.223

black_bear

black_bear

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I am using an AR180B (.223rem.) this year for deer partly because that is the only rifle I own, there is a possibility of borrowing a .30-30 but I think the .223 might do a better job for past 100yrds. (What would be max. range, 150yrds?) What are your opinions? (Plz don't piss on this thread and B.S. about how the .223 isn't "big enough" for deer, because with good shot placement it will down a deer). (I'm also leaning towards my rifle because the .30-30 lever is pretty much a single-shot right now because the action is so hard to cycle you need to take it off your shoulder to cycle it, and with the AR I'd have a quick follow-up if needed (hopefully not). I am also thinking that the .223 might be more accurate than the .30-30? I'm thinking of using Remington Premier Accu-Tip soft point (55gr.), or, if I can find, Federal Premium Vital-Shok Nosler Partition (60gr.) Anyone know of any others? Also, I am 90% sure I am going to get a scope on it before the hunt, I was looking at a Bushnell Trophy 1x32mm ACOG-style scope, should I go with that or just top it off with a cheap 3-9x40/50mm for the season and wait on the bushnell?

If you want to go into the details of the hunt, I will most likely be hunting more open country with brush patches, hunting from the ground (maybe a makeshift blind out of a brush pile or something).

Thanks for the help!
 
Ya, not my ideal deer caliber either but gotta use what you have (this will prob. be the only year using it, will probably invest in a big-game rifle for next year). You wouldn't know any companies that sell the Barnes-X bullet in factory ammunition? That's a good idea, but I don't have a reloader :-(
 
Federal sells 223 in nosler partition. Energy levels posted on their website suggest a max range for deer would be about 150 yards as near as i can tell. (with a tiny bit of wiggle room).

That's about the only 'hunting load' i know of. You'd SURE want to be 100 percent certain to take only the sweetest shots - a broadside in the lungs for example.

Frankly - with those range restrictions you're better off with the 30-30. But if that's all you got, that's all you got. If you keep your shots short (100 or less would be best) and pass on anything that isn't 'textbook', it should do it.
 
Have you considered picking up an old Enfield (303 Brit) to get you through this year? Should be able to find one for under $150 easily and it would be my choice over both of the calibers you mentioned. Between 223 and 30-30, I think I'd go with the 30-30, even taking the slow follow up shot into consideration. Most factory loads for 223 are intended for varmint or target.
 
Out to about 150 yards you'll still have 800ish ft.lbs, which with the right bullet (TSX or other premium ONLY) should do the job, penetration-wise. The .30-30 is a vastly better choice for big game though, and there's basically zero margin for error when using such lil' bullets.

I don't know... if it were me I'd use the .30-30. Even if it's 'only' as fast to operate as a bolt, it's a much better choice for deer.
 
223 on deer

If you restrict yourself to "face on" and broadside shots ....and you and your "load "can shoot 2 inch or better groups.......take the .223 ..... the 30/30 you describe is not in good working condition!

Useing scoped Mini 14 and 55 gr Hornadys @3000 fps.......have personally shot 11 deer back in the 1980's.....125 yds and less......bang/flop for 10...one ran 75 yds on a heart shot......

hs4570..............your mileage may vary
 
dan belisle said:
223 is legal for deer in Manitoba? - dan
Click to expand...

from the MB hunting guide...

A centrefire rifle may be used to hunt big game. A centrefire rifle of .23 calibre or less is not recommended.

Recommended being the key word.
 
get some Federal VS 60 gr Nosler ammo, or Winchester 64 gr PowerPoints

limit yourself to standing shots at broadside or quartering away deer inside 100 yards

if you *did* handload, the Barnes 53 gr TSX would be the one to use

I put a 55 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip through the ribs of a 80 lb wolf last winter, and it exited. Im sure it would of exited a deer as well. The controlled expansion bullets will help insure deeper penetration and would be a better choice thana varmint bullet :)
 
If you can get the 30-30 home and give it a good cleaning (complete tear down if you are comfortable with it) it may loosen up the action for you.

Hornady has the new Leverevolution, I haven't tried it yet but the PR sounds promissing. the 30-30 comes in 160 gr shooting at 2400fps and 2150fps at 100 yards. They say it greatly improves accuracy and stretches the range to 150 yards rifle.

ww.hornady.com/story.php?s=198

See if you can get to the range and try some, then decide.
 
According to Barnes web page, Corbond makes a 223 cartridge using the Barnes 53gr X bullet. Now if you could track some of those down...
 
.30.30 would be my choice despite being a hard cycler.

That 7 larger caliber sizes with more punch at 100 yards will do more for you than being ready for a second shot with the .223.

In any event, let her rip with what is comfortable for you. good luck.
 
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