I did control work in the 70's and 80's with Herters 50gr soft points. My go to load now in the 223 is 50gr NBT'S over old school 3031 and never had any problems. Most of my other 224s get 52gr Speer FB HP's again a solid performer. For a number of years I ran 40gr NBT'S in a hot stepping 22-204 for winter pelt hunting and again a great performer. I was never impressed by the lighter Vmax and never found a need for heavies.