8 replies to this topic

[Stiff Neck]

My favorite 223 40gr ammo (Black Hills) is not available anymore. It did 3600 fps and I was very pleased with it's terminal performance on ground squirrels. A lot of the squirrels went "flying", and the one coyote I shot with it dropped and died on the spot. I know 3600 fps is pretty fast for 223. Nothing else on the market comes close to it, nothing is better than 3300 fps. So my question is, is 300 fps that much of a difference out to 250-300 yards? (WWB 223 Varmint 45gr HP does not qualify for this discussion since it is advertised at 3600 fps but nobody has ever chrono'ed it anywhere close to that velocity)

[ShooterJohn]

You are just going to have to start reloading. My favorite 40 gr. V-MAX loads chrono just over 3700 fps. So if you want to go fast you may have to roll your own.

[Stiff Neck]

Do you think I'd have time to work up and test a good load before squirrel season starts?

[ShooterJohn]

Sure, it's easy I'll give you some pointers.

[gunnut]

Hey Ben it's no problem at all.I have all the stuff to get you started just say the word

[capitol]

maybe I want to start reloading

[ShooterJohn]

maybe I want to start reloading

I'm surprised you don't!

[bisley11]

40gr pills have turned out for me to be some of the best gopher medicine I've ever used. Being able tomaintain sight picture to watch em blow up or take flight adds greatly to the fun of shooting the little darlins. I use 40gr VMax out of my Cooper KHornet and .223 wirh fantastic results. Can shoot dead on outto 150yds with the K and and 250yds with .223. Have a Savage BVSS thats good out to beyond 300 with50gr pills without loss of sight picture due to weight of the rifle as well as a TC Encore with a customBullberry tube with intregral brake that will do the same. I would encourage you to get into reloading.With a little work you'll come up with ammo much better than factory for each rifle you use. You may not save any money but you can shoot more:)

[ShooterJohn]

I agree completely with you bisley11. The 40gr. V-MAX has been the best bullet I've found for my .223's. I love the red cloud the squirrels make when they're backlit.