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223 for deer
rong
Member Posts: 8,459
Do any of you folks,use a 223 for deer
and what bullet do you use?
Thanks Ron
and what bullet do you use?
Thanks Ron
Comments
I used handloads. In the 223 I used a 60gr Hornaday SP flat base bullet. This was years ago so I would assume you could find a really good bullet that is accurate for your rifle.
My rifle was a 788 and I think the twist is 1:14 so bullet length for me was crucial.
If i were you I would get as heavy as possible and as close as possible. I just think its a mite underpowered for the biggun im after..
As for head shots... I saw a deer that had its jaw blown off and had to cull it after seeing it for two times. It was horrible. Even if you use the 223 still go for lung/ center mass. There is alot of energy in that fast round, impart it into the deer. you owe them that at least. the head and neck is too chancy.
I can't imagine that it wouldn't have killed a deer.
I used a 60 gr nossler partition to kill a small boar.
I can't imagine that it wouldn't have killed a deer.
I have used the 60gr Partition in my 22-250 at @3360fps. Lung shot at about 80 yards destroyed the heart and lungs. The deer dropped at the shot.
I also used the 65gr SGK in my AR @2750 fps. The shot was at less than 25 yards. It went through both lungs and blew up on the opposite shoulder. I only found copper....no lead core, and the off shoulder was ruined.[:(] My fault though. I should have waited for him to turn more. The deer only made it 25-30 yards after the shot.
A lung shot with a .223 is more ethical than a gutshot with a 7mm Magnum.
I have used a 45 grain Barnes TSX for hog and deer out of my .22-250 with great results.
Jon
Sounds like with a good scope and gun coupled with a good shooter its possible.
if that's what you have to hunt with ( 223) shot placement would seem to the key
Yes, usually a PMC full metal jacket to the head. Don't even remember the last time I bothered with a heart/lung shot with a deer. Head shots are best since I don't usually eat the head. [:)]
[:0][:D][:D]
My thoughts are this. While the energy of the round is sufficient, I think, bullet selection is key. You use a light, thin bullet made for varmints, hit a rib, the bullet probably just cracks the rib and makes a nasty wound without getting to the heart or lungs. OTOH, you use a bullet that will hold together, odds are good it just zips through the heart/lungs leaving a very small wound channel.
I once shot a deer with a .45 inline using .40 saboted Hornady XTP 200 gr hollow points. Because I figured, hey, these are made for defense, and I'm pushing them faster than any Glock does, expansion won't be a problem, right? Wrong. Zipped in one side and out the other, leaving a small exit wound. As I did hit the lungs, the deer didn't go far with a .40 hole through it's lungs, but even so. Just goes to show that not all bullets expand like they should.
When you're playing with a light bullet that's even more of an issue.
I wouldn't use one personally. I want to know when I shoot a deer that if the bullet doesn't expand like it should, or over expands, that it has enough mass and surface area to still do the job.
Not legal in Ohio.
My thoughts are this. While the energy of the round is sufficient, I think, bullet selection is key. You use a light, thin bullet made for varmints, hit a rib, the bullet probably just cracks the rib and makes a nasty wound without getting to the heart or lungs. OTOH, you use a bullet that will hold together, odds are good it just zips through the heart/lungs leaving a very small wound channel.
I once shot a deer with a .45 inline using .40 saboted Hornady XTP 200 gr hollow points. Because I figured, hey, these are made for defense, and I'm pushing them faster than any Glock does, expansion won't be a problem, right? Wrong. Zipped in one side and out the other, leaving a small exit wound. As I did hit the lungs, the deer didn't go far with a .40 hole through it's lungs, but even so. Just goes to show that not all bullets expand like they should.
When you're playing with a light bullet that's even more of an issue.
I wouldn't use one personally. I want to know when I shoot a deer that if the bullet doesn't expand like it should, or over expands, that it has enough mass and surface area to still do the job.
I favor the Nosler Partition for the very reasons you state.
They make a mess out of the heart/lungs.
i once used a .222 Rem. 52 Gr. H.P., one good head shot and down they went.
all my FIL uses in WV neck or head and its over
W.D.
Unless one has shot a bunch of deer with a .222 (or .223), you just don't understand. They reliably drop deer as fast or faster than any other calibers. Better than some, actually.
I've lung shot lots of deer with my .280. Some fall right there, some run a few yards. Depends on the deer. Same for a .222. Some fall right down, some run a few yards. Depends on the deer.
So, my .280 is not a good deer rifle, either?
Trinity +++
It's OK if you're simply too wimpy to use a REAL gun. I've seen the good and the bad and that's still my opinion.
Well, I disagree. And rather that return an insult about lack of skill, I'll just say that I have seen far more gut shot and leg missing deer tracked for miles from big men with heavy rifles.[;)]