Thread: 223 on deer

I have a Schultz & Larsen in 223 with a 1:8 twist which shoots 64g Winchester XP Deer Season Extreme Point very accurately (when I'm in form). The last deer shot was a buck at close to 200 metres, which is the longest shot I've made with this rifle. My shot placement wasn't as good as it could have been (although the buck didn't move much after being shot), as the beast needed another shot to dispatch it to its maker.

Originally Posted by NoMis

I have a Schultz & Larsen in 223 with a 1:8 twist which shoots 64g Winchester XP Deer Season Extreme Point very accurately (when I'm in form). The last deer shot was a buck at close to 200 metres, which is the longest shot I've made with this rifle. My shot placement wasn't as good as it could have been (although the buck didn't move much after being shot), as the beast needed another shot to dispatch it to its maker.

Beautiful rifle.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Beautiful rifle.

Unsurprisingly, I am in full agreement with your estimation (and the Sufi Rumi quote is another with which I concur).

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:



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.

64GR Winchester deer season slays them.

Piggybacking on this thread, has anyone tried the H&F 55gn SP? Pretty cheap, but don't know whether to invest in 50 if it's crappy.
Good thread, cheers - just got a new .223 as well and this was helpful.

@Mwilson32. H&F branded ammo that I’ve used, about 1000 rounds, has all appeared to be loaded by ODL/Belmont. All been adequate ammo for goat culling and the odd deer/pig. A few years ago local dealer reckoned he’d heard of a fewcase head separations but I never had any problems. Don’t know what current price is if it’s available but used to be about $1 a round retail.

It's currently $1.30 per round which isn't too bad, so might give it a crack, but will check out the Belmont price too. Cheers for the info - fingers crossed the Howa likes it.

Shot a few reds with 223 tikka, used federal rounds. Knocked them through neck/shoulder shots pretty easy. But shot placement is key, if you hit a deer in the shoulder blade it likely won’t be fatal, aim behind the shoulder blade if you want to drop it.

Originally Posted by ButcherBoy

Shot a few reds with 223 tikka, used federal rounds. Knocked them through neck/shoulder shots pretty easy. But shot placement is key, if you hit a deer in the shoulder blade it likely won’t be fatal, aim behind the shoulder blade if you want to drop it.

The impact sound is a lot more substantial thud with the heavyweights compared to the 55gr. Even hitting solid bones like the humerus and scapular sounds of a louder crack.

Quote from the forum 223 Orthopaedic Surgeon named Tikka. LOL.

Originally Posted by ButcherBoy

Shot a few reds with 223 tikka, used federal rounds. Knocked them through neck/shoulder shots pretty easy. But shot placement is key, if you hit a deer in the shoulder blade it likely won’t be fatal, aim behind the shoulder blade if you want to drop it.

Head/neck shot if it’s on and you’re a competent shot. Hilar shot otherwise. Agree, if you take high shoulder shot and hit the shoulder blade you possibly going to get a runner and lose animal unless shot is really high and you fluke a spine shot. If shooting for game chiller head/neck shots pay better money. If I’m culling/general hunting hilar shot is go to. Works for me and I’ve shot hundreds of deer thousands of goats in last few years.

Hi, newish to bush hunting..planning on a superlite howa carbon stock due to weight carrying in bush...looking at 223 mini vs superlite howa 6.5...

From what ive stalked so far ive seen no more than 100 or 180 m visibility e.g. kaimais area...so is 223 all i need?

Originally Posted by greensmurf46

Hi, newish to bush hunting..planning on a superlite howa carbon stock due to weight carrying in bush...looking at 223 mini vs superlite howa 6.5...

From what ive stalked so far ive seen no more than 100 or 180 m visibility e.g. kaimais area...so is 223 all i need?

The Howa Creedmoor. Until you have some experience and get over the jitters using the .223 (especially with factory ammo) is likely to end in tears. Fairer on you and the animals to start with a bit more oomph. Get the .223 when you are really feeling confident with your bush shots.

Originally Posted by greensmurf46

Hi, newish to bush hunting..planning on a superlite howa carbon stock due to weight carrying in bush...looking at 223 mini vs superlite howa 6.5...

From what ive stalked so far ive seen no more than 100 or 180 m visibility e.g. kaimais area...so is 223 all i need?

If you aren't reloading, the full potential of the .223 isn't really available and you're better off with a .243, 6.5CM, etc.

Originally Posted by greensmurf46

Hi, newish to bush hunting..planning on a superlite howa carbon stock due to weight carrying in bush...looking at 223 mini vs superlite howa 6.5...

From what ive stalked so far ive seen no more than 100 or 180 m visibility e.g. kaimais area...so is 223 all i need?

@greensmurf46 a good bullet in a .224 centrefire can be very destructive. Here’s a pic that I took this morning while butchering the deer I killed last weekend with my 22 creedmoor.
I’ve cut underneath the right shoulder and pulled it down to show damage.
Arrow shows bullet entrance where it completely shattered the major leg bone and joint. Circle is the hole where the bullet went though the ribs (about 2” diameter) The whole right shoulder area was toast, no meat salvageable. Very large wound considering the ‘marginal’ status of the cartridge. Big ELD-Ms fired from big cartridges make a sickening amount of mess.