Thread: 223 on deer

Originally Posted by Tentman

Shot 3 fallow in the weekend with the 223 and 77 TMKs. All shots offhand at ranges from 30 to 80/90M with animals having already spotted me and shot in that first pause when they look back with that WTF are you doing here thing. All 3 decked but no bang flops due to shot placement or lack of, shooting steep up or down even at short range is challenging for this old fart.

Had two easier offhand shots at 80 and 110ish when the 308 was in hand for two emphatic bang flops, better shot placement on both but does I think point to the fact that there's no substitute for "horsepower ".

Don't matter,the deer are down.

Took the kids for an afternoon walk today. 17km round trip, 2 hinds and 1 young stag spotted. Mr Stag got a 73gr Eldm at 330m. Instant lights out. Haven't been out for just over a year. My longest stretch of no hunting. Super pumped.

Quality time. Cant beat any time with the tamariki. Podium.

The young lads look pretty happy there,well done.

17k for a afternoon is a run not a walk. Well done, boys will be stoked with that.

I took my son out last night, first time I have been out in 6 months.
We parked the truck and walked 50 meters when we saw a hind grazing on the farmers sweeds, the hind was 200 meters away and facing front on, I scoped it up on the front of its chest and fired.
I heard a solid thud but the deer turned side on so I fired a quick follow up shot through the front shoulder and with that it went straight down.
I was just wondering if anyone can suggest a smaller calibre than the 223 to use on deer as the 223 appears to be way too much gun on deer.


200 meter shot using a 77gr TMK


1st shot through chest exiting behind the ribs then entering back leg blowing it to bits, also follow up shot through front shoulder.


Photo of follow up shot through front shoulder


Photo of damage to back leg


Photo of internal damage on front shoulder shot


This is what was left of the 77gr TMK on the front shoulder shot lodged againgst the spine

In summary the 223 has absolutely destroyed the hind and if anything has proved to be too much gun.

Try a Tikka T1X in .22 rimfire and put the 40g CCI sub projectile in the spot behind its head (where the spine meets the skull)

way less meat damage than that big boomer your using

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

Try a Tikka T1X in .22 rimfire and put the 40g CCI sub projectile in the spot behind its head (where the spine meets the skull)

way less meat damage than that big boomer your using

Attachment 273696

Thanks for that advice, I have shot deer with a .22 and it did the job well.
I just hunt for meat and it almost brought a tear to my eye when I saw all the waste from that deer last night using the 223.

I might have to go back to head shots

Originally Posted by 7mm Rem Mag

Thanks for that advice, I have shot deer with a .22 and it did the job well.
I just hunt for meat and it almost brought a tear to my eye when I saw all the waste from that deer last night using the 223.

I might have to go back to head shots

Destroyed it.

It's the projectile, not the caliber. Plenty of good slightly harder projectiles. Ive never had that with the 80 or 74 Targex.

Originally Posted by 7mm Rem Mag

Thanks for that advice, I have shot deer with a .22 and it did the job well.
I just hunt for meat and it almost brought a tear to my eye when I saw all the waste from that deer last night using the 223.

I might have to go back to head shots

Pretty sure you still have a dozen Barnes loads... Try them. Even if have your destroyer load in mag,it may just may be what you looking for.

As you know,broad side is best.308 front on not good either.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

Pretty sure you still have a dozen Barnes loads... Try them. Even if have your destroyer load in mag,it may just may be what you looking for.

You are right MD, I still have your deadly missiles to try but keep forgetting about them. One of these days I'll remember to get them out

Originally Posted by Trout

As you know,broad side is best.308 front on not good either.

You are correct, I have heard many bad experiences shooting front on even with the bigger calibres

Originally Posted by 7mm Rem Mag

You are correct, I have heard many bad experiences shooting front on even with the bigger calibres

300 wsm for front on, but then again you're just taking the piss here.