.223 Devastation

[Maran14]

A quick one for the .223 shooters

I’ve been using 55grn and 53grn Hornady V max rounds since I purchased my .223
As a general rule, they cause minimal external injury.
I have purchased a new box of 55 and so far, every single one has caused HUGE injury around the entry site.
I’m talking holes larger than tennis balls.

This happens anywhere from 50 yards to 170 yards.

It’s not particularly an issue, I mean, dead is dead…

I just wondered if anybody else had experienced this recently or if anybody with more experience than me knew of a possible cause.

 

[Donkey Basher]

They don’t make foxes like they used to maybe?

 

[ashray]

are you saying the bullet is causing a lot of damage, are you shooting foxes and rabbits or perhaps some thing a bit larger ? you will tear up a muntjac if chest/shoulder shot <although a dont know of any muntjac that far north but its possible .>

 

[Brad93]

Changed the composition of the bullet - made jacket thinner perhaps.

I've not tried the Hornady yet but i've got three boxes of the 55gn Varmint Express.

I really like the Sako ammo but it's hard to get locally now.
I'm onto Gamehead soft points and they're doing the business on the foxes. Dead on the spot no massive exit wounds.

 

[Maran14]

They don’t make foxes like they used to maybe?

A strong possibility!

 

[Maran14]

are you saying the bullet is causing a lot of damage, are you shooting foxes and rabbits or perhaps some thing a bit larger ? you will tear up a muntjac if chest/shoulder shot <although a dont know of any muntjac that far north but its possible .>

I am shooting both fox and rabbit, yes. Rabbit have always been obliterated by the round, which I totally understand.
The foxes have normally shown little entry wound, if I’ve even been able to find it, but sounded and felt like a bag of gravel inside. Totally what I’d expect from a small round designed to blow itself apart.
I just can’t believe the devastation they’re now causing on the entry wound.

 

[Maran14]

Changed the composition of the bullet - made jacket thinner perhaps.

I've not tried the Hornady yet but i've got three boxes of the 55gn Varmint Express.

I really like the Sako ammo but it's hard to get locally now.
I'm onto Gamehead soft points and they're doing the business on the foxes. Dead on the spot no massive exit wounds.

That would make sense, I’ll do some more research!

I’d be interested to know how you get on with them.

I’ll take a look at the Gameheads. I’ve always stuck with the V max, mainly because of their lack of exit!
This is possibly something I’ve been a bit naive with and I should broaden my horizons!

 

[Brad93]

That would make sense, I’ll do some more research!

I’d be interested to know how you get on with them.

I’ll take a look at the Gameheads. I’ve always stuck with the V max, mainly because of their lack of exit!
This is possibly something I’ve been a bit naive with and I should broaden my horizons!

They do a gamehead varmint but they're the ones im struggling to get hold of. Group really well. Believe it's a Sierra Blitzking bullet they use.

 

[nick.308]

Its a while since Ive shot foxes with my .223 as Ive been using my .308. I personally found all soft point bullets under 55gr to be quite explosive in .223. I think a lot has to do with which body part you are hitting. If you hit anything quite hard like bone it will be explosive.

 

[Maran14]

Its a while since Ive shot foxes with my .223 as Ive been using my .308. I personally found all soft point bullets under 55gr to be quite explosive in .223. I think a lot has to do with which body part you are hitting. If you hit anything quite hard like bone it will be explosive.

That could potentially be the cause. I’ll try a little further back and see if anything changes. Thank you

 

[BenBhoy]

Mate, if the rifle likes them & the foxes are falling over, then......

 

[Maran14]

Mate, if the rifle likes them & the foxes are falling over, then......

Totally agree. As I say, not a problem, just a point of curiosity.
More of a ‘newbie trying to learn’ than anything! Aha