Varmint bullets for my Handi (.204, .223, Hornet, etc.)

[utahman]

OK, so I know this is not the reloading forum, but I like what is said here....and I own a Hand...

What bullet do you ‘all prefer when reloading for your varmint hunts?   

But more specifically, when you know the hit on the old varmint won’t happen at high velocities, maybe around 1500 fps. 

I’m shooting reduced .204 loads and need a bullet that will fragment easily at lower velocities.  My loads are close to Hornet loads (Note:  velocity for a Hornet 35gr v-max factory load at 200 yards is 1590 fps)

I heard the Blitzkings are best, followed by V-Max.  What are your takes, experiences on these two bullets at lower velocities?  What about your standard hollow points?  Any other bullets I should consider?

[eskimo36]

I am not much help on those particular bullets but my guess is that both are very soft.  I shoot BT's a lot and for varmint hunting they are fine at very long distances where velocity is low.

I am more interested in why you are loading down...noise?

[utahman]

This is sad, but I cannot afford a Hornet right now and I don't always need the power of the .204.  So my short-term resolution for my dilemma is to load my .204 at reduced.   

[aulrich]

I do believe you heard right, there 32 gr sierra is likely the softest of them all.

[glwenzl]

I use the Hornady 32 gr V-max in my 5mm Mag with GREAT results however it shoots em at over 2250 fps too.... I hear that Sierra's bullets are made with a thinner Jacket, might want to give em a try first???

1500 fps sounds awful slow in a 204.... I don't know much but I'd be very careful shooting a reduced load like that....

With the Hornet I really like to Hornady 45 gr Hornet bullet and even better for PDs is the Hornady 45 gr Bee bullet!!! Mostly I shoot the 45 gr Hornet bullet from my 221 FB at PDs and the 22 Hornet will get a mix of the two but the Bee bullets sure are some ratsmack'n bullets!!!

My 5mm mag at 2250 fps is a real nice quiet mild load that can reach out 200 yards and smack some PDs reall well but holds on better in the wind than the 17 HMR.

[PHATINJUN]

For cheaper bullets look at the Midway USA house "Dog Town" bullets they work very well on PD. Kurt

[just bill]

Two different animals.

Lighter .204 bullets are made to withstand 4000 + FPS and a much higher bullet spin than Hornets.

 Traditional hollow points are less likely as compared to plastic tips with the exception of a TNT.

 Soft points would be an option.  Won't frag unless they hit something solid but will expand well at low velocity till you get a Hornet.

 True Hornet bullets have a very low max FPS velocity as compared

[shaner]

a real performer  for me has always been the james calhoon line of bullets ,  the double hollowpoints are an alround great bullet ive used a lot of the 32 gr and 37 gr in the hornet, and the 52 gr in 223,  he does a lot of work with the 204 and a lot of wildcat stuff in the 20 cal and 19 caliber
www.jamescalhoon.com