whats your favorite combo for varmint hunting?

[Pctechdude]

In getting ready for the upcoming warmer days, and being told to stay home, I've been loading up 223 for varmint hunting at our farm. We usually have at least 15-20 groundhogs a year, that tend to cause damage to fields, crops and buildings. About 10 years back, we had an incident with a groundhog tunnel collapsing when our full hay wagon went over it, causing the wagon to dump the load and require a new axle. After this, we started dispatching them. On warm days we'll set up shop outside and wait.

Depending on the location I'll use my AR15 with 55gr V Max/Z Max bullets with 25.4gr IMR 8208 XBR loaded to 2.260". I've found this load on a workup many years back, shortly after the 8208 powder was released. Whats been odd is in several different weapons, this load has been outstanding. Sub 3/4 in groups. When I worked up the load, it was just a hair under 1/2 in groups.

If I need to reach out longer I like using my Remington 700 in 243 winchester with 95 grain sierra match kings. It has smoked plenty of groundhogs at 500+ yards. Probably my favorite bolt action gun by far. Loaded in Winchester brass with 39.5gr H4350 its been 1/4" 5 shot groups at 100.

[The_Shadow]

Pctechdude, Very Nice!  I don't have the groundhogs where I'm at but I can see where they would be very destructive an fun to dispatch!
I've been rolling my 223's with Hodgdon's CFE223 with good results with my 1:7 twist barrel  have some 55 grain FMJ BT's loaded with IM3031that I need to test out.

Some 75 grain Hornady
CFE223 powder 24.6 grain
CCI400 SRP and Winchester SRP
Velocity    2750 fps 20" BBL - 2650 fps 16" BBL
Energy   1293 ft/lbs       - 1169 ft lbs
Cartridge Overall Length 2.2480"-2.2500"



55grain
IMR 3031 powder 24.2 grain
CCI400 SRP
Velocity  3000 fps 16" BBL
Energy 1099 ft/lbs
Cartridge Overall Length 2.2400"

[sqlbullet]

I am expecting 32 lbs of American Reloadings MP475 tomorrow.  I will be testing it out in 223.

Up to now I have loaded WC846, and have also done some limited work with CFE 223.

I also recently got about 500 pieces of 22-250 brass, so I make need to add a bolt gun for that round :-)

[Pctechdude]

Pctechdude, Very Nice!  I don't have the groundhogs where I'm at but I can see where they would be very destructive an fun to dispatch!
I've been rolling my 223's with Hodgdon's CFE223 with good results with my 1:7 twist barrel  have some 55 grain FMJ BT's loaded with IM3031that I need to test out.

Some 75 grain Hornady
CFE223 powder 24.6 grain
CCI400 SRP and Winchester SRP
Velocity    2750 fps 20" BBL - 2650 fps 16" BBL
Energy   1293 ft/lbs       - 1169 ft lbs
Cartridge Overall Length 2.2480"-2.2500"



55grain
IMR 3031 powder 24.2 grain
CCI400 SRP
Velocity  3000 fps 16" BBL
Energy 1099 ft/lbs
Cartridge Overall Length 2.2400"

I've been meaning to try some CFE223, but never have gotten around to it. I've always been stuck on 8208 and H335 for my 55gr plinking loads. I may have tro try some out if I can find it! They can be very destructive! We tend to walk around and find their holes, set up shop and watch them pop out and let loose.

[Pctechdude]

I am expecting 32 lbs of American Reloadings MP475 tomorrow.  I will be testing it out in 223.

Up to now I have loaded WC846, and have also done some limited work with CFE 223.

I also recently got about 500 pieces of 22-250 brass, so I make need to add a bolt gun for that round :-)

Sweet, I waited to long to replenish my supply unfortunately 

A good friend of mine bought a Thompson Center 22-250, and had one hell of a time with it. He tried almost every factory round out there and couldn't get decent groups. I had almost a full pound of varget and those 55 grain green tip v max's. Had it shooting sub inch groups fairly quick.