40gr or 53gr vmax for .223

[25 Sharps]

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.

52 GR A-MAX and 53 GR V-max will both have better BC than SMK so the drop will be less but as Bewsher mentions wind is the key factor, gravity is predictable wind is not so a heavier bullet that resists the wind well would be the better option if the ranges are being pushed

 

[25 Sharps]

Whats Amax like for use on game and vermin ?

Very explosive, as much or more so than 40 gr SMKs on bunnies!

 

[bewsher500]

Very explosive, as much or more so than 40 gr SMKs on bunnies!

really?
Bunnies explode with anything

I actually found AMax exited more than VMax which are very explosive
AMax and SBK have a similar tendency to "splash" on bones just under the surface though
Have seen some very messy wounds on shoulder shot foxes with both

 

[25 Sharps]

really?
Bunnies explode with anything

I actually found AMax exited more than VMax which are very explosive
AMax and SBK have a similar tendency to "splash" on bones just under the surface though
Have seen some very messy wounds on shoulder shot foxes with both

Yeah, admittedly I was only pushing the SBK at 3450 and my buddy pushing a-max at 3300 but we shot 2 rabbits simultaneously sat next to each other. Mine was bottom of neck/top of chest and just lost its neck and head his chest shot broke every bone in its body and wasn't even really fit for ferret food. He swears by the for fox too!

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

Ended up getting 52gr amax , see how they go, what's a good load in the .223 with this, I was planning to use Viht n130 or n133

 

[JTO]

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

With only two on the short list, that is feasible, but with the restrictions that we have, 'at present', trialing lots of different expanding bullets and only using a few from each box can eat into our possession allowances.

 

[Little Rusky]

I find the 40grn very accurate. Up to 300 yards

 

[Dagben77]

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

+1

 

[Bomag]

52gr Amax for me, never had problems with runners. I found them better than Vmax, as Boydy says in our side by side test the Amax proved more destructive.

 

[royr]

Hello .243 Hunter,
If purchasing factory ammo then the flat shooting Hornardy Varmint Express 40gn V-max or Norma 40gn BT are both lovely rounds, zero'd at 200 yards - (under £20 for 20)- if it suits your rifle. Federal V-shock 40gn were very good but at £28 for 20 a bit pricey!
Each to their own.
Regards
Roy

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

What's the the best powder to use for 52gr amax ?

 

[Bomag]

I use Benchmark, have used Varget but didnt find it as good.

 

[royr]

Best Powder? Specifically for 52gn A-Max .223
Have trouble with getting correct size image for page.
Click to enlarge seems to work.

 

[wabbit warren]

ive done all my foxing with 53gr vmax factory now home loads
never had a fox moan yet
did think about trying a lighter bullet head but why fix it if it not broken