Thread: 222 vs 223 on deer

Originally Posted by Shearer

It is true that with 55gn projectiles there is little difference but modern 223s will happily shoot 80+gn projectiles. There in lies the biggest difference.

Having owned both 222 and 223, and used 55gr projectiles in them. Thats really where their all round ability lies. I know heavier projectiles will allow more specialised use in todays world. But many people still just want a rifle That will take a deer if they are careful, but also happily shoot a few rabbits and hares with as well. Without the need for a pocket full of technology.
For me, if I want to use or feel I need a heavier projectile Ill grab a 243, if I think the distance will be longer. Or a grendel if the distance is likely to be under 250m

Originally Posted by whanahuia

Having owned both 222 and 223, and used 55gr projectiles in them. Thats really where their all round ability lies. I know heavier projectiles will allow more specialised use in todays world. But many people still just want a rifle That will take a deer if they are careful, but also happily shoot a few rabbits and hares with as well. Without the need for a pocket full of technology.
For me, if I want to use or feel I need a heavier projectile Ill grab a 243, if I think the distance will be longer. Or a grendel if the distance is likely to be under 250m

If you shoot a rabbit or hare with a .223 (or .222 if you could find one twisted appropriately) with a heavy bullet, it will die.

There's a lot to appreciate about the simplicity of having a single light recoiling quiet rifle that kills everything with no fuss - the .223 with 70-80gr bullets is definitely a simple "general purpose" option (as would the .222 be, if built with a 1:7 or 1:8 twist) for the handloader. There's no additional complexity to handloading a heavy bullet vs light.

Originally Posted by gimp

If you shoot a rabbit or hare with a .223 (or .222 if you could find one twisted appropriately) with a heavy bullet, it will die.

There's a lot to appreciate about the simplicity of having a single light recoiling quiet rifle that kills everything with no fuss - the .223 with 70-80gr bullets is definitely a simple "general purpose" option (as would the .222 be, if built with a 1:7 or 1:8 twist) for the handloader. There's no additional complexity to handloading a heavy bullet vs light.

Yes, but so is the same rifles with 55gr projectiles. and flatter shooting at the ranges im thinking of. Simplicity for me is knowing my little Howa 223 will shoot almost any factory 55gr factory load with acceptable accuracy as well as a hand load of same weight if I wish to reload. Over the last few years of ammo and component shortage it has been very comforting knowing my cabinet of ammo of many brands was all usable at the drop of a hat.
when we have time to tinker, then tinker away, but just having a standard factory rifle that shoots standard ammo and being able to pick both up and go hunting has a value of its own.