Thread: 223 on deer

Originally Posted by Snoppernator

First post. Loving this 223 thread. Been using a suppressed Browning BLR in 223 for bush hunting over my indicating dog Kai. He's a viszla/gsp cross about 3 years old. Acquired the rifle late last year inspired partially by this thread and my love of things that don't go bang too loud. That and sick of dropping my much loved Sako in 7mm08 which is now my dedicated mountain rifle (as it rightly deserves). Been getting a bit of flack from mates about running this calibre on deer. But hasn't been a problem with a few sika and red deer hitting the deck since.

Initially found the Hornady SP 55g shot the most consistent groups through the rifle compared to Winchester SP 64g, but taken animals with both. First batch of Sako Gamehead 55g wouldn't fire (primer?), but 6 months later acquired another box and it groups superbly and anchors animals. Found the Sako Gamehead excellent in both 223 and 7mm08 calibres on game in the bush.

A wee spiker Kai found just before dark at 12 yards up a deep gut staring down at us:
Attachment 225601


The top 3 shots are Winchester 64g at 60y, using a Red Dot. The bottom 3 are the Sako, and a correction the shot closest. More than enough for bush encounters.

You will only get flack from the ignorant. Keep on culling them...