Thread: 223 on deer

Originally Posted by Ground Control

Thought I’d bump this thread up to the top , because it’s one of my favourites.
Anyone done some more .223 stuff of any kind ?
Also I’m interested in others opinions about velocity/ barrel length for the .223 , I see that there are a few here running shorter barrels ( mainly I suspect to accommodate suppressors) , but my thoughts have turned to trying to ring as much velocity out of the .223 as possible ( no matter what bullet weight) to increase on target performance/ energy , because any increase is a benefit with a cartridge as small as the .223
Id be interested to hear others thoughts on that .

Just me, but for an all round .223 I wouldn't want under 20". 20" is the ideal for me (I have 2 20", and a 22"). The folk with shorter barrels always seem to be chasing velocity. My theoretical minimum is 3 K for a 69 grain projectile (that is achievable in some 18" but you never know until you have made the cut). But all of that is just me.

Ive also gravitated towards faster twist barrels so I can use heavier for caliber projectiles. The 80 grain are something else for bucking wind and knocking over, but require a 1:8 barrel.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Just me, but for an all round .223 I wouldn't want under 20". 20" is the ideal for me (I have 2 20", and a 22"). The folk with shorter barrels always seem to be chasing velocity. My theoretical minimum is 3 K for a 69 grain projectile (that is achievable in some 18" but you never know until you have made the cut). But all of that is just me.

Ive also gravitated towards faster twist barrels so I can use heavier for caliber projectiles. The 80 grain are something else for bucking wind and knocking over, but require a 1:8 barrel.

In my limited experience I would have to agree with you .
I have a 20 inch 1:8 barrel and a 22 inch 1:12 .
I’m leaning towards getting one that is the best of both worlds a 22 inch 1:8
I use Factory ammo ( gave up reloading 10 years ago ) and the true velocity of Factory is never what it says on the box .
My 22 inch barrel is probably only delivering what hand loaders are getting from a 18-19 barrel

@Tahr did you long throat your chamber neck to run the 80 grainers? The ballistics look expressive for a 223.

Originally Posted by tikka

@Tahr did you long throat your chamber neck to run the 80 grainers? The ballistics look expressive for a 223.

I told the smith I would use heavier projectiles and he set it up based on his .223 that he uses 69 grn in. I get touching the lands inside the mag length and plenty of powder space so it is ideal.

I'm getting 3100 with 65gr not sure how long it is probably 20-22".
I want to shorten it so it will fit under the seat in the boat but I'm scared to touch it because it shoots so we'll and I don't really want to lose the velocity either.
I only need to take a couple inches off I think.

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

I'm getting 3100 with 65gr not sure how long it is probably 20-22".
I want to shorten it so it will fit under the seat in the boat but I'm scared to touch it because it shoots so we'll and I don't really want to lose the velocity either.
I only need to take a couple inches off I think.

I'd cut the boat instead...

I'm happy as with my 18.5 inch tube and 80s at 2800, could get closer to 2900 with 2206H but who cares for 50 or 100fps

I had some dud 2208 which was like 200fps slow and those loads still killed stuff fine too

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

I'm getting 3100 with 65gr not sure how long it is probably 20-22".
I want to shorten it so it will fit under the seat in the boat but I'm scared to touch it because it shoots so we'll and I don't really want to lose the velocity either.
I only need to take a couple inches off I think.

Thought about cutting it off the other end?

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

I'm getting 3100 with 65gr not sure how long it is probably 20-22".
I want to shorten it so it will fit under the seat in the boat but I'm scared to touch it because it shoots so we'll and I don't really want to lose the velocity either.
I only need to take a couple inches off I think.

you need a bigger boat perhaps??

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

I'm getting 3100 with 65gr not sure how long it is probably 20-22".
I want to shorten it so it will fit under the seat in the boat but I'm scared to touch it because it shoots so we'll and I don't really want to lose the velocity either.
I only need to take a couple inches off I think.

take it off the other end and fit a slip on recoil pad maybe????

Originally Posted by mikee

you need a bigger boat perhaps??

No perhaps about it I do need a bigger boat.

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

No perhaps about it I do need a bigger boat.

Get a stabicraft 2050 or 2100

Don’t need to touch your rifle then

Originally Posted by Marty Henry

Thought about cutting it off the other end?

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

take it off the other end and fit a slip on recoil pad maybe????

I do have a shorter stock for it I had on for the son when he was smaller.......

well then.....try it for fit in the boat...and pop slip on recoil pad on for useage..... it will be far better to retain what velocity/energy you have got IF YOU CAN.....

Pure meat collection for people in need.

200 and 150 yards yards and 80 grn Targex.

Bottom pic not for the squeamish but shows what these things can do.







I had 2 shots so I think there are 2 hits here. The 2nd shot was after it was down but it was flapping around a bit.