Top .223 Bullets for semi-bulk reloading for hunting rifle/practice

[philcox]

I live in a commie state, getting ammo is atrocious, so I reload. Nice part is that I don't shoot in volumes like @Formidilosus , but I do need a few hundred every month or two. With that, I am trying to "stock up" for my .223 "practice rifle" (yep, I hunt with it too). I am currently trying to decide on a "practice bullet" that I can shoot that will give me similar performance as my hunting bullets. I hunt with either a 79 DRT (Cali) or 77 TMK (freelands). I can always jsut get the 77 TMK's ($190 for 500), but wondered if I could save $50 a "box" by going with the 75 Hornady BTHP ($150 for 600) or the 75 ELDM ($150 for 500).

Would the ELDM give me what I need, or it is just better to buy the TMK and shoot the actual load I hunt with? Any experience with the BTHP?

 

[coya]

My 73 eldm, 77 tmk & 55 blitz loads share a zero. Makes it super easy to plug & play as needed

 

[Truck24hr]

I don't reload practice ammo. Can you not buy the PSA 75gr Sabre Black Tip? I'll even use that to hunt with at times, and it's often 50 to 60 cents per round.

I only load the 77 TMK, but they're all pretty much 1/2" of POA. Velocity is obviously different though.

 

[Browninglover1]

75 ELDM is a killer bullet in a 223. I've had multiple rock chuck kills over 1000 yards with it and a prairie dog kill over 1k as well.

The 75 ELDM has literally left me wanting for nothing. Originally I felt I was compromising but not running an 80+ grain bullet, now it's my favorite rifle to shoot and have no desire to change bullets as terminal performance and long range performance have been wonderful.

 

[philcox]

I don't reload practice ammo. Can you not buy the PSA 75gr Sabre Black Tip? I'll even use that to hunt with at times, and it's often 50 to 60 cents per round.

I only load the 77 TMK, but they're all pretty much 1/2" of POA. Velocity is obviously different though.

I can, but in Cali now needs to go to FFL, and then add the 11% up charge. I am waiting for Chief Justice Rogers to use the "Times have changed, but the Constitution has not." argument for 2A cases before them (no, I am not holding my breath).

 

[philcox]

To throw a wrench, wondering if folks like the Aeromatch line? I can get the 75 ELDM for same price as Aeromatch, but have heard that it can be kind of finicky when loading. Folks have that experience?

 

[Castle Rock]

Don’t overlook the plain old 55 grain Sierra btsp, they are really cheap, accurate and work well on medium game

 

[mtnbound]

I live in a commie state, getting ammo is atrocious, so I reload. Nice part is that I don't shoot in volumes like @Formidilosus , but I do need a few hundred every month or two. With that, I am trying to "stock up" for my .223 "practice rifle" (yep, I hunt with it too). I am currently trying to decide on a "practice bullet" that I can shoot that will give me similar performance as my hunting bullets. I hunt with either a 79 DRT (Cali) or 77 TMK (freelands). I can always jsut get the 77 TMK's ($190 for 500), but wondered if I could save $50 a "box" by going with the 75 Hornady BTHP ($150 for 600) or the 75 ELDM ($150 for 500).

Would the ELDM give me what I need, or it is just better to buy the TMK and shoot the actual load I hunt with? Any experience with the BTHP?

I use Hornady 75gr BTHP and they have been easy to get a load developed and fly great.

 

[philcox]

I am looking for something that shoots relitively similar to my hunting loads (practice reading wind, quick drop, etc.). hence trying to stay somewhat similar weight/BC

 

[ztc92]

I’ve loaded a few thousand practice rounds of midways factory second 77g OTM/SMK. They share a zero with my 77g TMK loads. I think that bullet was $0.10/bullet last time I stocked up. I use Lever, Tac and most recently CFE-223 to keep it affordable. Brass is just range pick up or once fired AAC or ADI. Hard to beat for the price if you’re willing to reload it.

 

[philcox]

I’ve loaded a few thousand practice rounds of midways factory second 77g OTM/SMK. They share a zero with my 77g TMK loads. I think that bullet was $0.10/bullet last time I stocked up. I use Lever, Tac and most recently CFE-223 to keep it affordable. Brass is just range pick up or once fired AAC or ADI. Hard to beat for the price if you’re willing to reload it.

Thx. Currently sits a .26/bullet, so not really that ideal. I'll keep my eyes peeled.

 

[SouthPaw]

I'm in the same situation as you and I load the 73eldm and 77tmk for practice. The nice thing with the 77tmk is it shoots the same speed and the same BC as the 79drt in my gun, so the practice load and hunting load have identical dope. The zero difference is 2 clicks. Makes it super easy back and forth.

 

[philcox]

I'm in the same situation as you and I load the 73eldm and 77tmk for practice. The nice thing with the 77tmk is it shoots the same speed and the same BC as the 79drt in my gun, so the practice load and hunting load have identical dope. The zero difference is 2 clicks. Makes it super easy back and forth.

Same load? Varget and CCI 450? ... I have XBR and 450 for my TMK and DRT. I need to get another jug of powder for my practice rounds.

 

[SouthPaw]

Same load? Varget and CCI 450? ... I have XBR and 450 for my TMK and DRT. I need to get another jug of powder for my practice rounds.

Yes, Lapua/cci450/23gr XBR for both.

 

[coyotekilla]

The bulk pack 55gr hornady sp. Flies sub 1/2 moa for 10 cents each

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Berry's 55 gr from Scheels. $65 per 500. I have loaded and shot several thousand now. And the plastic boxes they come in are bomb proof. One time I ordered 1000 SP's (I think) and they sent me FMJ's. I called and they sent me the SP's and said I could just keep the FMJs. I want to move somewhere that has a Scheels.

 

[Axlrod]

Raven Rocks has 75,77,80,88 grain bullets for .18 to .20 cents a bullet.

Rifle Bullet Selection for Reloading | All Calibers In Stock | Raven Rocks Precision

Find the right rifle bullet for your reloading setup at Raven Rocks Precision. Shop a wide range of calibers, weights, and profiles from premium manufacturers. Ready to ship fast.

ravenrocksprecision.com

 

[mtnbound]

To throw a wrench, wondering if folks like the Aeromatch line? I can get the 75 ELDM for same price as Aeromatch, but have heard that it can be kind of finicky when loading. Folks have that experience?

The Aeromatchs are not finicky. I have also used them.

 

[philcox]

I have decided to go with the 77 Aeromatch, running same load as my TMK. With my BassPro militrary discount, BP Membership, and ActiveJunky, I get 24% off of the price on Mondays! Bummed they don't have XBR ...

 

[coya]

Bummed they quit stocking 77tmk's too. At least they still keep TAC in store