Why do I need a .223 Handi? [pic added-last]

[nanuk-O-dah-Nort]

I am in the process of scoping my 223SL, but if I could get a Skinner for it, I may go that route, the only issue is the scope screw holes are noticeably off TDC

[rdlange]

Convinced... So, here it is... now I gotta do the ammo treasure hunt...

Thanks all.

[YRUpunting?]

I deleted a notice from Natches tonight about a 223 ammo "sale".  I think "sale" means a few boxes in stock these days.

[cowboyup453]

now I gotta do the ammo treasure hunt...

I hope you reload. That is your best bet on getting ammo. Good looking rifle either way. Congratulations!

[rdlange]

OK, as you can see I got it.  Has a 4x12 Swift Premier.  1 in 12 twist barrel though. 

So... fellow Hanidiholics, any advise on hunting ammo?  Like for this as a 'truck' gun...? Not FMJ, and assuming I can't find 55gr hunting right now? 

What for lighter 'varmint', heavier for hogs, but 1 in 12 twist.  Limit is 2 boxes/day if they have any, and it ain't cheap.  I'll be searching forums too.

Thanks folks.

FORGOT TO SAY I NEED IT FOR A 'TRIP' SATURDAY, and don't have time to work up a load.  Just sayin....

[petemi]

Tom, Da .223 ain't a hog gun.  Yeah, you can use it....even kill a bunch of hogs with it.....but, when that big boar mangles a dog or two and wants to rip yer legs off, ya better have more punch. The U.S. Military found out it doesn't even kill people real well.  Use your .356/.358.  I lived in Florida for 13 years and hunted a lot of hogs.  Some came down easily...a .22 might even work, but a lot more die tough.  I like a big, wide bullet moving quickly.  While we're on the subject, I don't think the Handi would be my first choice if I wasn't toting a substantial sidearm.  I'd have at least a levergun in my hands. These suckers can rip you a new butt hole if you're not careful.  Leave the 22s home and take the .44s or .45s.  I know, I'm still walking on two good legs.  Those hog dogs have long since gone to the Happy Hunting Ground, but they died of old age, not butchered by hogs.

I almost lost my best friend, a bird dog named "Trouble"quail hunting.  She bounced into a herd of pigs and they ran off.....just far enough to sucker her in and they turned on her.  All I had was a 12 ga. pump loaded with eights.  I racked all six into them and saved the dog..

Pete

[quickdtoo]

Texas Boars has .22 cal bullet recommedations for 22-250 and 220 Swift, but no mention of 223, wouldn't be my first choice, but bullets that come to mind the would be best to use would be 64gr Win PP, 53gr Barnes TSX and 60gr Nosler partition, all known to shoot good in 1:12" Handis.

Tim

http://www.texasboars.com/hunting/huntingtips.html

[rdlange]

It's  223 or 30-30.  45 is handgun.  Just wondering, because longer ranges out west of here than 150yds 30-30 comfort zone.  The 25-06 is still tweaking.  Just fyi...

Thanks.

[quickdtoo]

If the 30-30 is accurate, I'd sure use it instead of the 223, even factory 160gr LE ammo is good well past 150yds, 250-300 wouldn't be outa the question actually, a good 150gr spitzer handload with LE powder at 2500fps would be an excellent combination I'd think.

Tim

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/775263/hornady-leverevolution-ammunition-30-30-winchester-160-grain-flex-tip-expanding-box-of-20#ReviewHeader

[hoytcanon]

Here are a few of my loads... All tested and true in my 1:9 Handi's... My favorite is the 55 grain Z-Max load with CFE-223;

.223 Remington (Max COL = 2.260”);

Reduced; Hornady 45 SP Hornet, 3.0 - 4.0/Trail Boss, Win/CCI-SR, 2.220”
Full; Hornady 35 V-Max, 27.0C/H4895, Win/CCI-SR, 2.220”
Full; Hornady 40 Z-Max, 28.0/Varget, Win/CCI-SR, 2.250”
Full; Hornady 40 Z-Max, 29.0C/CFE-223, Win/CCI-SR, 2.250”
Full; Hornady 52 BTHP, 26.0/Varget, Win/CCI-SR, 2.220”
Full; Hornady 52 BTHP, 28.0/CFE-223, Win/CCI-SR, 2.220”
Full; Hornady 55 Z-Max, 26.4/Varget, Win/CCI-SR, 2.250”
Full; Hornady 55 Z-Max, 27.4/CFE-223, Win/CCI-SR, 2.250”*
Full; Hornady 55 Z-Max, 26.0/W748, Win/CCI-SR, 2.250”
Full; Hornady 60 V-Max, 25.5/H4895, Win/CCI-SR, 2.300”
Full; Hornady 60 V-Max, 27.4/CFE-223, Win/CCI-SR, 2.300”
Full; Hornady 68 BTHP, 25.5/H4895, Win/CCI-SR, 2.300”
Full; Hornady 68 BTHP, 26.3/CFE-223, Win/CCI-SR, 2.300”

.