Hunting deer with 223?
- Thread starter Clemenchick
- Start date
- Location
- Rockland, ON
My 223 is a Ruger American Ranch. It's pretty much always within reach when I'm up on the farm. My "go to" ammunition is Nosler Match Grade 60g Ballistic Tips and it shoots them very well. Its an effective combination for anything I've needed it for, that need has not yet included bear nor have I shot deer with it. I've got some Remington Hypersonic Rifle Bonded 62g Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded PSP ammunition that Remington claims is an effective deer load (https://www.remington.com/ammunition/centerfire-rifle/hypersonic-rifle-bonded). The velocity/energy numbers for the two are similar and both are just slightly below the energy numbers for a standard 30-30 170g load (and we know the 170g cup n core 30-30 is an effective deer and bear killer).
Intuitively, I think hunting deer with either of those 223 loads would result in an clean and effective kill. However, when it comes time to walk out the door for deer (big game), a rifle in a larger cartridge accompanies me.
Maybe its because when I started hunting may moons ago, and for many years afterwards, the only rifle I had was a 303. It conditioned me, it did everything, in terms of deer and other big game hunting, successfully. Even though later on in life my selection of rifles includes cartridges other than 30 cal (243, 270 etc) I still grab a 30 cal or bigger for deer (big game) hunting.
Sometimes its tough to get out of a box, especially when there is no clearly demonstrated need to get out of it.
Intuitively, I think hunting deer with either of those 223 loads would result in an clean and effective kill. However, when it comes time to walk out the door for deer (big game), a rifle in a larger cartridge accompanies me.
Maybe its because when I started hunting may moons ago, and for many years afterwards, the only rifle I had was a 303. It conditioned me, it did everything, in terms of deer and other big game hunting, successfully. Even though later on in life my selection of rifles includes cartridges other than 30 cal (243, 270 etc) I still grab a 30 cal or bigger for deer (big game) hunting.
Sometimes its tough to get out of a box, especially when there is no clearly demonstrated need to get out of it.
It is in BC - at least I couldn't find a cf caliber restriction specifically for .223 and deer. Fyi I don't own one and I think it is not perfect for deer. However, it is cheap so that is a plus. Like a lot of guys here I was in the army and have fired thousands of 5.56, and yes it is used on people effectively, but no one cares if Mr. Terrorist runs a 100 yards and dies in the forest somewhere and cannot be found because I don't think we are eating terrorists. 5.56 I consider like a .410 for game birds, in the right hands it is absolutely devastating but there are a lot of wrong hands out there - then again a lot of Yahoo's out there gunning up and down the fsr with 300wms that can't shoot worth a sh#t. I think range would be an important consideration for shots longer than 200 metres.
Now you guys are making me think I need to buy a 223...
I shot my last 4 point WT with a vanguard s2 in 223.Neck shot at 80 yds. The buck went straight down. Bullet placement is everything. I since sold the flamer stock s2 and purchased a new T3x stainless steel in 243. Yes I live in BC.
Absolutely legal in NB. The well meaning but under educated politicians there thought a good way to stop poachers would be to make law that says you cannot be in the woods with anything larger than a .22 if you don't have a bear, deer or moose license. I don't think they were aware of such a thing as a 22cf, so now the rifle of choice in NB is the .22cf for deer hunting cause if you can only afford 1 rifle and you want to hunt coyotes (which if you are outside of deer season you can't have anything bigger than a .22) you either get a 22-250,.223 or .222. and use that for everything and I mean everything, deer, bear and I am confident there will be a whole bunch of .22cf in the woods in the upcoming moose season.
In summary, the law is backwards, instead of saying you can't hunt deer with anything smaller than a .23 it says you can only use a .22 or smaller to hunt anything smaller than a deer. Wicked..
Heck, you can legally hunt grizzly bear with a .223. And deer too, of course.
Purple shoulder
Regular
- Location
- Winnipeg MB
Completely legal in Mantoba as well.
Backcountryal
CGN Regular
- Location
- New Zealand
Ive used a 22.250 for 40 years on red deer, fallow deer, tahr and chamois. I have also used a 222 and a 223 extensively on the same. If I'm after meat for the freezer, the 22.250 is my go to rifle, if I'm after a big bull, or a stag, or guiding, or its gonna be windy then my 7mm Mag is my go to rifle. Don't use the 223 much cos its a semi, but I have often shot deer decent sized red deer with the 222. And it all comes down to good projectile choice and excellent shot placement! Pick a decent cup and core projectile 55gn or bigger, or a Barnes and you're away laughing. Neck shots are best, but with the right projectile front shoulder shots work well, particularly just in behind the front shoulder. No amount of bigger calibres will negate poor shot placement. And a decent 22 calibre rifle is usually oh so easy to shoot well.
I was pleasantly surprised upon moving to BC that .223 was legal for deer hunting. I have owned many and think its a great youth cartridge for when the kids get old enough to start hunting. Cheap, low recoil, range time to get comfortable. Fairly flat shooting and many options for off the shelf hunting rounds.
In Manitoba its perfectly legal to hunt bears, deer, elk and moose with 17 hornet, still wouldn't recommend it
there are a number of calibers available for AR15/stanag pattern magazines outside of 223/556.
We are only now starting to see people hunting with these calibers now in canada due to rifles like the bushmaster ACR which offers a Non Restricted stanag Compatible semi auto platform with a quick change system for multiple calibers.
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I have....a few better options. If one was starving, and it was all you had. Sure
To prove it can be done to a bunch of strangers on the internet. No.
Because you used your money on a range toy, can't afford a better choice. No.
I wouldn't use one, and live on a island with tiny deer.
To prove it can be done to a bunch of strangers on the internet. No.
Because you used your money on a range toy, can't afford a better choice. No.
I wouldn't use one, and live on a island with tiny deer.
You can shingle a roof with a tack hammer. That doesn't make it a good idea. I like to use tools designed for the job at hand.
Unless it was my only rifle, I just can't see any reason to use it to hunt deer. If it was my only gun I would use it, and likely have few issues; but if I was looking for a deer gun I would get one of the VERY many rounds that are more suitable.
Unless it was my only rifle, I just can't see any reason to use it to hunt deer. If it was my only gun I would use it, and likely have few issues; but if I was looking for a deer gun I would get one of the VERY many rounds that are more suitable.
