I want to either get a .223 or a .243 for a target rifle, but I also want to use it for deer under 100 yards. My first choice would be 223 as there are quite a few upsides to using it. Now, I am wondering if you can recommend a bullet to use for deer in .224 diameter. I heard about a 60gr SP, I think, that was supposed to be suitable for small big game.
.223 for Deer?
- Thread starter DrawBlood
- Start date
Make sure you check the local hunting regulation to see if you are allow to hunt with a .223 first.
Put on a fire retardant suit because there's a flamin' a comin'. .223 for deer has been beaten to death on just about every such forum and this one to boot. Deer aren't armour plated. If it is legal in your area, use a heavy for caliber - controlled expansion bullet and go to it. .243 is a better deer round all week long.
I checked a lot of the forums but I couldn't find a good bullet to use for it.
lots of deer have been dropped dead in their tracks with a .22 lr-but why would you limit yourself-even with a 243? you won't find better workmanship,quality,accuracy and value for your money than if you picked up a nice old 6.5x55 swede-then you're good to go as far as you can shoot and right up to moose or bear.No deer I ever shot with my swede went farther than 20 yards-and all one shot kills
I have a 7mm for everything else, and eventually I am going to get a 260 anyway. Actually, where I grew up, atleast around my grandpa's buddies, anything over 243 was overkill for moose. They gave the kids 243's so that there wasn't as much chance of it getting away if it was a bad shot.
- Location
- Eastern Edge of the Foothills
This is the right answer. The only thing to add is: don't try any texas heart shots. Put it in the boiler room the first try.
One reason 22 centerfires are so popular in NB is because they can be carried year round for hunting varmints, such as coyotes. I guess the reason we are restricted to .224 and less during varmint season is so that we won't be tempted to be poaching big game out of season. However, in NB all centerfires are also legal for all big game during their seasons, including deer, bears and moose. So you can't coyotes with your 38 special Marlin during varmint season, cause its too big a caliber, but you can hunt moose with your 22 hornet during moose season. Makes perfect sense doesn't it?
Legally speaking, in BC the restriction is that you must use Centerfire ammunition to hunt deer. This stops people using .22 LR but allows for .223
Now, personally I like my 30.06 for deer, and would only consider a head shot with a .223
If it's a "target" rifle then you could likely blow it's brains out at 100 yards without too much trouble.
Now, personally I like my 30.06 for deer, and would only consider a head shot with a .223
If it's a "target" rifle then you could likely blow it's brains out at 100 yards without too much trouble.
.223 is illegal to hunt deer with in Ontario .... I use a .243 for deer. If I could go back in time I would buy a .308 for deer hunting, and have a .223 for varmints and target shooting. The .243 is a bit small for deer and too much for ground hogs/coyotes.
I handloaded a .222 for my Dad in Ont for years and he shot at least a dozen Wt's and 3 blackbear with it.All one shot! 24gr Win 748/55hr Hornady with cannalure.......PS the .223/5.56 is a military round meant for killing people..........works on deer too...........Harold
