Thread: .223 projectile ponderings

For use on fallow in semi open farm lands in a 1:8 T3 (22 inch bbl) with a 2.6 inch WR magazine. Ranges of 75 to 350 meters, further on paper and steel.
I can get 73 and 75 gn ELDM's for about $60 a box. 77gn TMK's are $90-100 and very scarce presently none about.
Any reason not to start with 500 75's for the 1:8 tube or is there a benefit in a 73gn over a 75gn in a long mag set up?

Stability. Those 75's can be pretty borderline in 1:8's. Some rifles stabilise them but not all. I'd try a few before buying 500.

On the box, Hornady say a 1:7.5 twist is needed.

Ok and thanks Pommy, I'd assumed the 73 vs 75 was a magazine length, COAL conflict question only, not a stability one.

Originally Posted by Dicko

For use on fallow in semi open farm lands in a 1:8 T3 (22 inch bbl) with a 2.6 inch WR magazine. Ranges of 75 to 350 meters, further on paper and steel.
I can get 73 and 75 gn ELDM's for about $60 a box. 77gn TMK's are $90-100 and very scarce presently none about.
Any reason not to start with 500 75's for the 1:8 tube or is there a benefit in a 73gn over a 75gn in a long mag set up?

I load the 73eldm in my old superlite Tikka 1-8 with Waterman magazine, shoots them really well.
It also shot the 69 and 77 tmk just as good.
My little Sako loves the 77tmk.
They all work well on deer.

Sent from my CPH2531 using Tapatalk

Dicko my friend, aren't you supposed to have a minimum of 243 on deer in the land of Oz? Everything is so over regulated here. Like having a te rrorist looking over your shoulder. Keep up the good work

SmokeyJason that rule is Victoria. NSW doesn't have a min cal requirement

My 1:8 Tikka didn't seem to like the 75 ELDMs, it seems like some Tikkas like them and others don't.
The 73s shoot very well, as do the 75gr BTHPS.

Bullets stability requirements are dependent on shape, length and bearing surface length.
You can't just assume the same (or similar) weight bullet will perform the same.
That's also why the BCs can vary dramatically.

I have gotten excellent velocities and accuracy with 75grain eldm and 2206h in three different 1-8 twist t3's (one 18.5, one 20 inch barrel and one 22 inch). They were all very accurate out to 400 in still conditions. However, as Pommy and Beetroot said you should definitely sample a few in your rifle before committing to 500. I had a couple of instances of unsatisfactory terminal performance at very close ranges in the bush with the 75's. I found the 80grain eldm far more reliable. Two pro's I know use the factory 73grain eldm in their work guns. Both are running barrels under 14 inches so it would be going pretty slow. They shoot mostly under 200, though do on occasion shoot to 300. A deer at 350 meters (even a fallow) is a fair poke with a .223 even with a high bc bullet.

Thanks guys. So not a lay down misere with the 75’s. I shoot 80.5 Berger in my varmit 1:8, so assumed it was easy money.

Better start with 73s. The 77s are pricey and scarce by comparison.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Dicko

Thanks guys. So not a lay down misere with the 75’s. I shoot 80.5 Berger in my varmit 1:8, so assumed it was easy money.

Better start with 73s. The 77s are pricey and scarce by comparison.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I wish our 77tmk were $95 I had to pay $125 the other day.

Sent from my CPH2531 using Tapatalk

I use 73 ELDM in a Howa 1500 1:8 16” barrel. These are stable out to 600yd at NRA range and testing @ 600m on farm target. Loaded to 59mm oal. 75 ELDM were also stable at these range’s although not as accurate. Haven’t perfected that load yet, same oal so would feed from mag. Have shot deer in vineyard at 370m with the 73gr. But have also shot deer at same range in same vineyard with 55gr. About half bullet energy of 73’s at that range but from a good rest with known rifle it’s worked. Just have to test your load and yourself to find out.

75's are a significantly better BC but may not shoot/ need some tuning. My tikkas have shot them fine out to distance.

Some tikka barrels seem to even shoot the 80gr eld's fine which have an epic BC

73's are easy to get shooting, will work in the shortest mag length. BC is not the best but they will kill just as well as any of the others.

My Tikka shot the 75 just fine. Can you try some before buying a bucket full?

This post got me thinking about a deer capable load in my Contender 222 Rimmed.
I was loading bulk 55 grain rounds yesterday for wallaby anyway.

Looked in my hoard and there were some 224 70 grain Speer Semi Spitzer.

Only 3 shots at 100m but at the exact same point as the 55 grainers.
So clearly still accurate in my 1:9" barrel and hopefully sufficient for a controlled shot out to 200m on undisturbed deer



The 40 grain HP were just a try and see if any use.
Will try them in my Hornets because I have nearly 1000 of them.