.223 bullets: Any frangible ratings?

[oncewaslost]

Has anyone ever seen a study or comparison of how frangible some of the popular varmint bullets are? After watching the YouTube video of the barnes varmint grenades, it would be interesting to see how different bullets would compare.

 

[GooseGestapo]

This is a tall order.

With the differences in muzzle velocity between different cartridges, there is some general correlation, but no "definitive equation".

The Sierra 40gr Hollow Point "varminter" is a good case in point. It is the best shooting bullet in my Ruger 77/22 KBZ in .22Hornet. At 3,000fps, I've taken a volumn of deer I won't mention as I been accused of lying, or "exageration" by one who challenged me,,,, once....(I used in while participation in a research project while working for the State....) It expands modestly, shoots rather flat, -by comparison to other "Hornet bullets". On the other hand, at 4,100fps from my .22-250, the bullet takes on an entirely different character. It "explodes" prararie dogs to excess of 400yds (where it has slowed down to "Hornet muzzle" levels). It is also rather accurate from the 1/14" twist of the .22-250. But, run it though a 1/7" twist AR-15, depending on the barrel, It may not even hit a 25yd target due to "vaporizing" in flight due to high rate of twist and 3,700fps muzzle velocities........

Ditto the .257wbyMag with the 100gr Hornady Soft Point Interlok. I've had this bullet drive completely through a 200+lb 10pt buck that I took at 270yds in 1983 from a custom-built .257Roberts at a muzzle velocity of 2,850fps. I broke both shoulders, busted the spine and exited with a 1" exit wound. Compare that to a 110lb doe I shot two days ago. Range was 90yds from the .257wbymag at a m/v of about 3,600fps (shoots like a laser beam to 400yds). Bullet didn't exit without hitting a rib on a lung/liver shot. Bullet was balled up under the hide on the far side. Weighs 64gr for 64% weight retention and looks like a Hornady advertisement from the '80's. But, the insides of the deer from the lungs to the large intestines was "mush". I field dressed the deer by hanging it from the gambrel. The insides just "ran out"......

To stay on topic, I've had the 55gr and 60gr Hornady .224" soft points peform similarily from .22Hornet vs. .223Rem. vs. .22-250.

Terms like "blitz" (Sierra), SX -(super explosive- Hornady), ect. will tip you off to a thin jacket and low tin core.

Terms such as "Trophy bonded bear-claw", or "Hammer Head" or A-frame, or "Bonded" or Partition construction will tip you off to a bullet than is "stoutly" constructed for limited expansion and deep penetration.

In other words..... It depends......!
(on muzzle velocity, barrel twist, and range to impact...)

 

[Doug b]

I'm working up loads now for the Barnes 36 grainers in a 22.250.Last batch of 5 loaded with 39.0 grains of RL-15 showed evidence of disintegration after going through the paper target and thin cardboard.This shot a .41" group at 100 yrds.They seem to be tightening up the group the faster I drive them.No signs of excess pressure yet.
Next batch of 5 is loaded at 39.5 gr. of RL-15.These are loaded using Hand loader magazines data with a start load of 36.5 grs. @4,054fps and a max. of40.5grns. @4'469fps with RL-15.
Hope this helps.

 

[oncewaslost]

I figured that there was no clear cut answer.

For the purpose of shooting skunks around farmyard barns, the idea of total expansion and disintegration is appealing. I already use the Calhoon school of thought, using blue dot loaded 40gr v-max .223 @ around 3000 fps, however I have never tried his double hollow point bullets. They claim a high incidence of total expansion. It would be nice to know what other options there are.

I think I will order some of the varmint grenades to test with blue dot.

 

[Doug b]

I've loaded .223 with the varmint grenade using benchmark but haven't shot them yet,just a little leary about using that fast of powder in a gas gun.
Why blue dot are you shooting these in a handgun or shotgun?

 

[oncewaslost]

I shoot a savage model 12 223 rifle.

I use to load everything with varget, but was fascinated by Calhoon's loads with blue dot. The idea of loading the equivalent of 22lr, 22wmrf, 22 hornet, 218 Bee or 223 (mission specific rounds, one gun) . Then I read the experiences of Seafire with 223 & blue dot. After I tried it I was hooked. For the past year, anything I use 50gr & under I use blue dot. 2400 - 3200 fps with reduced sound, recoil and barrel fowling AND cheaper.

It may not be for everyone.