Thread: 223 on deer

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

60g NBT@3100fps

Attachment 222400

What's the bulge under the ear?

Yep, I’m a Hornady 55gr SP fan
Put simply, they just work.
If I want to go bigger the 243 has the Hornady 87gr HPBT
Never felt the need to change things up TBH

I shot a spiker in the shin (operator error). Reasonably sure that isn't fatal with any cartridge.

The determining factor for fatality appears to be, based on the evidence, was it shot in an appropriate place with an appropriately constructed bullet? The selection of appropriate places available doesn't appear to be any smaller using appropriate bullets (70-80gr) in 223 than anything else

Originally Posted by gimp

Wish Tikka did a short action

Used to think that but we have shot 100's of deer with a T3. Our bolts float like glass. It makes a user experience very very satisfying.

Originally Posted by gimp

I shot a spiker in the shin (operator error). Reasonably sure that isn't fatal with any cartridge.

The determining factor for fatality appears to be, based on the evidence, was it shot in an appropriate place with an appropriately constructed bullet? The selection of appropriate places available doesn't appear to be any smaller using appropriate bullets (70-80gr) in 223 than anything else

I have done the same with a 358 NM years ago - it's definitely not a fatal shot ...

Originally Posted by gimp

I shot a spiker in the shin (operator error). Reasonably sure that isn't fatal with any cartridge.

The determining factor for fatality appears to be, based on the evidence, was it shot in an appropriate place with an appropriately constructed bullet? The selection of appropriate places available doesn't appear to be any smaller using appropriate bullets (70-80gr) in 223 than anything else

Not sure I agree. I would be reluctant to shoot a big red stag or Bull Tahr (at say 200 yards) in the most solid part of it's shoulder with a 70-80gn 22cal bullet where as I would have no hesitation with a 180gn 30cal bullet (assuming same bullet construction and MV). Physics would suggest the window for the 22cal bullet would be a little smaller.

I have done so, both species, happy with the results.

Originally Posted by Shearer

Not sure I agree. I would be reluctant to shoot a big red stag or Bull Tahr (at 200 yards) in the most solid part of it's shoulder with a 70-80gn 22cal bullet where as I would have no hesitation with a 180gn 30cal bullet (assuming same bullet construction and MV). Physics would suggest the window for the 22cal bullet would be a little smaller.

ah but if you were using a mono..the .224 MIGHT actually be better..although both might well pencil through.... but its always been the case/story pick your shot or let it walk.....

Originally Posted by gimp

I have done so, both species, happy with the results.

Ok. So is there any situation where you would consider a bigger, faster bullet appropriate (or more suitable) for hunting NZ big game?

anytime that is what your carrying........ its not a matter of the 224 being just as good....its a matter of it being good enough.

Originally Posted by Hunter_Nick

In between times I shot many animals with a 6x45 and never lost a single one.

This comment I like Nick....
Maybe you'll rebarrel that T3 sometime & rejoin the movement

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Originally Posted by Shearer

Ok. So is there any situation where you would consider a bigger, faster bullet appropriate (or more suitable) for hunting NZ big game?

Whenever a person wants to use one, I suppose? The point is more that I wouldn't consider a 223 with good bullets limiting at all in ordinary hunting circumstances.

I wouldn't try to shoot a red stag at 500 metres with the .223, I imagine. I also don't tend to find that I need to.

Know a guy that uses a 18inch barrel, 7mm TCU, in a Thomson Contender. Can't remember the actual figures but it,s something like 2800 with a 100g projectile. He's awesomely effective with it, so the little 45mm case can do some amazing things.

Not the contender, it's encore rifle, expained that as bore increases pressure drops, so you can have a real play with powders & pressures, of course the single shot does have to worry about mag length as well.

A broken 80 grn Targex from off side ribs of lung shot Fallow spiker. Just breaking the skin. Dropped on spot about 180 yds.