Need some bullet advice please

[gamestalker]

I'm needing some advice for a good bullet for two different chamberings, one is for 22-250 and the other .243 win.. Both need to be something that will do minimal damage to varmint coats, coyote, bob cat size, and be effective out to very long distances.

For the .243 win we just finished testing the 87 gr. V-Max running with a stout charge of IMR-4831 and although accuracy has been stellar, damage to the hide is not acceptable.

I haven't yet started on the 22-250, I need some suggestions regarding bullet choice that will do well for that one as well at long range, and that will not blow large hole in the hides.

This is not an area of expertise for me, as I have always enjoyed blowing coyotes and such to pieces, not so for my Son and his hide harvesting gang.

GS

 

[me26245]

Sierra

You might try the Sierra 243 dia. (6mm) 85 gr. HPBT Gameking for the .243.

They also have their Matchking line of projectiles which I've used to take Coyotes with although they are made more for target shooting.

https://www.sierrabullets.com/

 

[Longhorn 76]

Your two options are to shoot really light bullets really fast, and hope they don't exit, or use fmj and go right through them (needs a good backstop). Or, shoot them in the head.

 

[cfullgraf]

I would guess you want something that will not expand. Sierra Matchkings or other match bullets might be a good choice.

If your twist is fast enough, there are many 69-80 grain 22 caliber bullets that would expand little or not at all.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Unfortunately most current hunting bullets will damage the pelts.

You might give a Sierra MatchKing bullet a try or think 2 words, "Head Shot" which of course is much easier said than done. Try the MatchKing bullets.

 

[gibble888]

58 grain vmax...got a fox with one at 70 yards and that bullet was not going to exit.

 

[gamestalker]

Since I'm not a pelt guy as I stated, I simply enjoy calling them in and shooting them with the most explosive loads I can, but these aren't for my purpose.

But Ok, 58 gr. V-max sounds like it's worth a try, for the .243 win, but head shots aren't much of an option, many of these pelt kills are commonly taken from very long distances.

What about the 22-250? Same thing, go with a lighter HP and see if they will produce fewer pass throughs?

What about the Speer TNT's? Do you think they might be worth a try as well for either of those chamberings? Sorry, but this is new territory for me.

GS

 

[243winxb]

Quote from Midwayusa 243 fmjbt

Sierra has a 243 90gr fmjbt listed. Sierra #: 1535 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/151716/sierra-gameking-bullets-243-caliber-6mm-243-diameter-90-grain-full-metal-jacket-boat-tail-box-of-100

The 90 Grain Full Metal Jacket GameKing is the perfect 6mm bullet for varmint hunting when preserving valuable pelts is crucial. This bullet may be loaded in many 6mm cartridges as long as they are kept to medium velocities.

I have never used it.

 

[witchhunter]

GS, I use a Speer 52 Hollow Point in my .22/250. The one that can double as a cereal bowl. It will not make an exit hole. But, like any fast expanding bullet, if you hit one on the corners it will make a mess. I used a Sierra 50 spitzer for a long time too in my .220 Swift. The Speer is the hammer though. I am working on a .243 load now with a Hornady 58 Vmax, but I am afraid it might leave a wet spot.

 

[blarby]

FMJ all the way.

About the smallest hole you are going to get, outside of a headshot.

 

[gamestalker]

Great suggestions, I really appreciate the help.

I haven't worked with FMJ's, so I'm not sure if they will be accurate enough for long distance shots, but I'll do some more research on this, as that was one of my first thoughts as well. I also need to research if it's legal to shoot varmints with them FMJ's, if so, this might be the direction to go in.

Witchhunter, I'll check out those cereal bowel Speer 52's, as well as the other two you mentioned, 56's, and 58 V-max.

Thanks again everyone for your advice!

GS

 

[KansasSasquatch]

Barnes Varmint Grenades.

 

[witchhunter]

GS, when you open the box of Speer 52's you will know what I am talking about. Huge hollow point! I have had good luck with em though. I am going to PM you with some more info.

 

[gamestalker]

Well, FMJ's are now off the table, as it's not legal to use them for any hunting in Az.. But I like some of those other bullet ideas.

Thanks again.

GS

 

[Grumulkin]

For the 22-250, I would recommend Speer 70 grain Semi Spitzers. They have been deadly on everything I've shot with them including a deer with a 22-250 at 360 yards. Accuracy for me has been good.

As for the 243, I would go with a match bullet or, failing that, with the heaviest bullet your gun will shoot. I use 87 grain Hornady A-Max bullets in mine and you would not like the hole they make.

 

[Bbear]

Just wondering how something like an Accubond or Partition would work? Seems they should pass through with less damage.

 

[MtnCreek]

For the 22-250, I would recommend Speer 70 grain Semi Spitzers.

They shoot well for me through a .223rem and hold together at those velocities. At 70 gr, they may be a little on the heavy side for most 22-250's, but they're pretty short for their weight, so it may do fine.

Also, look into the FMJ's a little more. It may be that FMJ is not legal for game animals, but your state may not consider yotes as game.

 

[gamestalker]

Bbear, i was actually thinking the same thing about those Accubonds, Partitions, as well as other high integrity projectiles that are intended for larger game, maybe?

Great suggestion guys, I now have multiple ideas to work with.
Thanks!

GS

 

[kerreckt]

I used the most accurate load for the rifle I was shooting. I then took head shots. This was in both .223 and .243. For the .223 it was 40gr. Nosler Varmageddon and for the .243 it was 70gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips. Probably not what you had in mind but it worked for me.