Thread: 223 on deer

Haven't shot it yet but was considering a recrown. If I'm going to do that I might shorten it a little.
Not interested in a can at the moment.
Haven't checked twist but almost 100% it's no faster than 1-12 so maybe only a couple of the older classic shorter heavies.
In saying that really should stick with factory ammo.
Has anyone mentioned 60gr partitions?

Decide on barrel length by what you do, not by what others do.

For shots sometimes over 200 yds using heavy bullets 20-22 inches is good for me.
If lead in the air with bulk 55 grn shooting pests bailed by dogs or using night vision is your thing cut it right back and fill your boots. But don’t do it just cos cullers do it cos you will be losing some versatility.

For sure. It seems to be pretty well proven by the experiences users on here that the heavier projectiles out of the 223 kill much better at all ranges but especially once it starts getting out there a bit.
For comparison my 22" barrel is shooting the 73gn ELD-M at 2900 with a bit in reserve. I haven't been using them that long and have only shot a couple of reds and a pig (all under 100 yards) but I can't complain about the performance so far.

Originally Posted by Shearer

For sure. It seems to be pretty well proven by the experiences users on here that the heavier projectiles out of the 223 kill much better at all ranges but especially once it starts getting out there a bit.
For comparison my 22" barrel is shooting the 73gn ELD-M at 2900 with a bit in reserve. I haven't been using them that long and have only shot a couple of reds and a pig (all under 100 yards) but I can't complain about the performance so far.

Yeah nice, certainly will pack a lot more of a punch! And way less effected by wind too which is a biggy for low bc projectiles.
Plenty of people try head/neck shooting with the .223 which is fine. However the least experienced see the experienced doing it but you chuck in a 10km/h breeze pushing them out nearly 3" at 200 yards, with some factory sp rounds that group an inch at 100 yards, even with minimal shooter error that's a jaw blown off a deer.

thus why I limit my self to 150yards and chest shoot

100% agree with Micky....150yd, broadside, through the crease, 55grn sp.....keep it simple.

Originally Posted by Kiwikev

100% agree with Micky....150yd, broadside, through the crease, 55grn sp.....keep it simple.

That’s fine if you want to limit yourself.
You are leaving a lot of performance on the table though. ‘Cos the 223 uses trauma and damage to kill rather than foot pounds of energy, a heavier soft projectile at reasonable velocity will win every time.

Whats the go to heavier projectile for deer, around the 80gn mark? Not for a 223 but will be using the same projectiles, I have a 5.6x57 reamer/dies/brass on the way so thought I'd ask here.

77gr TMK, 80gr ELD-M or even 88gr if you have a 1-7” twist, or 80gr Targex. Load one of those and don’t look back!

Originally Posted by Hunter_Nick

77gr TMK, 80gr ELD-M or even 88gr if you have a 1-7” twist, or 80gr Targex. Load one of those and don’t look back!

I was thinking the 80gn targex, how do they go on animals?
The build all hinges on what happens first, I find a 1:8 223 barrel at the right price or the 243ai reamer I have been waiting on turns up, then I'll run the 95gn targex in it

Originally Posted by makka

I was thinking the 80gn targex, how do they go on animals?
The build all hinges on what happens first, I find a 1:8 223 barrel at the right price or the 243ai reamer I have been waiting on turns up, then I'll run the 95gn targex in it

Read through this thread.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Read through this thread.

I got through the first 10 or so pages, looks like I should have skipped to the the last 10 instead!

Originally Posted by makka

I was thinking the 80gn targex, how do they go on animals?
The build all hinges on what happens first, I find a 1:8 223 barrel at the right price or the 243ai reamer I have been waiting on turns up, then I'll run the 95gn targex in it

Plain vanilla 243 with 95gr Targex is more than adequate.

Originally Posted by makka

I was thinking the 80gn targex, how do they go on animals?
The build all hinges on what happens first, I find a 1:8 223 barrel at the right price or the 243ai reamer I have been waiting on turns up, then I'll run the 95gn targex in it

@makka the 95gr targex hasn't been available for quite some time. However the 105gr is and it is absolutely outstanding. Kills way better than it should. 600 yards plus so fair bit more than I'd ever do with a .223.
When I can track down a new tikka with the 1:8" I'll probably trade my current .243 in for it and whack an ai reamer up it as well.
With reloder 26 still get about 2900fps with the 105gr out of an 18" 1:9" barrel.

Sorry bit off track for this thread.

for me...its more a case of,the projectiles and loads I use ,Im really confident out to that range and KNOW they will work fine..past that,my confidence isnt the same,so happier to let animal walk...its actually why I onsold the lovely wee 7.62x39mm short bolt action I had....the chance of a 300 yard shot is often on where I normally bush hunt,I felt that rifle also was 150yard and no more...in my hands.
IF I ever manage to wear out my .223 barrel,a fast twist jobbie will allow heavier projectiles and longer range,untill then Im happy to limit myself somewhat......or take the 270w