Thread: 223 factory loads

Hi folks.

So I'm going to scope my AR up for a fallow hunt in may.

I've only run 55gr FMJs through the irons for IPSC at the club but invariably one does take these black rifles hunting from time to time.

For head and neck shooting fallow or deer in general what have you found works well(obviously accuracy matters a great deal).

I've got a 1 in 7 twist so I am inclined to try the 64gr + Projectiles.
Any help much appreciated folks :-)

Definitely the Winchester 64gn already mentioned and try Hornady’s 68gn and 75gn HP in a factory load. They worked well on game.

I used to use Federal Fusion in my AR and it worked like it says on the tin.

nothing wrong with the bulk 55grn hornadie stuff...nothing at all.

Spoken to one or 2 other guys and seems like the Winchester or fusion msr is the go.

Albeit the latter costs the price of mid range 308!!!

re-reading your origonal post,IF you are intending to and will stick to the head/neck ONLY type shot...you could well be better off using whatever varmit type load your rifle likes..eg a amax/zombiemax or hollow point because your target is small/thin and a near miss with explosive type projectile will be better than a deep penertrating slowly expanding one...the same goes for nearly every calibre .Ive shot half a dozen reds with my .223 and havent had issues YET.....its just a matter of taking the time to make sure the shot is perfect or dont take it.

64 gr gameking is another good option.
Mate shot a nice red yearling in November at about 160 mtr with the ??62 gr fusion shot was low forward of the front leg and exited through the rear ribs.
Bullet did not meet enough resistance to open up and create a decent stopping wound. I got lucky and put a round through both shoulders just before he headed into the bush. (Nothing left to eat in the front end unfortunately).