Difference in .223 bullets?

[223Shooter]

Is there a (big) difference between Sierra 55gr Blitz (1345) and Hornaday 55gr SP (2265) in .223 ? I currently load Hornadays 55gr SPSX but I have read that this bullet is very explosive and I am worried that they may explode on the surface before penatration of a animal (coyote). I have been told by Sierra that their 55gr GameKing (Spitzer #1365) is built stronger/thicker than other .223s they make, but it is a boat tail bullet. I prefer a flat based bullet...maybe. Which one would be best for coyotes out of my .223 NEF Handi ? ALL comments welcome...Thanks.....

[Blackhawk44]

The Gameking will give much better penetration if that is what you are looking for.  Both the Blitz and the SX are built to come apart on a heavy shadow, or to turn prairie dogs and ground squirrels into a red mist.  Poodle shooters like the "helicopter" effect.

[ButlerFord45]

Poodle shooters like the "helicopter" effect.

    I love this line, but I have no idea of what it means, would you mind expounding?  

[KN]

It means when you hit them just right it sends them flying, stretched out and spinning. At least whats left of them. Very dramatic. Go to a web site called dogbegone.com and down load their clips. You'll see what its all about.  KN

[ButlerFord45]

Thanks KN, that was fun.  Intresting site. I'm gonna hafta go back when I have more time.

[223Shooter]

What about the difference between a .223 Sierra 55gr SP and a .223 Hornaday 55 gr SP.?? Is one of these better than the other ? OR..is it a horse apiece ?? I will be using one of these bullets for coyotes up to appx 150-200 yds. As I stated above, I currently load a 55gr Hornaday SPSX. I want to get away from the explosion effect of these bullets.

[varmit_master]

Hi 223 i have talk to people asking about the SPSX BUT in a 50gr 22 cal i am going to try out of my new 223 rifle and all i heard about them was good stuff i dont mind the hole i am shooting the 50gr SX out of my 22 250 at paper only may try it out on crows and they group GOOD and i am using 36.0 Varget pushing it i am New to a 223 so i am going to use the SX or the Nosler 50gr BT please let me know how your test comes out good luck VM

[223Shooter]

Hi there VM...I just got back from Gander Mtn...I bought a box of Hornaday 55gr SP's. Along with some CCI BR4's and a pound of my favorite powder...W-748. I will load some up this afternoon and when the darn wind slows down here in SE Wisconsin, I will be in my backyard to see whats good and whats bad. 26.5 grs should be just perfect...we will see. Thanks for the post...Bill W.    

[Jerry Lester]

Try the Sierra 55g SPs. They're just about as tough as the 55g BT GKs, and will deliver nearly identical results.

My predator load in my 223 uses the Sierra 55g SPs at 2850 fps. This load will dump any predator out to 150-200 yards, and shoots surprizingly flat to boot. I used to load the 55g BT GKs which gave basically the same results on game, but after I tried the flat based version, I couldn't justify paying more for the BTs. Besides, the flat based version groups slightly better in my gun anyway.

Don't push either of the Sierra bullets faster than around 2900 fps or you'll start blowing holes in hides if the range is shorter than 75 yards.

[Larry Gibson]

223Shooter

" I currently load Hornadays 55gr SPSX but I have read that this bullet is very explosive and I am worried that they may explode on the surface before penatration of a animal (coyote)."

I have shot many, many coyotes from every angle posisible, from 5 yards to 500 yards (only a few past 300 yards) with the 55 gr SX out of a M700V since 1972.  I have a little over 10,000 rounds through it.  The barrel was set back at around 7,000 rounds.  I used original BLC2 but when I ran out I settled on H335 and velocity is right at 3200 fps.  Other than one long range coyote (he moved just as I shot) which I hit in the paw I never shot one more than once.  I never lost one either and I never had a penetraion problem.  

I consider the 55 SX to be the bullet of choice with 1-12 or 1-14 twist .223s.

Larry Gibson

[varmit_master]

Hi LMG i talk to u some time back about the SX bullets and you told me how good you done with them i had some 55gr SX and just sold them right before i got my new 223 rifle all i have now is the 50gr SX bullets i am going to be shooting them out of a Rem 700 1-12 twist with a 24 inch barrel do you think the 50gr will be all right or i need to go to the 55gr SX bullets i am shooting the 50gr out of my 22 250 right now at paper and they group good But started a new job and havent had time to reload for my 223 plus i am waiting on my brass to show up so i can reload VM

[Larry Gibson]

varmit_master

" i got my new 223 rifle all i have now is the 50gr SX bullets i am going to be shooting them out of a Rem 700 1-12 twist with a 24 inch barrel do you think the 50gr will be all right or i need to go to the 55gr SX bullets "

You definately need to go with the 55 gr SXs..... sooooo.......box up all the 50s and send 'em to me;-)  Seriously, they will do fine since you have them, just that next purchase go with the 55s.  Try 26.5 to 27 gr of H335 with them in your M700, you will be a happy camper.

Larry Gibson

[varmit_master]

Hi LMG the only powder i have on hand for the 223 is AA 2015 IMR 3031 and Varget and i look them up all 3 up and the best was the AA 2015 start out 23.0 grs 2981 to the max 25.5 grs 3387 fps with a 50gr bullet  i am going to try the AA2015 powder with a Rem bench rest primer and if it dont shoot good i will try the powder you are talking about thanks for your help VM