Thread: 223 on deer

I've shot something like 20 odd deer including red stags and a few other species with the 80gr ELDM and they work great for performance on animals and accuracy, no reason the 75s wouldn't be identical in performance, I have no intention of changing bullets in my .223 or taking the 6.5 out of the safe

Originally Posted by Ground Control

Did you recover any projectiles?

All went through, 1 head, 2 neck, 1 high shoulder and another shoulder I think....? Actually I think we may have got some of the jacket back on the shoulder. I can hardly remember last week let alone back into March.

Originally Posted by gimp

I've shot something like 20 odd deer including red stags and a few other species with the 80gr ELDM and they work great for performance on animals and accuracy, no reason the 75s wouldn't be identical in performance, I have no intention of changing bullets in my .223 or taking the 6.5 out of the safe

I bought 300 of the 75gn eldm yesterday after Tahr responded to my post .
It will be interesting to see how they work and also how long I can load them in my 1-8 twist Howa 1500 , not the mini , but the SA version with the internal Mag .
I haven’t loaded for that rifle yet so have no idea what length will cycle through the Mag and also throat dimensions etc .
I’ll have a measure up next week when I get home .
Will be using Fiocchi brass , 2206H and CCI primers

You will need to single load, modify the magazine or get a different mag system. The 75/80 ELDMs are too long to fit a standard 2.25" OAL .223 mag without the ogive of the bullet being inside the neck.

Originally Posted by gimp

You will need to single load, modify the magazine or get a different mag system. The 75/80 ELDMs are too long to fit a standard 2.25" OAL .223 mag without the ogive of the bullet being inside the neck.

Bugger

Anyone know how long the internal mag box is in a Howa 1500 SA ?
I’m not home at the moment to measure .
Single loading is not an option for me .

77gr TMK would be an alternative that fits a standard (short) mag length.

I believe you can probably modify the howa mag and move the internal block to get a bit more length.

Originally Posted by Ground Control

Bugger

Anyone know how long the internal mag box is in a Howa 1500 SA ?
I’m not home at the moment to measure .
Single loading is not an option for me .

If you can get them te 77 grain Sierra Malc Tipped are designed for short mags and shoot just fine at 2.3" OAL. They devastate deer.

(whoops, gimp as said this already)

Originally Posted by Ground Control

Bugger

Anyone know how long the internal mag box is in a Howa 1500 SA ?
I’m not home at the moment to measure .
Single loading is not an option for me .

From memory it was around 2.300" or so. As Gimp says you can do a little D.I.Y. and relocate the magazine block further back. At the same time you remove a little off the bolt stop and the back edge of the feed rails and you're done.

I have pictures that I will track down.

Originally Posted by gimp

I believe you can probably modify the howa mag and move the internal block to get a bit more length.

I was just thinking about .
Do you have any idea what the shortest OAL of a loaded cartridge is with full neck contact of the 75 eldm ?

Originally Posted by Steelisreal

From memory it was around 2.300" or so. As Gimp says you can do a little D.I.Y. and relocate the magazine block further back. At the same time you remove a little off the bolt stop and the back edge of the feed rails and you're done.

I have pictures that I will track down.

I just worked out I don't have pictures of it once modified. The extra 'block' piece in the magazine just needs a couple of slots made for it with a Dremel cutting disc in the middle of the radius at the back of the magazine box. The excess folded over part that occupies the back of the magazine needs trimming back to make it sit correctly once the locating slots have been moved rearwards.

The feed rails possibly need the radius portion at the rear extended so the cartridges don't get misaligned.

**IMPORTANT** Before anyone gets on my case about this, yes I know it's voids any warranty. Anyone who does this to their rifle will void their warranty as well. I'm more than happy to have done this work to my own rifle - if you're not, give it to a reputable gunsmith.

Did I read somewhere in the thread that the 73gn eldm projectiles are a better choice for using in a standard length magazine, or did I dream that ?
I rang the gunshop and can swap the 75’s for 73’s without to much hassle.

I believe 73s are designed to work in standard shorter mag lengths.

Originally Posted by gimp

I believe 73s are designed to work in standard shorter mag lengths.

I’ve been doing some research today and I think you’re right .
I’ve swapped the 75’s for the 73’s , the Shop didn’t care .