40gr or 53gr vmax for .223

[Blackwood Outdoors]

I'm getting a .223 in 1:12 twist . Question being what bullet choice should I go for between 40gr and 53gr vmax for fox shooting . I know both will
do the job, is there a big difference with trajectory?

 

[Essex stalker]

I have just got a new SAKO 85 in .223. Took it to the range yesterday and tried both 40gr and 53gr. I set the zero with the 53gr and found that the 4ogr was only about half inch difference at 100m

 

[bewsher500]

I'm getting a .223 in 1:12 twist . Question being what bullet choice should I go for between 40gr and 53gr vmax for fox shooting . I know both will
do the job, is there a big difference with trajectory?

depends on the range!
within normal foxing range in the dark its unlikely you will notice the difference

I stopped using 53gr as they were proving erratic
52gr Amax however were great

windage is more relevant depending on your terrain

 

[JTO]

According to the table in my 2014 copy of The Shooter's Bible:
40grn Federal Ballistic tip with mv of 3700fps 100rd-0.9" high, 200yrds-Zero, 300yrds-5.5" low
52grn Federal Sierra Matchking with mv of 3300fps 100yrds-1.4" high, 200yrds-Zero, 300yrds-7.2" low.

 

[old keeper]

I changed to 40 grn a couple of years ago, wouldn't go back now.

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

I spoke to a mate and also did a bit of googling!! Seems quite a few say the 53gr is fine but then every now and then throws shots an 1" or 2" out. Think I'll stick with the 40gr its purely for foxing.

 

[C.J]

I've only used factory in my 1 in 12" .223 and have used the following V-max - Norma 40gr was the most accurate ,then Hornady 40gr,then Hornady 55gr and Hornady superformance 53gr was the least accurate.I have a couple of boxes of Norma 50gr to try next.

 

[Backstraps]

I have had good success with the 53 vmax in my savage 223
. Tiny groups and pretty good BC for the weight...vermin don't seem to care for it though.

 

[whinfell]

My .223 likes 55 grain v max.

 

[Muir]

How about you make it simple: Shoot both and see what your gun likes best.~Muir

 

[JTO]

Would there be an issue with throat erosion using a faster, lighter bullet? I've no idea. Perhaps others could comment.

 

[Overlay]

I have just got a new SAKO 85 in .223. Took it to the range yesterday and tried both 40gr and 53gr. I set the zero with the 53gr and found that the 4ogr was only about half inch difference at 100m

put three shots into a target at 200 yds the variance between the two weights will set you on the right road for bullet choice

i shoot a 222 and the 40 grn I use goes through from 70 to 170 without a variance on poi - 220 yds is 2 inches
youll probably find that is double on a heavier load at 220

Find the round or make of round the rifle likes and stick with it.

good luck you've got a nice rifle there

phil

 

[Gunner223]

+ 1 for 55g bts

 

[big ears]

How about you make it simple: Shoot both and see what your gun likes best.~Muir

Such a great comment. Keep it simple .....

 

[plumber01]

Nip down to the range, and test for the most accurate, if you hit a fox with either it will do the job, Ive used a 69gn target bullet at 300 yards ( highly likely a very lucky shot) and the bullet appeared to be very "explosive" on impact.
Although usually I go for 55gn Vmax with 25 gn powder behind it . Effective !

 

[Sierra]

Tried both. 52gn a max works the best in my 1:12

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

Whats Amax like for use on game and vermin ?

 

[antsa]

I use Sierra 55gr BK's in my Sako 85 Hunter .223 (1:12") on foxes. Zeroed at 100m. Up 0.1 mrad at 50m, 0 from 60m to 130m, up 0.1 at 140m, 0.2 at 160m, 0.3 at 180m and 0.4 at 200m. Devastating results - for the foxes that is.

Cheers

 

[Fox Red]

My Tikka T3 Varmint loves 53gr V-Max

 

[bewsher500]

put three shots into a target at 200 yds the variance between the two weights will set you on the right road for bullet choice

i shoot a 222 and the 40 grn I use goes through from 70 to 170 without a variance on poi - 220 yds is 2 inches
youll probably find that is double on a heavier load at 220

100yds with no rise or drop?

Whats Amax like for use on game and vermin ?

they die when you hit them in the right place......

AMax does exit on foxes more than same weight VMax but 9 out of 10 foxes prefer them....