Thread: A question for the doubters

Originally Posted by Hunter_Nick

So dragging this one up again.

I began this thread, and at that time I was convinced that I’d finally ‘nailed it’ and reached the end of my search for the ultimate medium game hunting rifle for this country. But after 6 months or so of hunting and observing the results of the 22 creed on deer, I’m moving on to something else. The 22 creed barrel is coming off and the original 358 win barrel is going back on.

I didn’t lose any deer that I pointed it at, but very nearly did. On a number of occasions….. If I had been hunting in ‘thicker’ country the results would have definitely been different. It was fine on the lighter animals when broadside, but lacking in penetration when quartering on or away.
Don’t get me wrong, the cartridge is accurate as hell and super easy to shoot. Brilliant for goats and lighter deer, but bigger reds (especially stags) it’s left wanting as far as I’m concerned.

All power to those getting after it with a .224 centrefire, but I won’t be me anymore.

Putting the old head on the block here, but it is what it is. Gave it a go, and admit it’s not for me.

Are you sure it's the fault of the 'calibre' (chambering) and not the bullets being used?

Maybe, but probably not. I was using 88gr ELD-M and probably the only reasonable change to make would be the 80 ELD-X - but I’m not sure that a decrease in sectional density to gain a slight increase in jacket thickness is going to make a dramatic difference.
The other way to look at it is - a heavy for caliber ELD-M in another bore size (greater than say 6.5mm) produces markedly different results. Bigger holes, deeper penetration and blood on the ground.

Good on you for 1- Making a decision based on your observations.

2- Telling us about it and why.

Can't argue with experience, sounds like you gave it a decent go before making any kind of decision. Good way of putting it too, you're not trying to say that it won't work full stop just that you believe from what you've experienced in your situations that there is a better option.

I'm curious about what calibre you're going to next? Is the 6mm a big enough jump in frontal diameter and overall grain weight to make a noticeable difference?

Cheers for sharing your experience

Originally Posted by Hook_Grass

Can't argue with experience, sounds like you gave it a decent go before making any kind of decision. Good way of putting it too, you're not trying to say that it won't work full stop just that you believe from what you've experienced in your situations that there is a better option.

I'm curious about what calibre you're going to next? Is the 6mm a big enough jump in frontal diameter and overall grain weight to make a noticeable difference?

Cheers for sharing your experience

If money wasn’t an object, I’d probably be screwing a 308 barrel or perhaps a 7mm-08. But I’ve got a 358 win barrel here (that originally came off it) so that’s what it’ll become.

I've got a lovely still unfired howa .308 here

Haven't read all of this thread.
I have no doubt 223 can effectively kill fallow. Often used in other states. But I wouldn't use mine on a mature buck. Doe, yes, but not legal here anyway.

Have shot fallow, but mainly hunt sambar. A few weeks ago took an off hand shot at a small sambar, about 30 yards. Not big, about goat size. Side on 30.06 180gr interlok. Entry slightly behind R shoulder. Exit, L shoulder, smashed. Big exit hole. I mean, about 50mm dia. (I remove the tips of those bullets)

She ran about 50 yards up a gentle slope, jumped an old fence, did a big U turn and fell over. All up about 70 yards. When I found her 5 minutes later still alive so, shot again in the head.

Shot fallow buck last year, 30.06 130gr bullet, 2900fps, 100 yards.

Same placement. Exit L shoulder. Ran about 60 yards. DOA.

A bit bigger is always better IMHO.