Thread: 222 vs 223 on deer

Originally Posted by csmiffy

@Backcountry Bob that backs up what a mate told me about them.
Something rings a bell about an old story about their barrels. Supposedly the barrels were machined extremely quickly for budget purposes and could build up a lot of internal stresses which didn't help accuracy.
A proper rebarrel got away from that

A guy I shot with had one of those Ruger Minis in .223 and was a "target" model from the factory. Had a thumb hole stock. Shot well.

Later: I found this https://www.guns.com/firearms/rifles...9533&soldout=1

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.

Personally I run bulk box 55g in my .223. No animal I've ever shot has ever given me a look of "what? You didn't shoot me with a load contructed on the thighs of Cuban virgins...? You philistine.."...they've just looked at me dead like...

Sent from my SM-T225 using Tapatalk

I'm just building a 222 Rimmed 1:9" twist 22" long Contender barrel.
It's about 2 weeks off being ready to reload for.

What's the one bullet to do it all in my 1:9" barrel that's available ?
Obviously performance on varmints is pretty immaterial. It's pigs, deer and chamois that it would be running into.
And my previous experiences with the 223 were not always up to my expectations ( but I don't want to re litigate those ).
Being in Canterbury ranges do get out there and the wind is often a challenge.

Being a small shank Contender G1 I won't be loading it too be a screamer.
But do have high expectations for reasonable accuracy if my last few Contender stubbings are any form guide

69gr Sierra TMK ? 73gr ELDM if it will work.

69 Targex

Originally Posted by akaroa1

I'm just building a 222 Rimmed 1:9" twist 22" long Contender barrel.
It's about 2 weeks off being ready to reload for.

What's the one bullet to do it all in my 1:9" barrel that's available ?
Obviously performance on varmints is pretty immaterial. It's pigs, deer and chamois that it would be running into.
And my previous experiences with the 223 were not always up to my expectations ( but I don't want to re litigate those ).
Being in Canterbury ranges do get out there and the wind is often a challenge.

Being a small shank Contender G1 I won't be loading it too be a screamer.
But do have high expectations for reasonable accuracy if my last few Contender stubbings are any form guide

I can send you a few 69 Targex to try

Originally Posted by Tahr

69 Targex

How do you get them? Bryn isn't on trademe anymore and a (brief) Google search is fruitless

Originally Posted by gimp

How do you get them? Bryn isn't on trademe anymore and a (brief) Google search is fruitless

@gimp

targex10.1@gmail.com

Originally Posted by gimp

How do you get them? Bryn isn't on trademe anymore and a (brief) Google search is fruitless

@TARGEX - targex10.1@gmail.com

I believe thats called a "double tap" LOL

Originally Posted by gimp

69gr Sierra TMK ? 73gr ELDM if it will work.

69TMK seem impossible to find at present.
The other problem with long bullets in a 223 can be magazine length.
Im trying these PPU. Longer than a hollow point MK , larger meplate and much deeper cavity. Only $52/100. They shoot well so Im hoping they perform.

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.

well tomorrow Im off for a hunt,never been there before and unknown area completely...so thought about the short n light 222..... then the super reliable and accurate 223.... then used my brains and got the .270 out instead. maybe when I know what country is like and what ranges are likely to be the wee rifles will come for walk..but for now its better to have a bit of insurance,just incase its not ideal. forsure a 60-80grn .224 is good,but a 130-170grn .277 is gooderer LOL.
now I actually have to find something t oshoot or its a moot point either way.