Thread: 223 on deer

Crikey must have been a hell of a wind for that much drift

Originally Posted by charliehorse

Crikey must have been a hell of a wind for that much drift

Tekapo today 80 - 100km/ph gusts. It was piping. Probably 40-50km/ph when I took the shot (25-30 mph).

So, despite Belmont 55gr ammo being good enough for about 124 deer in the last 17 months I thought I’d have a play with 73 gr ELDM’s. Loaded a few from 22-23 gr of Varget at std OAL. After spending the night out shooting a farm last night I decided to have a play with them. Was just shooting 3 shot groups to get an idea of what load to settle on when a deer showed up in a scrubby gulley @ 274m. So, why not? I sent a 23gr powder load it’s way. One dead animal later might be on to a useful load. Bullet expanded alright, found near offside shoulder. Bit later on shot a turkey at similar range with last 22gr load and a magpie at 362m with last 23gr load. Lucky shooting considering I was taking pot luck and using StrelokPro data for Belmont Black 55. Apparently it’s close enough. Load fine tuning could be interesting but then I might not bother, why fix what might not be broken.Might just validate drops properly. Just loaded a few more at 23 gr Varget, will go test on some animals tomorrow. Now to sit back and watch Indian MotoGP practice.

Originally Posted by woods223

So, despite Belmont 55gr ammo being good enough for about 124 deer in the last 17 months I thought I’d have a play with 73 gr ELDM’s. Loaded a few from 22-23 gr of Varget at std OAL. After spending the night out shooting a farm last night I decided to have a play with them. Was just shooting 3 shot groups to get an idea of what load to settle on when a deer showed up in a scrubby gulley @ 274m. So, why not? I sent a 23gr powder load it’s way. One dead animal later might be on to a useful load. Bullet expanded alright, found near offside shoulder. Bit later on shot a turkey at similar range with last 22gr load and a magpie at 362m with last 23gr load. Lucky shooting considering I was taking pot luck and using StrelokPro data for Belmont Black 55. Apparently it’s close enough. Load fine tuning could be interesting but then I might not bother, why fix what might not be broken.Might just validate drops properly. Just loaded a few more at 23 gr Varget, will go test on some animals tomorrow. Now to sit back and watch Indian MotoGP practice.

Interesting. I have just done it the other way around. My number one load is the 73gn ELD-M with 2206H but I was given some 55gn Belmont Black to use this week (sorry @Tahr, I thought they were 62gn) and they gave the same POI as my 73s at 100m. I have just been using them on goats and pigs and my first impressions is that they don't kill as well. Especially on the bigger animals.

Main issue I have is lack of blood trail with a .223,sold mine long ago and now use .308,243 and 44 mag,mostly bush hunt so want a good trail for the dog to follow up if needed.

Originally Posted by The bomb

Main issue I have is lack of blood trail with a .223,sold mine long ago and now use .308,243 and 44 mag,mostly bush hunt so want a good trail for the dog to follow up if needed.

The expensive Hammer Hunters fix that problem with the .223. If its a problem.

and the answer to that will be...if they drop on spot,you dont need to trail them..which is sort of like a Kenny Rogers song.... know when to hold em,know when to fold em..know when to walk away...
hold on and dont shoot untill shot is good enough to fold them on the spot..or walk away from shot if they start to run....

I found the 55gr Hornady SP that I loaded with BM2 shot same POI at 100m as my 73g ELD m. I have now stopped using two bullets and solely use the 73g with 2206H.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Agreed. The .223 can do ok through light scrub.
I shot this fallow at about 150 yards through brushy scrub.The 80 grn Targex appears to have expanded before it hit the animal because the pic is of the entrance wound. Penetration wasn't great and I fished around and found the bullet in the lung cavity and wound channel.
Snowing here in Tekapo so Ive got time on my hands...

Attachment 233837

Attachment 233838

Snow is bloody typical, have been sending nor westers across to melt the white stuff as I'm landing in chch on the 28th and doing solo fly camp. Did that a few yrs ago in early Nov with 12 inches of snow every where, not a lot of fun.

Where are you guys getting your 223 projectiles from at the moment?? Seems to be a huge shortage

Targex??

Originally Posted by tac a1

Where are you guys getting your 223 projectiles from at the moment?? Seems to be a huge shortage

Targex??

Yes
targex10.1@gmail.com

Ok thanks Tahr. Ive got my rifle now if you would like a photo

Originally Posted by tac a1

Ok thanks Tahr. Ive got my rifle now if you would like a photo

Yes

Shot this hind last night. 398 yds. 69gn tmk. Smashed it.

That's stretching it, good shooting.