.223 with 60 Gr Rhino bullet on Impala or bigger?

[Hunting Sailor]

In regards to the legal side of the question above there is a newer Government Gazette issued in 2011 that refers to the bullet weight rather than the caliber.

In the Eastern Cape the Ordinance is from 1974 which is also somewhat different. I know the OP is from up north, but I don't have the Ordinance for MP, just wanted to show that the rules may be somewhat unclear.
There may have been later issued Gazettes and Ordinances, but I haven't seen them.

Of course these are for open land and not under fence (CAE) where the rules are somewhat different again.

 

[DLRX]

Shootist43.
I am running 60 gr Rhino 25.8gr CFE 223. 20" 1:9. COL= 54.5mm (1.5 mm from lands)
Rifle fitted on a modified stock - the length of pull can be adjusted and currently set at 11"
2.5 Lb trigger break. Silencer fitted -adding about 37 ft/s.
I would like to see what Quickload say...are we close to a node?

 

[DLRX]

 

[Eric Anderson]

DLRX, I'm having trouble deciding if you are being cute, or just stirring the pot? While I'll admit that a 223 pushing a 60 gr. pill is an excellent varmint cartridge, its' recommended use stops there. At least in my book. Culling via head and or brain shots might be a different story.

I can assure you that combo is fine for humans fired out of a 20” barrel.
I don’t see why it would fail on a 80 lb impala.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I believe the Marine Corps uses the 62 grain trophy bonded bear claw, at least I’ve read that more than one place. As Eric said all out of 20 and 14.5 inch barrels.

 

[Shootist43]

I ran your load as indicated. Expected velocity at the muzzle is 2796 FPS Energy is 1042 Ft. lbs.

Just for giggles the Swede my grandson is using has 2127 Ft. Lbs. of energy. Not quite, but almost double the energy of your load.

 

[DLRX]

DLRX, I have QuickLoad on my computer. It has Rhino Bullets in its' index as well as Somchem and most other powders. If you will give the loads and barrel length of the rifle I'll run them through the program just to see what velocities and foot lbs. of energy you are getting.

I ran your load as indicated. Expected velocity at the muzzle is 2796 FPS Energy is 1042 Ft. lbs.

Just for giggles the Swede my grandson is using has 2127 Ft. Lbs. of energy. Not quite, but almost double the energy of your load.

Crony average was 2836 fps.
Quite different onions, yet I know the combination work. I do appreciate all the comments and recommendations.
She is comfortable and not recoil shy, next season we will step it up to another calibre. I would need ample time to accustom to a heavier calibre/ load.

 

[Nyati]

I have used a .22-250 to hunt several animals up to a Tsessebe.

With a double lung shot, they just dropped on their tracks.

 

[Shootist43]

I was unaware that a "can" could actually increase velocity. If you add the 37 FPS to the QL numbers you are right on your chronographed velocity. BTW there is no doubt that your little girl is a shooter. Keep her at it, she could become a future high-power champion!!

 

[Shootist43]

Several references have been made to their successful use of a 22-250. A QuikLoad estimate showed that caliber as having 65-70% more energy than the subject 223 load.