Ground Hog Load...

2

25MAN

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 25, 2010
533
0
New Jersey
#1
Hi Everyone,

Looking for some recipes for devastating ground hogs with a .223 bolt...I am running a Ruger 77 Varmit model with 1:12 twist.

The gun shoots factory 50grain and 55 grain weight bullets extremely well but the factory loads don't quite have the devastation factor I am looking for :)

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
#2
Re: Ground Hog Load...

I will look at my load when I get home, but I am getting good results from 55 grain Vmax's and IMR 4198... I will edit with the details when I get home and can look at my loading log..
 
#3
Re: Ground Hog Load...

What twist barrel you shooting? I've had good luck (and pretty nice explosive effect) with 60 grain VMAX's out of my 223AI with H335 powder. Here's a link to the 223/5.56 load page, just have to filter through it & find various VMAX, Blitzking, etc loads that are suitable for your rifle...

http://snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=351023&page=1

PS - you might want to complete your profile.
 
#5
Re: Ground Hog Load...

No problem 25MAN, glad to help. Knowing your twist now, I'd think that a 40 or 50 grain VMAX pushed pretty fast would be quite devastating (as long as you can find a load that's accurate of course). Which factory bullets have you been shooting so far?
 
#6
Re: Ground Hog Load...

50 grain v-max's are a good way to go with a 1:12 .223 and very devastating on Ground Hog sized game. Easy to load too - I've tried a few different powders and always managed to find a charge that works well. Don't worry about wringing the neck out of the velocity either, a mid range load will give spectacular results so long as you hit your mark!
 
#8
Re: Ground Hog Load...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ggarrett1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Which factory bullets have you been shooting so far? </div></div>

I will update you when I get home...I think they are 55 grain Ultramax ammo.

Ever try the Varmit 50gr Grenades?
 
#11
Re: Ground Hog Load...

Just got one today at 208yds on neighbors farm. My load is 50gr. V-Max buulets, 25.5gr.Varget with cci primers. Very effective and accurate out of my rifle.
Im using an older Rem.700 varmint with a 24in barrel with a
1 in 12 twist.
 
#12
Re: Ground Hog Load...

I have found that I hardly ever get an exit with a vmax, sometimes with a nosler bt, but a few years back I used some 55 grain tnt hp's and they left tennisball sized exit holes even when punching thru the shoulder on a side shot. I know they also make a 50 grain which for a 1-12" imo would be the way togo. Unfortunately over the years they have become more expensive than honady or nosler. Anyone else use the TNT's?
 
#15
Re: Ground Hog Load...

Try some Sierra Blitz-Kings 50 gr. Use some Winchester 748 Powder. They blow up real good with the Blitz-Kings,Nosler BT,Hornady V-Max Bullets. I 'm using a Rem 700 LTR 20" barrel with a 1-9 twist.
 
#16
Re: Ground Hog Load...

+ 1 also on the Speer 52 gr Flatbase HP's. They leave big holes in the hogs. I used them out of a 22-250 and .223 and they were wicked. Shot real good out of a Contender Super 14 barrel too.
 
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