223/5.56 around 70-80 gr

[Sudbury shooter]

Im looking to harvest a deer this fall with a 18" barrel 1-8 twist rifle in 5.56. Ive looked at all of my LGS' and they don't stock anything heavier than 62gr. Ive heard 77gr smk would do the job well but I haven't seen any even online. If anyone knows a store that stocks something similar that would be a great help.

Thanks!

 

[saskcop]

Before you get flamed by a few different folks for suggesting a match bullet is suitable for hunting, I will say the Nosler 77 grain match bullets perform better on game than the Sierras do. That being said, there are better hunting bullets out there for hunting than match bullets. Will they work? Yes. Is there something more effective? Yes. 62 grain controlled expansion bullets will be more reliable on game - especially if loaded to 5.56 pressures.

 

[Sudbury shooter]

Before you get flamed by a few different folks for suggesting a match bullet is suitable for hunting, I will say the Nosler 77 grain match bullets perform better on game than the Sierras do. That being said, there are better hunting bullets out there for hunting than match bullets. Will they work? Yes. Is there something more effective? Yes. 62 grain controlled expansion bullets will be more reliable on game - especially if loaded to 5.56 pressures.

Thanks I will keep that in mind and look for a better choice of round. Do you know of any controlled expansion bullets that would be heavier?

 

[saskcop]

I believe Swift makes a bonded heavier .224. It may be 75 grains which should be a thumper out of a .223. I am pretty sure that Barnes makes a TSX that is on the heavy side for .223 as well. I can only imagine that it would be important to launch those suckers at a pretty good speed to get decent expansion out of them as they will be tough bullets to say the least. Sierra does make a 65 grain boat tailed soft point too if you can actually find them. I have heard good results are achieved with them. I have also had very good results from using the 64 grain Winchester Power Points (the ones made for hand loading without a cannelure). The punch way above their weight in that the bullet is very tough and has been match accurate out of the rifles I have tried it in. BLC-2, W748 and CFE223 would spark them up quite well.