52/53 gn Matchking on Foxes

[Weatherby223]

I have been using 40gn V-Max and Nosler BT's on Foxes with mixed results on fur damage. Has anyone tried the 52 or 53 gn Sierra Matchking bullets on animals of this size? I know they are not stated as being a hunting bullet but how bad could they be! My rifle seems to prefer the heavier bullets and as the place i go is often quite windy, i would rather find a bullet around the 50-55gn mark that wont blow crap out of them. Any info on the Hornady A-Max would be great also...
Thanks in Advance guys and happy Hunting...
Mick

[Jerry Lester]

I personally don't like the Match-Kings for hunting because sometimes they drill a little hole, and sometimes they come apart.

I use 55g GKs at a muzzle velocity of around 2700-2800 fps for foxes, and the exit(they always do) isn't too awful bad. Most times it'll be around the size of a nickel.

The polymer tipped bullets will always leave you guessing on foxes at nearly any velocity.

[oso45-70]

Mick & Jerry,
This is probably the most asked question in the Predator and  Varmint forum. I don' think that there is a one answer- answer. You need enough bullet speed to get to the target, But not enough to not blow things all to smithereens. I have used every bullet that i could find, Some work up close and some work out there at a long distance. I have had pretty good luck with CALHOON bullets with every thing from my 17s to the 22-250s.
Had great luck with them in my 222s & 223s. If some one comes up with the DO IT ALL bullet i wish they would let me know. I have been fighting this battle for fifty five years and don't have a clue.
Good luck guys..........Joe..........

[oso45-70]

Mick & Jerry,
I forgot to mention the luck i have had with the 22  hornet and the Calhoon bullets. With shots from 0 to 150 yds using the 37 gr Calhoon bullet very little if any pelt damage. Had 100% kills on every shot taken. These bullets worked great on (sod poodles)= P-dogs out to the 150yd range.
Mick,  Do you have any thing like the Prairie Dog where you are? I know you have a lot of rabbits.

Good luck Guys........Joe..............

[PA-Joe]

oso45-70 What load are you using and what velocities? I was thinking of using 46 grain calhoons at 2500 fps in my 223?

[oso45-70]

Pa Joe,
In my 222 i use 23 grs of R2230 rem 7 1/2 primer. Vel. Unknown.
Calhoon 37 gr

223 rem 37gr Calhoon= blc powder 27grs primer rem 7 1/2 Havent Chrony.ed any of these loads. All i can tell you is they are potent. I use the 37 gr on every thing from the Hornet to the 22-250 and have great luck with all of them. I also use the calhoon bullets in my 17s.
Hope this helps, If you have any more questiones just holler and i will try to help. Take care and good luck............Joe........