Groundhog Day question on groundhog loads

[Yellowfin]

This year I want to finally get started on varminting, and therefore want to get started on the ammo for it as loading it will cost less per round and I can tune it. So my first question is, for 5.56/.223, am I well off using the heavier 60-62gr varminting bullets like V-max and Varmageddon, the 50-55's in Vmax, or my usual 69-77gr HPBT match stuff? Pros/cons?

[M&P Chris]

What twist is your barrel?
Usually the varmint type rifles have a 1:12. I would use lighter bullets, 50-55

[gghbi]

Chris has a good point. Since a lot of shots are at some distance, the answer is whichever you are most accurate with. The specialty bullets are. designed to perform, but I will propose that the HPBT will do the job, if you do yours.

Chuck hunting is a great sport, and you don't freeze your ass off! I recommend a decent bipod, makes things go better.

[Hodgie]

No help from me on your question just wondering what type of rifle you plan to use?

[Jhaydeno]

No help from me on your question just wondering what type of rifle you plan to use?

That's a trick question if ever I saw one

In my book shoot whatever's flattest ( lighter & faster), there's less worry about ranging them in! You really don't need anything over 55 unless you're trying to reach way out there. At our place I use only .17 HMR and .22mag, both are good to 150+ yards. I don't have the need for anything further with the rolling hills. I prefer the .17 for its knockdown without the run. It's inexpensive, and a good savage rifle can be found for $200.

I know Fossil shoots a cracking .204 a few counties over!

[dk99358]

I started with 55 gr Hornady spitzers in my 223 and haven't seen any reason to change.

Dale

[Hodgie]

That's a trick question if ever I saw one

In my book shoot whatever's flattest ( lighter & faster), there's less worry about ranging them in! You really don't need anything over 55 unless you're trying to reach way out there. At our place I use only .17 HMR and .22mag, both are good to 150+ yards. I don't have the need for anything further with the rolling hills. I prefer the .17 for its knockdown without the run. It's inexpensive, and a good savage rifle can be found for $200.

I know Fossil shoots a cracking .204 a few counties over!

I had to think about that for a second and realize it's the semi auto hunting clause. I was actually wondering if he had one of the newer .223 offerings by Ruger or Mossberg.

[Brick]

You might NOT want to use your heavy HPBT since they aren't nearly as frangible as a true "varmint" bullet. You do have to concerned with the "and beyond" part of the rules of safety.

[Yellowfin]

I had to think about that for a second and realize it's the semi auto hunting clause. I was actually wondering if he had one of the newer .223 offerings by Ruger or Mossberg.

I'm looking at one like that if I absolutely must, but in the meantime looking for this state to get out of the stupid stone age so I can use my AR's. Either way it'll be the same .223 load so I might as well get them developed now ahead of time.

I seriously hope whatever idiot put in the clause in the law right now prohibiting semi auto rifles from hunting has been severely punished.

[Yellowfin]

You might NOT want to use your heavy HPBT since they aren't nearly as frangible as a true "varmint" bullet. You do have to concerned with the "and beyond" part of the rules of safety.

Ya know, I was thinking about that, and thought that perhaps I do want a lower grain, lower BC load such as a 50-55 grain flat base for the shorter shots to where they drop faster thus end up in the dirt sooner. Then as longer shots present themselves I would use the heavy stuff to carry farther only for the shots that would otherwise be taken with a .22-250 or .243 by someone who has them. Does that make sense?