Range report on 223/Hornet

[handirifle]

Well actually it is my 223 with loads to duplicate the Hornet.

I used Hodgdons data on reduced loads with H4895.  Using that data and two different bullets, the 40gr Vmax and the 45gr Hornet bullet (brand name escapes me at the moment).  Average load was 20gr of H4895 and avg velocities were 2400-2500fps.  The loads started at 19.5 and went to 20.5, with the 20gr turning out the best groups.  I only tested at 50yds, since this load was meant for Bobcats I hope to call in to 50yds or less.  I hunt them in farly thick woods.

The gun recoils about like my 22 magnum.  The best 3 shot group was one slightly enlarged hole with the Vmax bullets.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the results, and will be loading some up for next fall's Bobcat hunts.

[aulrich]

Good stuff, when I tried that with my 243 I had really bad results. And the up side is that you not off the map using blue dot, though BD loads may work I do personally feel better using actual tested data.

[handirifle]

I have used their data on this before but when my sons were small and it was for their 30-06's and 125gr bulets.  Still pretty accurate, but not like reg loads, at least in their rem's.

[SingleShotShorty]

The only thing I think of saying is WHY would anyoine want to down load a 223 rem. If you want hornet performance buy a hornet

[snake guy]

Well actually it is my 223 with loads to duplicate the Hornet.

I used Hodgdons data on reduced loads with H4895.  Using that data and two different bullets, the 40gr Vmax and the 45gr Hornet bullet (brand name escapes me at the moment).  Average load was 20gr of H4895 and avg velocities were 2400-2500fps.  The loads started at 19.5 and went to 20.5, with the 20gr turning out the best groups.  I only tested at 50yds, since this load was meant for Bobcats I hope to call in to 50yds or less.  I hunt them in farly thick woods.

The gun recoils about like my 22 magnum.  The best 3 shot group was one slightly enlarged hole with the Vmax bullets.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the results, and will be loading some up for next fall's Bobcat hunts.

Good to hear, as I've been thinking about the same reduced loads. How was the noise/report compared with your standard .223 load? That's an issue where I shoot sometimes.

[coyotejoe]

The only thing I think of saying is WHY would anyoine want to down load a 223 rem. If you want hornet performance buy a hornet

Well Shorty, I can think of a couple of reasons.
#1 Handloading is an enjoyable hobby. Experimenting with reduced loads can be interesting, frustrating, enlightening and can produce excellent results
#2 One can produce satisfactory loads to duplicate a second cartridge for considerably less cost than a second rifle.

[303Guy]

I did the same  thing with my mini-14.  Great fun!  But in the end I went back to full loads as my quarry was tough and and ranges was hard to kill.  I used 50 gr SP's @ about 2600 fps.  It would punch a thumb size hole in my quarry withing 50 yds.  They died were they were shot.  (The mini did not cycle of course).

303Guy

[saltydog]

You are on the right track. I shoot alot of Hornet and most of the time I want it to go faster 3000 fps range for hunting varmits like potguts and use 35 Vmax or 40 gr. Blitz's. However I would not recommend using any of the Vmax or Blitz on Bobcats as 1. it will tear the pelt up if your are trying to save it and 2. if you make a poor hit you may only create an ugly wound and slow death that the bobcat does not deserve. Shoot something like 224 50 gr. Sierra GameKings or Hornady SP's (not SPSX's) with your 4895 or Varget and you will get excellent results on bobcats or coyotes with a 100 yard zero. 

[handirifle]

The only thing I think of saying is WHY would anyoine want to down load a 223 rem. If you want hornet performance buy a hornet

Sorry, been off for a bit.  Just caught up here

WHY?  Partly cause it's fun.  Partly cause I want to hunt bobcats at close range and not destroy them, (as in 223 at 50yds on a 25-35lb cat) so the reduced loads.  This was fueled before the not-yet,-but eventually will be, law in CA of not allowing lead bullets in the CA Condor range (long story there) in CENTERFIRE rifles.

I will now use a 22 magnum.

But, the goal was and is, to see how THOSE loads compared to regular loads as far a point of impact.  Didn't get to check this part out just yet.  I've been very busy with non gun parts of my life.

[trotterlg]

.

[saltydog]

I guess a 22 MAG may be OK for Condors in your area but I think it pushes the ethical envelope for quick kills on rocky mountain bobcats. The 22 Hornet is the right tool.  

[handirifle]

I guess a 22 MAG may be OK for Condors in your area but I think it pushes the ethical envelope for quick kills on rocky mountain bobcats. The 22 Hornet is the right tool.  

First off, I'm NOT shooting condors.  The mention of condors was because they will soon be banning lead bullets in condor ranges, which this is.  BUT that ONLY applies to centerfire weapons.  Thus the WMR.

Not sure how big Rocky Mountain bobcats are, but in the hills of Southern CA, they average about 15-20lbs  A big one might reach 30.

I've seen a lot of cats up there and I doubt any of them would have been over 20lbs.  The WMR would be more than enough for a fast kill.