if you re thinking that only that caliber will cause you to track wounded animal you will sooner than later discover than wounding animal can happen with any caliber even the biggest and largest ...
5.56 nato
- Thread starter Canadan
- Start date
if you re thinking that only that caliber will cause you to track wounded animal you will sooner than later discover than wounding animal can happen with any caliber even the biggest and largest ...
We all started off as a new hunter and search for guidance. Lucky for new hunters there is a wealth of knowledge to be found on the internet but at the same time take some with a grain of salt. Be wary of YouTube videos as some can be miss leading as well as advise from the arm chair hunter.
Hunting experience comes with time and hunting every season is preferred. Shooting/ practicing on a regular basis is very important and knowing your hunting equipment is equally important as well. I'm one of the lucky one that own a cabin on a lot of land and my every weekend shooting session don't bother any one as they have their range sessions themselves. So come bear and deer season I'm ready and successful every year.
One of your biggest challenge as a new hunter will be controlling your emotions, excitement and heart rate when your target deer or bear steps out before taking that shot and that comes with time and experience. I reload for my 223 and I know what it can do from 20 yards out to 300 yards. I practice with that 223 on varmints and confident with my shots and my ability to control my emotions, excitement and heart rate - learn to stay calm. It is why I used it on my last hunt instead of my tried and true 308. On a side note, my 2022 black bear was taken with my Tikka Compact 308.
Good Luck
antiqueguy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- windsor ontario
.223/5.56 is is enough gun for deer.
Just 1 needs to be placed right and 2 needs to have a bullet that will expand not vaporize(barns tsx).
Niagara region I’m pretty sure is bows only for deer.
Just 1 needs to be placed right and 2 needs to have a bullet that will expand not vaporize(barns tsx).
Niagara region I’m pretty sure is bows only for deer.
antiqueguy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- windsor ontario
Shots here in Southern Ontario are generally within 100 yards.
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Depends on the deer. I’d hunt a 125lb island black tail anyday with a .223, I wouldn’t take it after a mountain muley however for several reasons. It’s been over a dozen years since I’ve shot a whitetail as we don’t have them here in this part of BC, but I’d probably be happy with .223 for that with a GMX or the like picking my shots.
antiqueguy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- windsor ontario
Biggest issue he is going to have is if wants to hunt in his area it’s bows only for deer.
rommelrommel
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
5.56 NATO is not inherently a FMJ. Mk262, 62 Grain Federal TBBC, several TSX loads, Hornady shows eight different non-FMJ loads, etc.
223/556 is definitely capable of downing a deer.
However, your margin of error will be small and you are likely to lose the game that you hit. I'd be hesitant to shoot a deer further than 100m with 223/556. There are scenarios where your shots are less than that (i.e. from a tree stand or blind). A full powered cartridge (i.e. 308 sized or bigger) will give you much more room for error.
I am also guessing that you intend to take a semi-auto to hunt? It will work but it might not give you the perceived advantage. The perceived advantage of quick follow up shots does not usually come into play in a hunting scenario. You usually get 1 or 2 shots, with semi you can maybe squeeze out a 3rd. But those will be inaccurate shots. Comparing with a bolt action rifle of similar calibre, semi-autos *generally speaking* are heavier, bulkier, and have not as good of a trigger. All 3 will hinder your capability on taking that accurate first shot.
If you are strapped for money, hunt with whatever you have that is legal. If you have the budget, I would advise building out a dedicated hunting rifle. 270 win is a good choice due to calibre restriction in southern Ontario. 308/30-06 would also work. All 3 calibres would be suitable as one rifle to hunt every big game in Ontario. Put a good scope on it and keep the rifle light (<8.5lb with optic and magazine full of ammo).
However, your margin of error will be small and you are likely to lose the game that you hit. I'd be hesitant to shoot a deer further than 100m with 223/556. There are scenarios where your shots are less than that (i.e. from a tree stand or blind). A full powered cartridge (i.e. 308 sized or bigger) will give you much more room for error.
I am also guessing that you intend to take a semi-auto to hunt? It will work but it might not give you the perceived advantage. The perceived advantage of quick follow up shots does not usually come into play in a hunting scenario. You usually get 1 or 2 shots, with semi you can maybe squeeze out a 3rd. But those will be inaccurate shots. Comparing with a bolt action rifle of similar calibre, semi-autos *generally speaking* are heavier, bulkier, and have not as good of a trigger. All 3 will hinder your capability on taking that accurate first shot.
If you are strapped for money, hunt with whatever you have that is legal. If you have the budget, I would advise building out a dedicated hunting rifle. 270 win is a good choice due to calibre restriction in southern Ontario. 308/30-06 would also work. All 3 calibres would be suitable as one rifle to hunt every big game in Ontario. Put a good scope on it and keep the rifle light (<8.5lb with optic and magazine full of ammo).
Bullets matter. They matter more than the cartridge that started it on its way.
Use a good bullet that is up to the task, apply enough velocity to it so that it ensures an appropriate amount of upset, and there isn’t a deer walking the planet that will shake it off if you put it in the front half.
Use a good bullet that is up to the task, apply enough velocity to it so that it ensures an appropriate amount of upset, and there isn’t a deer walking the planet that will shake it off if you put it in the front half.
Yes and perfectly legal in BC. The only guys that say 22 Centerfires are inadequate are the guys that haven't used them.
The ONLY reason the 22 rimfire (and all rimfires post WWII) is illegal for deer in BC was as a roadblock to being able to hunt as anyone could afford a 22 rimfire it had nothing to do with effectiveness or anything else.
The ONLY reason the 22 rimfire (and all rimfires post WWII) is illegal for deer in BC was as a roadblock to being able to hunt as anyone could afford a 22 rimfire it had nothing to do with effectiveness or anything else.
Most of us are saying that there are better options out there for a person who just got their gun license a few months ago and now wants to start hunting.
- Location
- Alberta, North America
What? There's numerous factory in SP such as Sako ... and of course anyone who loads can load up SPs.
What a dum statement ...
antiqueguy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- windsor ontario
Depends on where their hunting if the OP is hunting locally it’s bows only.
Well you start out with what you think is a do it all rifle/caliber. Then real life hits. Pushing through dense bush all of a sudden that 26" barrel and scope become an issue. Well next trip to the gun shop you see a sweat looking carbin with iron sights. Guess what? Different caliber than the first but man will it be ideal for thick brush.
Rinse, repeat.
One day you wake up with a dozen rifles in 8 different calibers. Wondering what you will buy next and thinking on how to avoid the wifes stink eye
If I was a betting man my money is on the guy with a 22 centerfire who has been out shooting gophers all summer out to 500 yards, as compared to the guy with the 300 ultramag who is scared of his rifles recoil, flinches like crazy, therefore doesn't practice at all, but thinks he has a laser and can hold on hair out to over 1000 yards....
In his defense though, his 1000 is actually 300 if he used a rangefinder....
In the end, its the guy holding the rifle, not the stamp on the barrel, (use the right projectile in the 22).
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Mostly boredom, yes.
