New .223 Handy

[kbstenberg]

Some time ago i had asked for help on using my Deer rifle (7mm Rem Mag) for coyotes. Lots of responses said to use a smaller caliber. So here i am asking for more help. I'm buying the components to start loading my Handy for paper punching an coyotes. What 3 types of powder would you recommend. An also what weight of bullets.
Almost all shots will be inside 200 yards. Coyotes are the primary target but Bobcats are also a possibility.
I haven't even determined what the twist of my gun is yet, or even if it has a long throat. I know its heresy but i only intend on using J-bullets for a while.
Kevin

[Heavy lead]

Well my favorite .223 round is 25.3 grains Reloder 10x, Federal 205Match primer, 40 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip.
I use Western TAC for heavier bullets, don't shoot many of the heavies though. I really, really like the 10x load out of my AR, CZ 527, and Savage 12. Yes they all have different twists, the AR 1/8, the CZ 1/12 and the Savage 1/9, this load shoots well in all of them, and chrono's +/- 3600 fps.

[leadman]

Had a heavy barrel Handi several years ago. Don't remember the twist but it was not a fast twist. 55gr. bullets were about the heaviest spiitzers that shot well. The Win 64gr. semi-pointed is a short bullet and shot well with H4895.
Chamber on mine was rough but the accuracy was good.

[NickSS]

I have a handy in 223 and my rifle has a 1 in 9 twist. For coyote hunting I would not go below a 55 gr bullet and pick a bullet that does not have a thin jacket otherwise you may get too much expansion and not get to the vitals on a shot that hits bone on the way in. I have done this myself with a hornady sX varmint bullet. Now for animals as large as coyote I use bullets suitable for larger game. One that I have had good luck with it the sierra gameking 55 gr slug. Powders that I have used for years in the 223 is H335, AA 2330 and win 748 all produce fine accuracy and good velocity.

[rhbrink]

You will have to work hard to find a powder that will not shoot well in a .223 without a little load develpement. For me the 55 Sierra SBT no. 1365 works great suppose to be a great deer bullet too, but I would not go there got bigger stuff for that. Varget works great for 55 grains on up and all the above work great for lighter bullets. Two favorites of mine are H335 and H4895.

[Shooter]

Get yourself a Lee loader. I use 21 Gr. IMR 4198 behind a Sierra 50 Gr. BT seated out to touch the rifling.

[GunnyJohn]

I use a 55grn sierra varmiter 25 grns AA2230 in my Handi. It's all I've ever loaded. Prints nice tight clover leafs at 100 yards. If it works don't mess with it. Had the rifle now for 4years. Won't part with it.

[1Shirt]

Have had good luck with both Varget and Ball-C in 223 with 50-55 gr. jacketed. Suggest starting with Lyman recommended starting loads, and work up to most accruate load. Good luck!
1Shirt!:coffee: