Will this work? down loading 223 to 22 hornet levels
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NE Kansas
Posts: 1,101
Will this work? down loading 223 to 22 hornet levels
A gun chambered in 22 hornet would be an ideal gun for me to take predators without tearing up pelts. However, affordable guns in 22 hornet can be hard to find, especially for left-handers like myself.
I've had the idea of getting a 223 and handloading to performance levels comparable to 22 hornet, as lefty 223's can be found in entry level rifles (one is the savage axis).
I would be new to handloading myself, but I would be learning under experienced handloaders.
I've had the idea of getting a 223 and handloading to performance levels comparable to 22 hornet, as lefty 223's can be found in entry level rifles (one is the savage axis).
I would be new to handloading myself, but I would be learning under experienced handloaders.
#2
They are 500-600 fps slower then a .223, correct? I doubt you will find a published load that is that slow for a .223.
I wouldn't do it.
Can you use a different bullet to mitigate the pelt damage? Maybe an all copper bullet...
I wouldn't do it.
Can you use a different bullet to mitigate the pelt damage? Maybe an all copper bullet...
#3
I have not tried this load.
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Eastern wv
Posts: 3,647
according to hodgdon any load that is suitable for H4895 powder, can be reduced as long as you do not drop below 60% of the max listed load, the 223 will work, do not try it with other powders, an under pressure load can be just as dangerous as a severely over pressure load. go to hodgdon's site and search youth loads.
RR
RR
#5
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NE Kansas
Posts: 1,101
Can you use a different bullet to mitigate the pelt damage? Maybe an all copper bullet...
I curse the day they started bending bolts on rifles...It really is a problem for lefties.
#6
I'm right there with Jeep. Rather than reducing your loads, go with a harder bullet. One that won't expand explosively like a typical varmint bullet. The 55gr FMJ hornady comes to mind. It should poke right through.
#7
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NE Kansas
Posts: 1,101
What I'm seeing repeatedly on predator hunting websites is that a .223 load will often give a large exit wound and massive pelt damage on fox and bobcat, especially if you hit bone. The 22 hornet greatly reduces that, at least that's what I'm seeing and reading.
I want this gun for fox, bobcat, and coyote, and I absolutely want to preserve the fur. The pelts will be displayed.
I want this gun for fox, bobcat, and coyote, and I absolutely want to preserve the fur. The pelts will be displayed.
#8
What I'm seeing repeatedly on predator hunting websites is that a .223 load will often give a large exit wound and massive pelt damage on fox and bobcat, especially if you hit bone. The 22 hornet greatly reduces that, at least that's what I'm seeing and reading.
I want this gun for fox, bobcat, and coyote, and I absolutely want to preserve the fur. The pelts will be displayed.
I want this gun for fox, bobcat, and coyote, and I absolutely want to preserve the fur. The pelts will be displayed.
#10
Try the 223 and decide for yourself. I haven't had any problems with a .223. I have also dropped coyotes with larger calibers and heavy bullets like a 139 Interlock out of a 7mm-08 and a 180 grain XTP from a .357 magnum and didn't wreck the hide. Coyotes do not have a lot of density so with the right bullet, and shot placement, you will be good to go. Heck I killed a pesky Racoon with a .450 bushmaster, a 250 grain FTX bullet, last weekend and it wasn't as bad as I thought after seeing what it does to deer. I assume small predators do not offer enough resistance to allow a bullet of heavy construction to expand much.