Thread: Joined the pop gun club...223 takes its first animals bush stalking

Most people know im a 243 man, thats my go to rifle all day long, esp bush stalking. Quite awhile ago i added a 308 for longer range areas and as a back up rifle for a change now and again etc.
Just recently i bought a 223 of the forum, this Howa 1500 with a suppressor and a throw away cheap guncity scope.






I decided i join the 223 club for areas where theres more goats, fallow and i will use it on Reds as well in certain areas.
In a couple of days a Leupold VX1 scope will arrive(from forum again) which i put on it and that do for a nice cheap set up.

After sighting it in a couple weeks ago with that crap scope that wouldnt track we managed to get it shooting not a bad 5 shot group at 100yards that should be good to go while i wait for the leupold to arrive.
Today, thought as its abit heavy than i like, i take it for a walk and see how i like it and check out a area i hunted pigs 25 years ago to see whats in there.

Didnt get up early, left about 6am from home and went up the perlous where i knew there be goats at least in that jungle and a place 25 years ago plus we did alright on pigs.


Had to cross the river, bit deeper than i remember and into the bush.










Well, nearly was another of these hunts of mine laterly and home early as only went 50 yards and two pigs i disturbed 10 yards in front of me in real thick crap moved off.
Nearly got to shoot a pig around 50lb but the scrub was just a little to thick for the shot so they were lucky pigs.

Still, good to see pigs here still and if bought my mate with his dogs we would of got one ok. Carried on , but knew my best hope was a goat or a unlucky deer as the bush was typical sounds like,
thick fern, manuka, gorse see about 30 yards etc.

Found some fallow sign not too old and more freshish pig rooting further back and the odd mark here and there and some old goat sign.

Got used to carriying the 223, so didnt think it was too bad and was quite enjoying the walk in the scrub as some areas opened up and was a pleasant day.












Started the walk back to the river and saw some legs ahead in the scrub. Was hoping it was a deer but it ended up a youngish billy looking at me.

Any animal in here bush stalking was a win, and here was the prime chance to shoot the first with the 223.
Didnt try any fancy shot, esp with this scope, just centred it on the middle of its chest as was facing me and squeezed of.

POP... no BOOM, felt like i took a pop gun to a gunfight haha. The goat turned and bolted and i was thinking fuck, not like the mighty 243, how far is this going to run lol.

Should of had faith in the 55gr softpoint as found the goat dead only 20 yards from where it was standing and wasnt smelly and looked in good nick so goat curry is on the menu.














Took the meat and carried on out and low down saw some more movement and another goat shows itself. Tried a neck shot this time and POP and down it goes.


Not bad for a look with the new addition. Two shots, two animals, got a feed and when i put the better scope on it we see if i can knock over a deer in the bush next.

Still, feel under powered with this pop gun but clearly it works so it be a toss up between the three cals and areas which one comes but its never replacing the mighty 243 but happy days


Cheers