Thread: What bullet for 223 and goats?

I'm about to load up some 223 rounds for the first time. The bullet options are doing my head in.

Out of a 16" 1:7 AR barrel, shooting nothing bigger than a goat, do you have a preference?

I know I'll have to explore to see what works best, but I figure some of your favourites are a good place to start.

I'll probably just load 10 of this and 10 of that for a while and see what pays off.

Thanks in advance.

55g Sierra Gamekings #1365

Or their hollow point cousin

Shot shitloads deer with the cheap old Hornady 55gr SP with or without cannelure. Used it for years. They shot well in several .223s I owned.
Never had many body shots but never had a problem killing quickly when I had to put one in the ribs.

Used the above sierras as well with the same results.

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Thank you. Some good info here too....


http://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co.n...56-ar15-28722/

2 personal favourites are Sierra blitz kings ( same as outback factory 223 ammo so you can buy a box to see if you like)

Second favourites are Nosler ballistic tips (nice for engine room smack and drop shots) Tried Barnes tsx - they tended to go thru a bit more and the animal run 20-30 yards before toppling over.

Originally Posted by R93

Shot shitloads deer with the cheap old Hornady 55gr SP with or without cannelure. Used it for years. They shot well in several .223s I owned.
Never had many body shots but never had a problem killing quickly when I had to put one in the ribs.

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+ 1

http://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co.n...tml#post476120 POST 21

Sierra 60gr hp kill very well too.

If you're only shooting goats, it's a bit like asking what size hammer do you need to kill ants.

Short of FMJs or ultra-explosive varmint options, anything in the middle will do, long as it's accurate.
Like R93 said, the bulk 55s are ideal.

Originally Posted by GravelBen

Sierra 60gr hp kill very well too.

I'll second that. A hollow point is a much better killer on goats, as there's not much sectional density to a goat side on and a rapid expanding bullet works best. I've shot hundreds of the buggers with HP's out of an AR and a few mates that join me on goat culls have switched over as well.

When I was goat culling I was using Belmont 55gr hornady SP, now repackaged and sold by Hunting and Fishing.


But if your reloading, can't go past 65gr sierra gamekings.

I've used a few different makes of 55gr SP and they all did the job easily.
I'd be buying the Hornady 55gr SPs that are less than $30 per 100.

I can attest that at 40 meters a 142gr 6.5mm or 180gr 30cal kills goat no better than a 55gr SP.

Originally Posted by 6x47

If you're only shooting goats, it's a bit like asking what size hammer do you need to kill ants.

Short of FMJs or ultra-explosive varmint options, anything in the middle will do, long as it's accurate.
Like R93 said, the bulk 55s are ideal.

so youre saying a 223 is overkill for goats and he would be better off using a slug gun??!

I've just started playing with a mod 7 223. I can attest to the accuracy of the Sierra 55g gamekings (1365). While at range yesterday I had 4 rounds left so went back to 400 yds.





And that powder charge wasn't the most accurate when at 200.

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Originally Posted by R93

Shot shitloads deer with the cheap old Hornady 55gr SP with or without cannelure. Used it for years. They shot well in several .223s I owned.
Never had many body shots but never had a problem killing quickly when I had to put one in the ribs.

Used the above sierras as well with the same results.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Was using core lokts but the supply has stopped so switching to these probably the same bullet they work well in the 222