What in the estimable opinion of this forum are the least likely to ricochet bullets to be found in .224?

Something I just tried due to a possible ban on lead projectiles in one of the areas I hunt were bullets by SinterFire. They're compressed powdered metal bullets that fragment on impact and are supposed to be ricochet free (I believe it).

The 45 gr. ones shot well out of my .222 Remington with pretty minimal load development. I shot 2 coyotes and 1 bobcat with these and had dead critters with no exit wounds. A couple dozen ground squirrels exploded like normal too so I guess they work.

Cost is about $10 for 100 bullets, bout' the same as lead bullets.

Interesting link. I was thinking more along the lines of the standard over the counter bullets like the TNT, Vmax, Btip etc.

In standard bullets, I've never seen (or heard) the Vmax's ricochet in either the 223 or 22.250.

I have a strong like for Hornady's SPSXs for that feature.

I am surprised also on how accurate they are in all of my 22 caliber centerfires.

Do an explosive job on rats also.

cheers
seafire

To minimize ricochet potential, nothing in conventional bullets I have ever tried compares to the Hornady SX bullets. But be aware that 3400-3500 fps is about as fast as you can push them. The Sierra medium velocity Blitz bullets do quite well and would be my second recommendation.

I will also have to go with the frangible bullets that are made up of a compressed powdered metal. I found some that are 42 Gr at 3600 FPS and they are extremely deadly on varmints.

TC

Vmax, Blitz, SX, TNT, Blitz Kings, Calhoun DHP, all would be a minimum ricochet risk. Nosler BT's are one of the worst due to that solid base. BUT, all can so you need to know what is beyond your target.

I have used and liked the Hornady SX bullets myself. I think I'll push em fast as they wil go and still hold together out of my 22-250. I am having a hell of a coyote problem and plan to ambush em from the top of my house at night. The ground is soft and I will be shooting at a downward angle at no more than 60 yards so there will be no misses.

Watch the jacketed hollow points. They can hit at an angle particularly at long range and whine off every once in a while. I think the lead exposed tip on SX and Blitz bullets are the very best ricochet-free because of the thin jackets. Probably the plastic tip varmint bullets are next although their jacket is thicker than one would expect......

I would like to see a "track record" on these sintered bullets before I use them. Make sure they don't un-sinter while still in the barrel.....

BigRx

I've done LOTS of experiments with this since I hunt pastureland surrounded by homes, for the most part. Too, I download a bit using the fastest suitable powders to minimize noise as well.

I tried 'most everything and finally just bought a 17 Rem, which I load with 4227 and Hornady V-Max's.

In .223, the best I found was the 35 gr V-Max but even that still zinged off to parts unknown every once in a while.

YMMV, of course

Redial

I have had very good luck with the 50 grain Hornady V-max bullets.

I havn't woried about it lately as I don't shoot in an area where it's a concern, but when I did the Hornady SPSX worked very well. I tried them in a 14" Contender .223 Rem and a .22-250 with good results.

They came apart when exiting the barrel of my mini-14. I was told by Hornady that the faster twist, &/or rough bore possibly caused it as the velocity was moderate. I don't have a borescope so am not sure about "roughness" but it doesn't feel rough when push through it during cleaning. The AR-15's would also probably have an issue with these as well. Nate