Sierra .224 65 grain bullets

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 7:27 pm Post subject: Sierra .224 65 grain bullets

Has anyone here tried the Sierra .224" 65 grain Gameking in the .223? I'm investigating loads for an AR with a 1 in 8" twist.

slimjim · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 9:24 am Post subject: Re: Sierra .224 65 grain bullets

Pkslinger, I haven't tried that specific bullet. Typically, GKings don't expand that well in other calibers. What are you looking to use it for, type game and distance? What barrel length? Federal's 62gr MSR Fusion bullets are the king of controlled expansion in the .223 including range. Nosler's 64gr BPB is great in close but takes too much energy to open up to go the distance (couldn't make 200 yards and expand from a 24" barrel). I've tested all the monolithic bullets and they have reliable expansion. Twist rate can make a difference so its good you have 1:8. Then energy envelop of the .223 for expansion is pretty limited compared to other calibers which is why barrel length and range are a consideration.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 4:32 pm Post subject: Re: Sierra .224 65 grain bullets

Slim, I'm thinking more of a general purpose/defensive load. 16" barrel. That said it is possible that I'll try it on whitetails, probably 100 yards or less. Right now the longest possible shot where I'm hunting is a hair over 200 yards.

I've got some Winchester 64 grain Power-Points to try and will also try some Speer 70 grain semi-spitzers.

Talking to some guys locally they are of the opinion that the Sierras are sort of "soft". Of course I'm not sure which calibers they were shooting or distances.

slimjim · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:47 pm Post subject: Re: Sierra .224 65 grain bullets

Pkslinger, I haven't tested Winchester power-points or Speer in .223. I've tested 100gr PPs in .243 and their fragmention was excessive with limited penetration. Every Speer bullet I've tested in .277 has been exceptional in expansion. I don't know if this relates to .223. A 24" barrel typically has close to a 100 yard range advantage on a 16" barrel. Other than the 62gr MSR (made by Speer), I haven't seen a bullet in a 16" barrel expand much past 150 yards. They start to open then tumbler.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 9:40 pm Post subject: Re: Sierra .224 65 grain bullets

I found a box of the Sierras today locally ($22). If I ever have time to test some loads I'll share my findings.

Elvis · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 3:04 am Post subject: Re: Sierra .224 65 grain bullets

speer 50 grn hpfb expand great at .223 speeds and the 52grn hugehpfb kill well too.
word on the new gk with plastic tips is they have made cavity bigger to make them open quicker.
defensive load...not something we can consider over here but personally I would have thought something along lines of VMax or better still hornady 50 grn SPSX loaded to just over the 3000fps mark would be a go to. the spsx were simply outstanding for killing wallabies 10-40kgs as they caused massive amount of damage/bruising and penetration distance is similar to the "other"type......

if you can find yellow box Norinco 55grn fmj or the same projectiles in bulk grab as many as you can with both hands as it is really really really good in .223 as it tumbles reliably and kills as expected. that as factory load is simply honking along.

Azar · Member Joined: Jan 04, 2010 Posts: 275 Location: Utah

Pumpkinslinger,

Did you ever find a suitable load with that bullet? If so, care to share?

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

How on earth did I miss this thread... I am at work, I'll post a load later for this bullet... out of my Stag 6L I was getting .4" groups using the 65. Great bullet, really happy with it.

-DallanC

Azar · Member Joined: Jan 04, 2010 Posts: 275 Location: Utah

That would be much appreciated Dallan. It wasn't in stock last week when I swung by Sportsmans but I did pick up the Sierra 55g GamkeKing HP.

Ever give that one a try?

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

For 55gr I typically buy Hornady SP's in the 1000 round bulk packs. They shoot pretty good.

I have shot ALOT of sierra 55gr out of my 22-250, even killed a few deer with it. It goes off like a bomb inside a deer. Never seen one get away. Its all my dad ever hunted deer with.

-DallanC

Elvis · Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 7:48 pm Post subject: Re: Sierra .224 65 grain bullets

one of the yearling stags the other night got a labotamy via speer 55grn soft point...... still havent found a speer pill I dont like Very Happy

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

65gr bullet: is 25gr of Varget in pmc brass

55gr bullet: is 25.5 gr of h335 in LC brass

-DallanC

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 8:17 pm Post subject: Re: Sierra .224 65 grain bullets

Thanks Dallan! I haven't even had time to open the box of bullets yet... I plan to take some vacation around Christmas so maybe I can get something done.

Aloysius · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 6:05 am Post subject: Re: Sierra .224 65 grain bullets

I was hesitating to comment on this, because I don't have a .223, nor do I use Sierra's 65 gr Gameking... for me, my .222 Rem uses their 45 gr Hornet bullet and/or (for roedeer) their 63 grs semipointed.
And me and my Sabatti just love both bullets. Luckely we got some stock on the 63 grs SMP as Sierra seemed to have stopped this program.
And try it before deciding, sure on the 63 grs SMP. My Sabatti loves them, the Baikal and the locally produced varminter on a Mauser action don't like the 63 grs, their sweet feelings stop at 52-55 grs.

Conclusion: when you still see some Sierra's 63 grs SMP in stock somewhere, take a box and try. I have great confidence they will also work in your .223 Rem.

dhc4ever · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 1:44 pm Post subject: Re: Sierra .224 65 grain bullets

The 55grn gamekings need better than a 1:12 twist in the rifling.
I have about 450 left in the box.
If your rifle has a 1:14 twist like my old .222 788 rem, they make a loverly keyhole at any speed you can drive them.
Sierras latest reloading manual has a note about twist rate.
I dont think you'll have an issue Pumpkin.

Aloys,
Whats the twist in your Sabitti?