Posted: 10/7/2008 12:29:43 PM EDT
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I've been killing groundhogs for about 5 years now, ussually go about 20 weekends a year, and probably average 6 chucks a weekend, this weekend i got 9. have always used 223, or every now and then something alot bigger to make them explode, or sometimes 22LR if i dont have any 223 ammo. most of my 223's ive been hunting with were fast twist AR's, so ive been using 60GR Vmax, 69SMK, 75MHP ect. factory loads, and have even tried 55VMAX through the 223 bolt gun i had. i NEVER get exit wounds though with 223. i see all the time people posting up pics on various forums, where they jsut tear the groundhog open with a 223, but i can make it happen. the Vmax's do a number on squirrells, and rabbits, but never exit a chuck. what do i need to do to make these bastards explode? im going to ditch the fast twist AR's and get a lighter varmint bolt rifle, but before i do, if i need to change the caliber i will. i would prefer to stick to 223 though, if i dont feel liek reloading, theres tons of good factory ammo that isnt too expensive (yet, knock on wood). i had a R700 LVSF in 223, but never shot anything but the winchester 45gr JHP, because it shot 3/4MOA all day long, and there was no way i could reload for that price. but once again, no exit. im thinking try a 223LVSF again, and some 40, or 50GR VMAX, i know its higher velocity, but since the bullet is lighter than the 60 im using now, even with the velocity, will it just blow apart just as fast? |
| Go with the lighter rounds, with a VMAX bullet or something similar. You need a round that tears apart at high speeds for those great "explosive" kills. Also may want to try a .22-250, which shoots nice and flat and is know for it's knockdown power. The fast twist of your ARs isn't the problem, though - it's the velocity that can turn 1 woodchuck into 2. |
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ive tried 50, and 55GR Vmax too though through a bolt gun, and even as close as 50 yards never had one open up, or get a exit. only thing ive ever had exit was M855, even M193, and other 55GR FMJ stays inside. was poking around at dicks tonight, and after hearing alot of good about 55GR SP on ghogs, i picked up 40 rounds of ultramax 55gr SP, 20 of remmy 55 SP, and 20 rounds of winny. if any of them open a chuck up, then ill buy some 55GR SP bullets, work up a good load, and load a few hundred rounds. |
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