New varmint rifle...need ideas for a load

[tofield]

Hey guys, I just bought myself a new Weatherby Vangaurd series 2 in .223.



Now all I need to do is load bullets

Wanted your opinions of bullet and weight. I will mostly be gopher "hunting" but I would like to get into coyotes as well.

Let me know your opinions

Thanks

[Lefty-Canuck]

Typically if the rifle has a 1 in 12 or 1 in 14 twist it will like bullets 55gr and under. If it is faster like 1 in 9 it should be able to stabilize the heavier bullets.

I like the 52gr A-Max personally over top a healthy load of Varget power.

LC

[Scott N]

I have shot a .222 for a long time, and my favourite gopher bullet is the Hornady 50 gr SPSX. The "SX" stands for super explosive, and they really are at the modest velocity that a .222 / .223 produce. As a bonus, they are less expensive than a lot of the plastic tipped bullets are. I have also produced some of the smallest groups with them out of my rifle. There are a lot of suitable powders to choose from, depending on what your local store has in stock.

[FallAirFever]

Nice! I just got a Vangaurd series 1 with a heavy bbl in 223. So will be watching this thread closely. I bought a box of Barnes Varmint Grenades. Plan on using H4895.

What kind of bipod is that?

[Scott N]

Originally Posted by FallAirFever

Nice! I just got a Vangaurd series 1 with a heavy bbl in 223. So will be watching this thread closely. I bought a box of Barnes Varmint Grenades. Plan on using H4895.

What kind of bipod is that?

When you get down to the range, post a range report. I've heard a few reports about inconsistent accuracy with the Varmint Grenades, and I'd appreciate hearing some first-hand info.

[elkhunter11]

The 50gr varmint grenades were very inaccurate in both of my 223 rifles.

[MadMarty911]

V-max. End of story.

[tofield]

Originally Posted by FallAirFever

What kind of bipod is that?

It is a rock mount.

I was looking at the varmint grenades as well and then see that alot of people dislike them...at least the 50 gr. Is there a reason why you do not use 36 gr.?? On Barnes website they say that the 36gr. will work fine in 1 in 14 twist.

I also looked at the v max but could not find any load info on it

[MadMarty911]

I have most of the load data for .223 vmax ( all weights ) whats your email and I'll send it to ya!

[FallAirFever]

Originally Posted by tofield

It is a rock mount.

I was looking at the varmint grenades as well and then see that alot of people dislike them...at least the 50 gr. Is there a reason why you do not use 36 gr.?? On Barnes website they say that the 36gr. will work fine in 1 in 14 twist.

I also looked at the v max but could not find any load info on it

I believe my rifle is 1:12 twist so went with the 36gr ones. I have a bunch of cheap ammo to go through for break-in / sight -in, first while of shooting. Once I have some brass built up I will start loading them up

[Jamie Black R/T]

50gr vmax over varget is superbly accurate and turns sod rats into airborn lasagna.

[gitrdun]

FAF, I run 55gr vmax in my sporter and 69 gr smk in the HB. Both perform nicely with the smk's being scary accurate, but I'm not telling you something you didn't already know. And in spite of that you still went for Barnes bullets, shame. Your gonna need some CR10 since you like to burn your money.

[MadMarty911]

How much Varget are you using Jamie Black R/T?

[Jamie Black R/T]

Originally Posted by MadMarty911

How much Varget are you using Jamie Black R/T?

24.5gr is the sweet spot in my Tikka Varmint.

[catnthehat]

A boat load of Varget and a 50-69 grain bullet is never a made choice!
Cat

[elkhunter11]

A boat load of Varget and a 50-69 grain bullet is never a made choice!

My Tikka Tactical in 223 doesn't like varget all that much, but it does like IMR4064 behind the 69gr Matchking. It doesn' seem to matter if I change the powder charge by a grain or even two grains, the group size remains quite consistent.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

My Tikka Tactical in 223 doesn't like varget all that much, but it does like IMR4064 behind the 69gr Matchking. It doesn' seem to matter if I change the powder charge by a grain or even two grains, the group size remains quite consistent.

That rifle needs an intervention,imagine, not liking Varget - I suppose it doesn't like Brussel Sprouts , either!!
Cat

[elkhunter11]

That rifgle needs an intervention,imagine, not liking Varget - I suppose it doesn't like Brussel Sprouts , either!!

How many grains of Brussel Sprouts do you recommend? What primer works best?

[catnthehat]

Well, about a tablespoon of shredded cheese buffer for every 5 brussel sprouts, and a boot in the backside always worked when Mom was getting us to like them!
Cat

[FallAirFever]

Originally Posted by gitrdun

FAF, I run 55gr vmax in my sporter and 69 gr smk in the HB. Both perform nicely with the smk's being scary accurate, but I'm not telling you something you didn't already know. And in spite of that you still went for Barnes bullets, shame. Your gonna need some CR10 since you like to burn your money.

No worries for me I have wipeout and CR10. The varmint grenades were kind of an impulse buy. Guess I gave unto the hype. Unless they are amazing I will be loading some v-max after that.

Hope the fact that I have a box of Barnes bullets on my bench doesn't mean we can't be buds . If it will help make up for it you can borrow my bullet comparator when my Natchez shipment arrives in a couple weeks , if yours hasn't arrived yet.

Oh hey and another thing when does the desire to buy more equipment and different caliber gun to play with start to slow down. My credit card has been getting a real workout lately!

[gitrdun]

I'll make an exception and still talk to you in spite of the Barnes bullets. I happen to have some on my bench as well, can't think of anything to do with them other than paper weigths Anyhow, I hope you didn't order an overall length thingamajig. I made my own for each caliber, works like a charm. You need a place to break in that new barrel? I know a good spot.

[Robmcleod82]

Never could get those varmint grenades to shoot in anything. I like 50 grain nbtip over Winchester 748

[Jordan Smith]

The 36gr VG shot amazingly well out of my 1:12" twist .22-250. They're long for their weight, so you have to twist them accordingly.

gitrdun,

Send those paper weights down my way, and I'll turn them into red goo

[gitrdun]

Jordan, I've got .284 140TTSX (32 each) & 120TSX (8 each), .338 210TSX (39 each), .277 140TSX (41 each) - make me an offer I can't refuse.

[Backwoods Runner]

I've been using a standard load of 25.5gr. Benchmark behind 50gr vmax and pulls off .65" or less 5 shot groups out of my BRNO, Tikka and now the latest addition a Weatherby Vangaurd. A lot of the time a ragged hole if I do my part.
Gonna try the Varget pill next but the tikka didn't care for it that much. Sorry CAT.

[densa44]

I have a savage 223 with a basix trigger. 40gr. Nos and 27 ge Varget, 53 gr, HP 24.5 gr. Varget and 36 gr, Varmint Grenade with 27 gr. IMR 4320.

I get very good results when I don't wave the barrel around.

Have fun and tell us what works for you. The last tips I got were to try Benchmark, and I think that I will.

[tofield]

Well, its settled...I will have to try everything!!

I already have some 50gr nosler varmint ballistic tips and benchmark powder, and it think I am going to have to get some 50gr v-max and some varget powder and see where that takes me.

Thanks for all the info guys

[densa44]

I want to know how that Benchmark works for you. I still have trouble metering the Varget, but it does good work.

[Thunder Elk Hunter]

I have had good luck with 50 gr v-max with H335 powder. Works great on yotes.

[Metalmike123]

Too many good bullets and powders to try! Some old geezer told me to develop my .223 load using the Speer 52gr hollow point and Varget. He was right, I love it. Perfect for your 1 in 12 twist and then you can watch gophers exxxplode. Seriously, gophers are terrible people, they need to go.