Thread: .223 off the shelf ammo

Just picked up a mint a-bolt SS in .223 for the boys.

Not sure on twist but what are people using for fallow, wallabies, goats?

The Hornady 55grn SP seem reasonable buying from Gunworks and what I would expect to be suitable.

Thanks

Barnaul was great back in the good old days as you never worried about the brass.

It's cheap too.

Otherwise Belmont black is good

Grab a few different packs off your local shop and see what the gun likes . Getting cheap ammo is good but only if it actually works in your rifle.

Check out belmont site, i used to all ways use there 223 products with success untill i got into re loading my own

Originally Posted by foxhound

Check out belmont site, i used to all ways use there 223 products with success untill i got into re loading my own

Yeah Belmont is bloody cheap and a number of projectile options. Will also give these a go

+1 for Belmont

I run Buffalo river through mine , cheap and it loves it and good knock down as well providing placement is good obviously

Originally Posted by madmaori

I run Buffalo river through mine , cheap and it loves it and good knock down as well providing placement is good obviously

Who stocks that ?

Originally Posted by rewa

Who stocks that ?

(Buffalo River) Hunting and fishing used to. In 5 round blister packs so very handy. Haven't seen it lately but they do have some ADI loaded 55gr SP which are comparable but not "ballistic tip" or whatever.

Originally Posted by SiB

@Marty Henry

“If you run a supressor its best to take it off after say 65 grains to avoid a nasty surprise”

This is news to me - am now running 69gr Sierra in my 1:8 Tikka - can you explain the issue?

Thanks!

68-69gr will stabilise in most barrels, they seem to be the "sweet spot" for .223. 1:8 is fast, AR fast, you could easily go 74gr or higher.
I would do ALL testing without a supressor. As mentioned above, yaw and instability leading to baffle strike.

90gr in a 1:12.5

Originally Posted by rewa

Who stocks that ?

Not sure , i bought about 20 odd packets from the local shop that was closing down so im yet to have to get on the hunt for more. Sorry i can't be more help! If you can get hold of some it will be worth giving a nudge though.

I get the Buffalo from Magnum Sports here in Stratford. There are 2 types; one with the 55gr Blitzking and one with the 55gr Gameking. I've been using the Gamekings on goats and even on big shaggy billies it doesn't blow the shoulders to hell and back. Very little wasted meat. So I'd say it must be a fairly robust projectile; probably ideal for fallow etc. Accurate too. I'm sure any gun shop would order some in? H&F don't have it; maybe because it might compete with their own branded cheaper 223 ammo?

When i reload 223 which isnt often now, my go to projectile is the 55 gr hollowpoint gameking, flies like a brick but hangs together and penetrates. 200 yds is its max practical range though plenty of reds and a scrub bull can testify.
Now for most shooting i use the 62 gr belmont black loaded rounds are literally the same price as the sierra projectiles alone.

Measure your twist rate, super easy to do with a rod, brush, black marker pen and ruler. That will let you know how heavy a bullet it can take. Otherwise start at 55 grains and keep going up till they dont get on the target or if they do its sideways.
If you run a supressor its best to take it off after say 65 grains to avoid a nasty suprise.

Belmont black, their 55gr sp is awsome, cheap as chips to, my howa mini shoots them into hole as big as my thumb nail at the 100

Belmont black for the win