55 grain Sierra Semi Point

[stokesrj]

(Cartridge) 223 Remington

(Brand of bullet) Sierra

(Weight of bullet) 55 grains

(Brand of brass) Lapua

(Type of powder) Vihtavuori N133

(Grains of powder) 25.8 grains

(Brand, and type of primer) CCI BR4

(COL) 2.260"

(CBTO) 1.934"

(FPS/MPS) 3156 FPS with an extreme spread of 12 FPS and standard deviation of 5.5 Feet Per Second
(Rifle) R8

(Barrel Length) 16.5" with 7" Ultra Beast Arms suppressor

(Scope) Swarovski Z8i SR 1.7-13.3X42

(Weather conditions & temp) 90 degrees F, 22% Relative Humidity, 29.95" HG and falling.

(Accuracy @ 100 yards/meters) consistently sub 1/2 MOA

(Notes) this load was developed specifically for coyotes, called in and ranges of 350 yards or less. The bullet shape of the Semi Point is not very aerodynamic and therefore sheds velocity relatively quickly. I choose it because of the reputation it has among serious predator hunters for excellent terminal effects and minimal pelt damage. This Semi Point #1350 is more consistently accurate in my rifle than any of the other 55 grain Sierra bullets, Spitzer, Spitzer Blitz, Boat Tail Hollow Point or Boat Tail Spitzer. The Speer 55 grain soft point seems to shoot the same as this bullet and can be substituted. I plan to also test the Hornady 55 grain Soft Point.

[Joe338ST]

That certainly looks "the load"

[9.3x64]

That’s a very useful load.

[Corjack]

When I was 19 I hade a mini 14 loaded the 63 grain SMP and the rifle loved them. Killed several deer with that combo. The Semi points are always easy to tune.

[stokesrj]

I have read from others that the Sierra 63 grain SMP is consistently accurate from a wide range of rifles. I have some and plan to test them eventually.

[John0313]

I'm sad to report that a recent search of the Sierra website appears to confirm that the 55 gr. SMP has been discontinued, and is no longer a part of their .224 lineup. The 63 grain SMP bullet is still listed - for now.

Like Bob, I'm finding that the "usual suspects" in bullets that shot extremely well in my .222s and .223 over the years shoot well enough for coyotes, but don't appear to be in the Blaser's "sweet spot".

[stokesrj]

I did get around to testing the 63 grain semi-point and it shoots just as well as the 55 grain version. But if you look around you can still find dealers with stocks of the 55 at least you could before this madness with Covid hit. Bruno’s in Phoenix had a large stock.