Loaded down 223's for fox

[Davemuzz]

I've been looking at the velocities of the 22 Hornet's and the factory numbers for 45 grain bullets are 2650 fps. So, for a 40 grain Hornet, I would guess it would be 100 fps faster, but for discussion let's just say it would be 2700 fps.

Now, my Hornady load book shows the low end .223 with a 40 grain bullet is 3100 fps. So, what I am looking for is a fox load that would be "fur friendly" with a Nosler or V-max bullet being shot from the .223 at the 3100 fps velocity. I would think the 400 fps at 50 to 100 yards with a 40 grain bullet wouldn't make that much of a difference on the fox....ie: wouldn't blow a big 'ol hole in 'em. Right now I'm shootin a 22 mag which shoots the 40 grain at about 2000 fps.

The fox this time of year are out 'n about in the day and my Contender .223 is way more accurate (no flyers at all) than my Handi 22 mag. Opinions on the slower .223 loads on fox fur?

Thanks

Dave

[BCB]

I would go with a heavier bullet, say a 55-60 grainer—one of the ones with the small hollow point, and load it as slow as data says is O.K.  The small hollow pointed ones probably won’t expand at all and will punch a hole straight through.  These may not be as accurate as the lighter bullets in the Contender, but if you can get 2” groups at 100 yards, you should be fine.  I think the light bullets will always be going too fast and will expand and do damage to the fur.  Good-luck…BCB

[Ladobe]

Agree.   I'd opt for a heavier bullet and slow it down as much as possible while still holding the BPR you need for the average ranges you'll shoot.

[Davemuzz]

Well,

I already have some FMJ bullets loaded up and "scoped in" for my .223. The plus about the FMJ bullets is they will not expand. I posted that on a turkey hunting forum last fall and got chastised for suggesting that anyone should hunt a turkey with a FMJ bullet. (It's legal here in PA in the fall only to hunt turkey with a rifle and a FMJ bullet).  Now, I could just use these FMJ bullets as they have some great shocking power and are traveling at about 3600 fps. No expansion, same size out as in.

Of course, the criticism was, since there was no expansion...the animal could just get away with a mortal wound and die somewhere else later. (However, I have not had that experience with the Turkey's I've shot...but I guess there is always a first)

Thoughts?

Dave

[kevthebassman]

Never tried it, so I couldn't say.  Only one way to find out I suppose.  If it were me, I'd go pick up a .17 HMR and use that instead of trying to make a .223 be something it isn't.  If it works out for you, be sure to let us know.

[PA-Joe]

Go to the James Calhoon webpage and read about gopher loads using Blue Dot, 800x or unique powder. You can get anthing from 22lr, 22 mag,22 hornet out of your 223.


http://www.jamescalhoon.com/

[Jerry Lester]

Well, I used the 223 on called in foxes for a long time off, and on. My problem was trying to find a load that'd drop a coyote or bobcat, but still not blow a fox up too bad. Trust me, that's nearly impossible, and will run you crazy trying, but a heavier bullet at reduced velocities can give barely acceptable results.

If you can legally use FMJ bullets then that's exactly what you need to do for foxes. I'd "never" use them on coyotes, or bobcats, but foxes flop over pretty easy when hit with just about anything through the vitals. Even with FMJ bullets though, you'll need to keep the velocity fairly low. A foxes hide is like paper, and just can't contain the pressure from a high velocity bullet even with zero expansion. Run the FMJ's at around 2500-2700 fps, and you'll get an exit hole that's not too bad.

If you hit a fox with any polymer tipped bullet at nearly any velocity, you're gonna blow a huge hole in him at best.

[Sourdough]

I use Barnes solids, nice hole in and nice hole out.  No expansion and dead foxes.  Some do run off, but in snow I don't have any trouble following them.  Don't shoot for the shoulder, as it will take out a big hole on the off side.  They also work on coyotes.  Haven't tried them on Lynx yet.

[Davemuzz]

I use Barnes solids, nice hole in and nice hole out.  No expansion and dead foxes.  Some do run off, but in snow I don't have any trouble following them.  Don't shoot for the shoulder, as it will take out a big hole on the off side.  They also work on coyotes.  Haven't tried them on Lynx yet.

Sounds just like a FMJ bullet.

Dave

[backstrap]

Dave have u got to test them FMJ out yet? would like to hear how they worked

[Davemuzz]

Backstrap,

I've been out a few times callin, but i havn't had any luck gettin one to come in. Deer season has just been done and with a few other items on "the menu" I haven't been out as much as I'd like too....but i'm hopin that will change.

Dave