What's the best factory load for wolf with a .223

[Inukshuk]

using a 1:9- & 1:8 twist in .223. The best I've found for hunting wolf was the 55 gr Ballistic Tip. Can't seem to find this in a heavier bullet. Are there any better options out there?
Oh forgot to mention that we want to keep the fur.

[Catfish]

I`ve never shot a wolf but would guess that a 69 gn. hp might be better. It would give you better penitration. I use 55 gn. soft points on coyote with my AR and they leave some 3 to 4 in holes when when shot through the chest but from any other angle they usually do not exit. These should be pretty close to what your shooting now, and with the size of the wolf I`m thinking these bullets would be to lite.

[lovdasnow]

i shoot 50 grainers btips and vmax at coyotes, but they sometimes leaves some big holes. not sure if they would make it through a wolf, so it might be better.

post pics of the wolves, love to see those things.................................dead.

[CatShooter]

I think the .223 is a bit "light in the loafers" for wolves, but Black Hills makes a load with Nosler 60gr Partition bullets that will get down inside them wolves, and won't blow up on the surface like a V-Max will.


.

[roninflag]

according to the new nosler manual the highest veloctiy for a 60 grain partition is with a LOT of benchmark or a LOT of h-4895. i would use a magnum small rifle primer . i have shot a lot of coyotes mostly with a .243. wolves are WAY bigger than a coyote. it is a dream of mine to call in and shoot a wolf. i would not take a .243 to shoot a wolf. i would use something bigger like a 6.5-284. i know a .243 would probably do it. because of the distance and expense of the trip i would not chance it. if you have good results with a 223 i would love to hear about it. roninflag

[Wildman]

If all you have is a 223 then go with heavier thicker jacketed bullets. I had problems with my 223 and 50 vmax on yotes I with to a 243 AI.

[screech]

I hate to say it but I have seen coyotes take a 7mmstw in the chest and run 50yrds before giving up the ghost. I have also shot numerus coyotes with 50gr. btips and watched them run away. Along with an 87gr. vmax out of a 243. Then I will say I was amazed when I curled a coyote up on a beach with a 40gr. vmax out of a 223. I think it mostly depends on the dog and how tuff he is. When I hunt the lowlands for coyotes I havent hardly had one run away then when I hunt them @4000ft and in 3ft of snow I have seen them take some major hits with everthing and watched them cover some serios ground.

I would try the 60gr. partition out of it and give it a try but then again that is just my expierence of coyotes.