Thread: A question for the doubters

I dont need to be convinced .223 is more than enough for shooting deer in NZ, Provided its either A - handloaded with the likes of 80gr ELDM etc or if running factory ammo B - in the hands of a very experienced shooter thats aware of the realistic capabilities of the ammunition / system. Not to say i havent shot my fair share of deer with 55gr SP & all sorts of other factory .223 ammo, because i have probably shot more deer with .223 than any other calibre with varying results (Due to ammuntion choice & shooter ability NOT CALIBRE). Its fair to say once you go down the path of handloading the .223 with heavy for cal bullets like the ELDM it completely transforms it into something that punches well above its weight.

Personally these days i chose to shoot deer with something larger than .223 for a couple of reasons, mainly because im shooting almost exclusively hammer copper projectiles now, but also because it makes me feel better having the extra horsepower. It may be completely unnecessary & wether that actually translates to improved performance upon the projectile hitting the animal is up for debate & theres probably alot of scenarios at closer ranges where it has the opposite effect & the .223 with a 80gr ELDM would do a better job.