Help with choosing 224 bullet weight

[juststarting]

Hi All

I've been testing my DIY creations in 223. 69gr, 77gr and 80gr all shot well (1:8 twist). I need to narrow it down just a little bit, I zoomed in on the powder volumes they like, so a little more testing is needed, but for this question assume that they all shoot equally well.

So my question is: if I were to buy in bulk (which is what I am aiming for), what weight should I be going for as an all rounder (for target practice up to 500m and shooting furry things)? I am thinking 80 grain, in my opinion it's the most versatile projectile (either Sierra BT HP or Hornady BT with ballistic tip). Then I think, well, in practice 69 and 77 are just as good really, but what's the benefit of something like 69 or 77 over 80?

Help, please.

[deye243]

the 75g or the 80g hornady AMAX is your best bet as they behave like a proper varmint bullet when they hit

fur even out at 500y where as the others just pencil through like a fmj

[Oldbloke]

I have bulk 55g. Very popular . But upon reflection I think 69g would be the go.

[juststarting]

OB, why 69 and not 80?

[Gwion]

Just likes that number....

[juststarting]

Heh

[Oldbloke]

OB, why 69 and not 80?

That number was the flavour of the month.

55g seem to be well suited to foxes and I guess dogs & cats. (that's main use) The foxes I have shot (good placement) all dropped like a rock. I think 55g would be a bit light for goat or small pigs as I carry the 223 a lot now. But no opportunities yet. I also think the 80g trajectory would be starting to look a little rainbow like.
Just my opinion.

[Hatter]

You got a 1:12 or a 1:9 twist?

[deye243]

You got a 1:12 or a 1:9 twist?

nether it's in his OP

[juststarting]

1:8

[Sydor]

I use Berger 70VLD with my T3 and 8"twist. PPU brass and ADI2208 powder with that. Very accurate results.
I was looking at heavier bullets but could not find anything with reasonable price in Australia at the time. And now I have the load that shoots better in my rifle than I can.

[bladeracer]

That number was the flavour of the month.

55g seem to be well suited to foxes and I guess dogs & cats. (that's main use) The foxes I have shot (good placement) all dropped like a rock. I think 55g would be a bit light for goat or small pigs as I carry the 223 a lot now. But no opportunities yet. I also think the 80g trajectory would be starting to look a little rainbow like.
Just my opinion.

The higher BC is what counts at range - the 80gn is a third longer than the 60gn.
80gn AMax (BC .453)at 2800 with 260yd zero is 38" low by 500yds.
60gn VMax (BC .265) at 3050 is 44" low by 500yds.
55gn VMax (BC .255) at 3250 is 39" low by 500yds.

[Hatter]

nether it's in his OP

1:8

Oops, my bad Missed that somehow.

Personally I'd go 80gr since you can spin it. Best against the wind and you'll be able to get the highest BC out of it.

That's what I'd look for at 500m

[Hangfire]

I found this article helpful the author went with 75g Amax for his 1in8.

http://shootingaustralia.net/articles/1 ... to-223-rem

[straightshooter]

I managed to luck onto a large quantity of ADI SS109 62 gn fmj projectiles.
So that led to a new 1 in 9 barrel for my rifle and I haven't looked back.
I don't take shots beyond what looks like 200 to 250 meters and only ever aim dead on. I don't have time to waste with rangefinders, fiddling with knobs or trying to work out reticles.
The 62 gn fmj projectiles have been surprisingly effective on goats and small to medium pigs and all kinds of lesser game.

[Garth]

65 or 70 Gn in my steyr loves them

[juststarting]

65 or 70 Gn in my steyr loves them

Is that with 8 twist?