Lots of folks using Berger, Barnes etc.

.224 52's are running about ...

Barnes - 40 cents a piece

Berger - 19 cents a piece

Sierra (MatchKings) - 10 cents a piece

Substantial cost difference.

I can understand why the "custom" pills are more expensive, but do they really group and perform better than run-of-the-mill factory offerings by Sierra - Hornady - Nosler etc. ?

I can also understand Low and High volume shooting being an important determiner ...

** 100's a day in the Pdog plains -

** 20 - 30 a week at the Range -

** 5 a week in the bean fields popping Groundhogs.

After reading responses from 3 shooting boards on this ... common sense is telling me to find a very accurate and consistent load using say ... Sierra MatchKings --- and then possibly springing for a box or two of Customs ...

Berger - Barnes - Fowler - Getner

... and seeing how they shoot in my rifle.

TIA

TBC

[ 07-28-2003, 08:07: Message edited by: The Birth Controller ]

In my 222's and 223 I use Rem 50gr HP's ($.06 ea in bulk). With the right load they will shoot under a half inch all day long, providing both the rifle and triggerman are capable of it.

Sierra match kings have shown me that excluding operator error,..they are capable of 1/2" groups at 300yds in my 300RUM,..yep you read it right.

I have some cartaruccios, and will be trying some bergers also,....but for the price,...SMK's are the real deal. my .02

I would use custom bullets to rule out bullet problems as a reason why your rifle won't shoot! Seriously, there are so many variables that before you give up on a gun, or even early on, I would recommend using custom, or at least match grade bullets known or designed for the rifle you are shooting. Once you know you have an acceptable shooter, then work up a suitable hunting, target or plinking load.
Peter.

I shoot the "custom" bullets when I hunt, and have good solid loads that I can depend on. I still experiment with premium bullets some but not as much as with cheaper bullets. When I shoot for practice I shoot the cheapest thing that shoots well. Nosler ballistic tip shoots very well for me and at the price they were at the place that was sellng seconds they were a bargan.

And to be fair to Barnes Bullets ...

They have a very wide range of prices on their many offerings - The following is from MidSouth Shooter's Supply ...

RELOADING / JACKETED RIFLE / .224 DIA / BARNES

BARNES BULLETS 22CAL .224 DIA 40GR VARMINATOR HOLLOW POINT (100/BX)
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22429 In Stock
$8.10

BARNES BULLETS 22CAL .224 DIA 50GR VARMINATOR HOLLOW POINT (100/BX)
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22439 In Stock
$8.10

BARNES BULLETS 22CAL .224 DIA 40GR BURNER VARMINT VLC HOLLOW POINT (100/BX)
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22449 In Stock
$12.28

BARNES BULLETS 22 CAL .224 DIA 50GR X-BULLET X-SPITZER 50 CT
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22450 In Stock
$16.59

BARNES BULLETS 22 HORNET .224 DIA. 45GR XLC XBT-BOATTAIL 50 CT
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22452 In Stock
$19.98

BARNES BULLETS 22 CAL .224 DIA. 53GR X-BULLET X-SPITZER 50 CT
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22453 In Stock
$16.59

BARNES BULLETS 22 CAL .224 DIA. 50GR XLC X-SPITZER 50 CT
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22454 In Stock
$19.98

BARNES BULLETS 22 CAL .224 DIA 53GR XLC X-SPITZER 50 CT
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22455 On Order
$19.98

BARNES BULLETS 22CAL. .224 DIA. 50GR BARNES BURNER VLC HOLLOW POINT 100/BOX
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22459 In Stock
$12.28

BARNES BULLETS 22CAL. .224 DIA. 40GR VARMINATOR HOLLOW POINT BX 250
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22480 Low Stock
$18.64

BARNES BULLETS 22CAL. .224 DIA. 50GR VARMINATOR HOLLOW POINT BX 250
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22481 In Stock
$18.64

BARNES BULLETS 22CAL. .224 DIA. 40GR BARNES BURNER VLC HOLLOW POINT 250 BOX
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22490 In Stock
$28.65

BARNES BULLETS 22CAL .224 DIA. 50GR BARNES BURNER VLC HOLLOW POINT BX 250
Order No: Status: Price:
035-22491 In Stock
$28.65