I put sone 123gr ahs in a mates 6.5 PRC some time back when 6.5mm were unattainable, the results have been excellent so Though Id try them in my .222. Its 9 twist so the 51gr seemed a simple choice. A small case and limited magazine length made powder choice limiting and in the end I stayed with my standard for 222 rem. , 2219. With a drop tube and compressed load I ended up at 3350fps from a 20 inch barrel. 5 firings on the same case so far with no signs of over pressure, tight primer pockets etc.
First deer was a small hind at 220 yds
Bullet entered just backward of the crease punching a rib,
Exit was through the offside shoulder smashing bone. Appeared to be 2 exit wounds. No bullet or petals recovered.
Ran about 15 yds.
Second was the yearling .... Ok fawn. Again the bullet entered behind the crease but between the ribs and exited the same missing any bone at all, internal damage was significant. deer ran about the same 15-20 yds.
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