Thread: 223 on deer

Originally Posted by grandpamac

I had loaded 26 grains of AR2206 behind the 55 grain in my old Brno .223 for years. This gave around 3,200 fps with its long and worn throat. When a new .223 appeared in the cupboard in 2005 a mid load for the 55 grain from Nick Harvey's 6th edition of 23 grains of AR2206 was tried. I was expecting around 3,050 fps based on NH velocities but the chronograph only said just under 2,900 fps and in a 26 inch barrel too. FFS if I had wanted a .22 Hornet I would have bought one so a hunt around turned up an ADI 3rd addition (2000) which listed 25.5 grains for 3,250 fps. This time the chronograph said 3,235 fps, snap. Later when the slightly slower AR2206H replaced AR2206 the Hodgdons data for H4895 (AR2206H) showed 26 grain behind the 55 grain as max. This was a tight fit in the case so 25.5 grains was used chronographing 3,170 in the T3x. 25 grains behind the 69 grain Sierra HPTBT produced 2,960 fps.
I know your feelings @ Mickey Duck on chronographs and you are likely very happy with the load you are using but just in case you want to here is some data that may be of use and some reasons others are using the higher loads.
Regards Grandpamac.

At the moment I have over 600 rounds of .223 loaded. I have a wallaby/bunny culling trip coming up.

I weigh every charge using a scoop, trickler and scales.
All of my loads are on the warm end but no pressure signs. Cases last ok.

52 ELDM & Targex 26.5 BM2 (wallaby & bunny odd deer) (3 different rifles same OAL)
55 Hornady. 26.5 W748 (wallaby & bunny odd deer) (3 different rifles same OAL))
55 Sierra GK 25.5 2206H (wallaby & bunny odd deer) (Tikka)
69 Targex 25.3 2206H (deer & wallaby) (Model 7)
74 Targex 25 2206H (Bryn made these for me using the 69grn jackets 'cos he doesn't have 80 grn jackets) (deer & wallaby) (Tikka)
77 Sierra Tipped 24.5 2206H (deer only) (Tikka)
80 grn Targex 24.4 2206H (deer & wallaby - reserving the 50 I have left for deer) (Savage & Tikka)

All of these loads shoot under .5moa. 3 different .223's. The 55 Hornady and 52 grain loads shoot superbly across the 3 rifles. Others are specific for an individual rifle.
Savage has 1:8 twist Trueflight barrel. Model 7 1:9. Tikka 1:8

Originally Posted by grandpamac

I had loaded 26 grains of AR2206 behind the 55 grain in my old Brno .223 for years. This gave around 3,200 fps with its long and worn throat. When a new .223 appeared in the cupboard in 2005 a mid load for the 55 grain from Nick Harvey's 6th edition of 23 grains of AR2206 was tried. I was expecting around 3,050 fps based on NH velocities but the chronograph only said just under 2,900 fps and in a 26 inch barrel too. FFS if I had wanted a .22 Hornet I would have bought one so a hunt around turned up an ADI 3rd addition (2000) which listed 25.5 grains for 3,250 fps. This time the chronograph said 3,235 fps, snap. Later when the slightly slower AR2206H replaced AR2206 the Hodgdons data for H4895 (AR2206H) showed 26 grain behind the 55 grain as max. This was a tight fit in the case so 25.5 grains was used chronographing 3,170 in the T3x. 25 grains behind the 69 grain Sierra HPTBT produced 2,960 fps.
I know your feelings @ Mickey Duck on chronographs and you are likely very happy with the load you are using but just in case you want to here is some data that may be of use and some reasons others are using the higher loads.
Regards Grandpamac.

when I first got my .223 my mate and reloading guru made me up some loads to try..nice and mild (pre suppressors) rifle didnt bark quite so much,and the first 4 shots in anger killed 4 pigs at 200ish yards,deader than dead things,to say I was impressed put it mildly...they also grouped into tiny wee clusters....
a wise man once said..if it works dont fuck with it...... so I didnt LMFAO.
I only upped the charge weight in recent years when loading 50grn barnes....
and if you can get a hornet to do 2900 you doing well

Originally Posted by Nathan F

Personally think you can’t fit enough powder in a small case to do anything too serious. Straight to max and get on with it

if you switch to ball powder like 748/benchmark 1-2 etc you can fit quite a bit more in......tapping side of case to settle 2206h will get it down in case a bit too.
funny thing is Ive said that about the 7.62x39mm when using ar2206h it litterally is full to the neck...a charge that is too much for 123-150grn projectiles, WONT fit in case no matter how hard you try.

This thread needs to be kept going so I took the .223 today. And Ive seen signs of @gimp wavering so need to keep his interest up - he's been asking questions on here about the 6mmARC for goodness sake

Roared this stag out of the trees and shot him at 327 yds with 80 grn Targex. Angled shot in behind his shoulder but not quite forward enough. He wasn't going anywhere but a follow up flush into his shoulder ended his day.

Don't worry I'm a believer @Tahr, once I shake this covid I'm taking the 223 out to get my yearly supply of meat.

This is still my favourite thread and love it every time I see a new post.

60g NBT @ 3100

Im heading back in tomorrow night after work to pick up my tent and sleeping bag that I had to leave behind on Monday . Might have to take the .223

My next rifle purchase is a 223..... dam you all

Its been on the wishlist for a while now,

Originally Posted by Fat belly Dog

My next rifle purchase is a 223..... dam you all

Its been on the wishlist for a while now,

You wont regret it. You cant get much more fun from 25 grains of powder.

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

60g NBT @ 3100

Attachment 221004

What do those Noslers penetrate like (thats the "varmint" one eh, not partition)?

Originally Posted by Tahr

What do those Noslers penetrate like (thats the "varmint" one eh, not partition)?

Yes it’s the Varmint ballistic tip

They penetrate the same as a 65g gameking and often found under the skin on the far side or a good exit hole

They have a solid copper boat tail that pushes on through

Shot a lot of reds with them now

For my 8 twist rifle they tumble at 875 ish yards but are good on rabbits etc out to that distance

Originally Posted by Fat belly Dog

My next rifle purchase is a 223..... dam you all

Its been on the wishlist for a while now,

Greetings,
You wont regret it. The old 12 inch twist ones were great and the 8 inch twist ones are even better. I have not been without one for about 40 years and counting.
Regards Grandpamac.

Any recommendations @Tahr @grandpamac, or anything to watch out for

budget under 5k with scope and suppressor,

Near enough the same number of years for me too @grandpamac, 222 before that along with 303 early on then 308. 223 gets the most use.

Why not go for the allrounder .243
Don't have this caliber but I have almost everything else. for the reds in fiordland I use .270 or .308

The farm that has fallow i can access shoots the fallow with his .223 and swears by it. He is a very good shot though.