Slowing them down will not change things.

Yes, that is what I am reading in most of my publications too. V-max expansion at speeds down to about 2500fps are virtually identical to that of the hotter stuff. Thinking of trying some soft points maybe. Im just reluctant to use 55gr BTFMJ anymore. The last time I used those on a jack it went in/out, and I had to stand there and watch the poor bastard flop around for 2.5 minutes before it settled down.

[Shoot-it]

Looks like it did a good job to me! I wonder if you would get a faster fps if you used a bolt action rifle with a longer barrel.I get mine to 3700 with 28.6 gr H4895 but I have to pour it in slowly or it will run over or tap the case.

[Fill]

Not going to get much faster out of this barrel. That was a pretty peppy load and the primer cups were starting to show some pressure signs.

[stephen722]

.223 is going to splatter bunnies, even soft points at 3200 is going to make a mess most of the time

[OrneryOlMofo357]

I use close to the same load.. Nosler 40 BT's are somewhat less explosive, and do well on Coyotes. But Rabbits? They are done! lol Better try some BlueDot reduced loads, Or better yet, get the old .22lr out for Bunny action. Centerfires make a Mess. Even my K Hornet with a Nosler about rips a Jack in Half. Good Luck!

[NoBull60]

I love that caliber. I use the same combination for coyotes but if they hit anywhere other than dead center on the chest or just behind the front leg, there's a mess and a run away coyote to track down. I don't shoot them anywhere else so they drop dead on the spot. Turns the boiler room to mush. Just shoot your bunnies in the head using the style of shooting you would use for coyotes. Excellent practice tool using bunnies.NoBull60

[tawnoper]

Not for jacks? Or apparently Cottontails.

[DirtyDave]

Dont use V-max's on anything you would like to eat or keep the fur nice. Stick to HEAD SHOTS ONLY on bunnies if you are using v-max.

[Frank]

I use the same combination for coyotes but if they hit anywhere other than dead center on the chest or just behind the front leg, there's a mess and a run away coyote to track down.

That can be pretty much said for most calibers, not just the 223. Of course a head, spine or liver shot won't need much, if any, tracking either. Btw, 2 of our 26" bolt action Remmys in 223 & the 40 gr Nosler, chrono at 3772 & 3982 with the same load. My friend's rifle produces the higher velocity. As already stated above, pretty much any 223, even at substantially lower velocities will likely destroy thumper... at least with the usual expanding type hunting bullets. Or just make head shots as also previously state.Perhaps something like a 22lr or 22 mag may be another option?

[OrneryOlMofo357]

I agree with Frank. even my little 22 Khornet with only 13 grns of powder with a 35-40 gr V Max. pretty much destroys a rabbitt.