Thread: .223 for the Roar

For every single story of a stag absorbing 10lb of big caliber lead and copper there will be 20 stories about a .222 or .223 knocking one over with a single well placed shot. The exception is the former, not the latter.

@JohnDuxbury…

The Speer 70gr is my goto bullet in the .223 when chasing goats and deer. I’ve been using it regularly for about 2 years I guess.

I’ll echo @Tahr’s comments and tell you not to use it for shoulder shots on big stags. I would definitely not want that bullet connecting with the humerus or scapula after heavy shoulder muscles as I couldn’t in all honestly say it would give you the penetration you’d ideally want.

I’ve shot a good number of yearling reds, mature hinds, some very heavy / hairy billy goats and several fallow in recent months, but in all instances I’ve deliberately used a different point of aim - high neck (atlas joint), the crease shot when quartering away, front brisket with deer standing facing me, between the shoulders looking down on the animal. I’m struggling to think of a single instance in any of those shots where the bullet has exited. But in all instances it has been a very fast (mostly instantaneous) kill.

It’s a fantastic wee bullet when used in this manner but definitely not a good choice for a pinning shot through both shoulders. Not something I would take with me if I anticipated some pressured, close range snapshots, I don’t want the 308 for that.