Thread: 223 on deer

Yes, I was more meaning: are the projectiles heavier than the 60ish grn mark better medicine? Faster twists can stabilise these better...so theyre the way to go?

buy a 243......or a 22hp savage both were made many years ago to do what a fast twist .223 is doing now...be able to shoot 80ish grn projectiles fast....
seriously if you arent shooting past 150 yards,just be happy with the rifle you have...pick your shots and enjoy the venison.

Originally Posted by 7mmwsm

One that twists around a 30 caliber hole is a good start.

You do have a way with words.

Originally Posted by Strummer

So is there any accepted wisdom on what would be an 'ideal' barrel twist rate for dropping reds?

1:8.

1:9 up tp 69grn
1:8 70-80 grn.

As per gimp above, 1:8 (and heavier bullets) is optimal.

Good info.

Now we have twist wisdom sussed...what about ideal barrel length I wonder? How short is too short?!

Originally Posted by Strummer

So is there any accepted wisdom on what would be an 'ideal' barrel twist rate for dropping reds?

Greetings Strummer,
1 in 8" twist for the .223 not only for dropping reds but for all purposes. I load both the 169grain and 55 grain projectiles in my 1 in 8" twist Tikka and both shoot equally as well and by happy chance almost to the same place. So far the .223 has been shouted down by other inhabitants of the rifle cupboard when a walk in the bush is considered but I really should include a load with a hunting projectile as well. I expect it will shoot just as well and likely to much the same place.
Regards Grandpamac.

Clearly that should be 69 grains. The 8" twist would not stretch that far. Note to self: Read through posts more carefully in future.

Originally Posted by Strummer

Good info.

Now we have twist wisdom sussed...what about ideal barrel length I wonder? How short is too short?!

If going to shoot heavy for cal leave it long or only minimal shortening....not starting with a lot of horspower to begin with.
That said I am going to take a couple of inches off mine so it will fit under the seat in the boat.

So I chimed in on this thread at the start and haven't read much in between.

T3 cut down to about an inch over legal length and a dpt on it. Have taken it out the last few trips, head and neck shots no problem out to 150m.

Discovered why I stopped using it after taking a chest shot at 120m (in the dusk on private land) it had only gone 30m but no exit wound made it hard to find.

So my take on it, 223 is fine for deer.... just be patient and wait for the right shot or let the animal walk (hard but as the years go by I find it easier)

1:8, heavy projectile over 75grn, 20”. Breathes new life into the .223.

18 inch is working for me

Thanks guys. Just curious what sort of velocities you're getting from these heavier pills?

2812fps

Optimal length isn't as clear as optimal twist. Longer will give you more speed but I like shorter barrels.

Originally Posted by gimp

2812fps

Optimal length isn't as clear as optimal twist. Longer will give you more speed but I like shorter barrels.

What powder under the 80s?

2208