What is considered Varmit, Military and Heavy Bullets in 223 Rem and 308 Win?

[Rule3]

Hodgdon online data lists on these pages suggested powders for the various loads of "Varmint, Military and Heavy" However they do not break down the bullet weights so what are the approximate weights of each category??

When does a varmint weight bullet cross over into Military 55 grains??

What is 168 gr in the 308 Win? "heavy" ?? and so on

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-education/reloading-beginners/reloading-308-winchester

 

[SARuger]

I use a 75g AMax in my .223 bolt gun. I consider that to be a "heavy" bullet for that caliber. I use BL-C2.

 

[Grumulkin]

The military is easy; that would be a full metal jacket bullet though Sierra MatchKings have been and probably still are used for snipers. Military bullets are not designed to expand.

Varmint bullets are designed to expand and have lighter jackets to allow more profound and rapid expansion. They also are at the lighter end of the spectrum for each caliber so they can be driven faster.

For the 223 Remington I'd consider 60 grains and above to be moveing into the heavy category. For the 308 Winchester and, in fact, other .308 caliber rifles, I'd consider any bullet above 168 grains to be moving into the heavy category.

Now what many don't seem to understand is that heavy bullets will kill a varmint. You might be shocked to learn that I've used 70 grain bullets to kill varmints with my 222 Remington and 200 grain bullets to kill them with my 300 Win. Mag. My 204 Ruger varmint load uses 45 grain bullets which is about the heaviest you'll get for that cartridge.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I really don't think there is set weight for each application, more like what's common.

I like a bullet between 50gr and 60gr in the 223 for varmints because of the good mix of velocity and mass if the bullet. The military went to a 62gr bullet for more mass and energy on target so I'm guessing what makes a good military bullet will make a good varmint bullet. Well, all except for the FMJ vs tipped it HP bullet.

I don't do much with the .308 but I do shoot a lot of 30-06. I'm no fan of the 150gr bullet. For hunting I do like a 165/168gr bullet and for distances I like a 175gr bullet.

I'm not sure I answered your question, sorry.

 

[WelshShooter]

It looks like Hodgdon have stated that for the users purpose. For example, if you wanted to source loading data for hunting purposes then you know straight away that this is a good source of data.

In terms of classifying projectile mass, it's best to look at the loading data range for this. For .223, bullet weights go anywhere from 45gr to 90gr. You'll find a lot of varmint bullets are in the <50gr region. Milsurp is 62gr jacketed projectile, and match/heavy bullets will be >70gr in mass, mostly for increased ballistic coefficient so that they're less effected by wind etc.

With .308, the mass range is very versatile, with projectile masses going from 110gr all the way up to +200gr. For target shooting the 155gr or 168gr projectile is the most common.

Another thing to bear in mind is bullet type. You can get jacketed bullets, lead moulded bullets, expanding bullets, tipped jacketed rounds and so on and these can be grouped into military/target and varmint categories too. You wouldn't use expanding bullets for target shooting just the same as you wouldn't use FMJ bullets for hunting deer.

Hope this helps a bit!

 

[GooseGestapo]

I consider lighter than 55gr to be "varmint" class for the .223.
68gr and heavier as "HEAVY".
Military will be 55gr and 62gr FMJ. The 77gr OTM military load is a late comer, therefore the exception.

 

[Rule3]

Thanks for the replies I was "assuming" the same weights as mention but it would be nice if Hodgdon had clarified at least a approximate range.

 

[jmr40]

I consider 150-180 gr loads in a 308 to be "normal". Get above 180 or below 150 and you are shooting either heavies or lightweights. That is my feelings, never seen anything in print defining that.

With 223 I'd call anything 55-70 gr "normal". Below 55 and above 70 I'd consider lightweights and heavies.

 

[Rule3]

I consider 150-180 gr loads in a 308 to be "normal". Get above 180 or below 150 and you are shooting either heavies or lightweights. That is my feelings, never seen anything in print defining that.

With 223 I'd call anything 55-70 gr "normal". Below 55 and above 70 I'd consider lightweights and heavies.

Thanks, I concur with that

 

[Silent Sam]

Depends on more than just weight. You have to consider construction also. I consider all 223 bullets varmint bullets so I can't help you much there. Basic cup & core bullets in 308 150gr is normally the low end for game and anything lighter would normally be for varmints. There are 308 bullets in the 130gr range that are designed for medium game. Check with the manufacturer of the bullets you want to use.