This post is sure to raise some eyebrows . Anyone out there use a 223 with the proper bullets to harvest deer ? were it is legal to do so. Looked at some videos and it looks like a common practice with our American cousins.
REM 223 deer hunting
- Thread starter warzaw
- Start date
It's now legal here and I've thought about it but I have a lot more suitable hunting cartridges and it just doesn't make sense for me. If I had to use a 223 though, I have no doubt a heavy mono bullet like the TTSX, or TSX would gst the job done at reasonable ranges and shot angles.
I have killed over 15 deer with .223 ranging from PSP 55gr to 62gr bonded bullets. The deer will not know the difference what it was hit with if you hit it in the right spot. I have only had one deer go further than a few yards and it was 60-75 at most that it ran. I have shot close to 10 deer that dropped on the spot when shot under the 200 yard mark. I wouldn't listen to anyone who tries to spout the misconception that .223 is inadequate.
Bullets matter more than headstamps.
I’ve used and seen used first hand 223/223AI used on a couple (few?) dozen deer and black bears now from 12 yards to wayyy out yonder.
Using a bullet that is constructed stoutly enough to penetrate, or heavy enough to drive deep is never a bad idea, regardless of diameter.
I’ve used and seen used first hand 223/223AI used on a couple (few?) dozen deer and black bears now from 12 yards to wayyy out yonder.
Using a bullet that is constructed stoutly enough to penetrate, or heavy enough to drive deep is never a bad idea, regardless of diameter.
SomebodyTookMyName
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central Saskatchewan
3 deer down using .223 here- two with 77gr Sierra Matchkings and one with a 55gr V-Max, all dead within a few yards with boiler-room shots.
Shot 1 with a .22-250 as well using a 60gr Nosler Partition- same result.
Shot placement is key, and as was stated above- bullet construction matters more than headstamp.
Shot 1 with a .22-250 as well using a 60gr Nosler Partition- same result.
Shot placement is key, and as was stated above- bullet construction matters more than headstamp.
Our American cousins depending on their location the deer are the size of medium to large dogs .223 works great! same with those Euro follow deer etc.
For northern big bodied deer right conditions sure .223 will work in a pinch, personally I prefer something bigger, it allows you a bit more room for error with bad shot placement, with a .308 cal cartridge take your pick, almost any shot angle is available and will drop a deer in quick order.
While I subscribe to the thought that there are better choices for our northern deer [large]
I have no doubt that a 223 with the correct bullet/proper placement will take any deer that walks.
I shot a very large Black Bear with my 220 Swift and a 60 grain Partition. DRT. I thought I
would recover that bullet, but it exited the chest, leaving a hole that was not large, but
obviously the bullet had done its job inside. Dave.
I have no doubt that a 223 with the correct bullet/proper placement will take any deer that walks.
I shot a very large Black Bear with my 220 Swift and a 60 grain Partition. DRT. I thought I
would recover that bullet, but it exited the chest, leaving a hole that was not large, but
obviously the bullet had done its job inside. Dave.
Have a half dozen mulies down to mine, using 50gr psp bullets and not super hot loads.
Whacked a doe through the ribs, jellied her heart and lungs, and recovered around 38 or so grains of the bullet, up against the off side leg.
Sorta like the sticker I got from an archery shop, and stuck on my bow. "Stay Calm. Pick your Spot!". If you feel the need to take the shot anyways, at a deer that already is running away, in hopes that you can rely on penetration to kill it after you hit it in the arse, it probably is a bad choice...
LOL at the 22 Short comment. Read some reports that the Poachers were killing Elephants with them. They would set up on the trail, and wait for the elephant to step off, which apparently stretched the skin pretty tight, behind the front leg, giving a lung shot.
Not efficient, but certainly effective!
Whacked a doe through the ribs, jellied her heart and lungs, and recovered around 38 or so grains of the bullet, up against the off side leg.
Sorta like the sticker I got from an archery shop, and stuck on my bow. "Stay Calm. Pick your Spot!". If you feel the need to take the shot anyways, at a deer that already is running away, in hopes that you can rely on penetration to kill it after you hit it in the arse, it probably is a bad choice...
LOL at the 22 Short comment. Read some reports that the Poachers were killing Elephants with them. They would set up on the trail, and wait for the elephant to step off, which apparently stretched the skin pretty tight, behind the front leg, giving a lung shot.
Not efficient, but certainly effective!
350tracker
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Interlake Manitoba
When I was in NZ the 223 was the choice for taking down red deer in the mountain. I personally like something with a little more thump.
lol RJprairie lover
CGN Regular
- Location
- southern MB
A tough 55 gr sp like the cheap hornady 55 gr sp( not the spsx) and a sierra 1365 will make it to the far side and sometimes exit on broadside lung shots. I know plenty of people who use these bullets for everything.
My wife shot her deer this year with a 223 and Sierra 1365. 210 yards, right across the top of the heart. Doe ran 50 yards and was done. There was a 49 gr beautiful mushroom under the hide on the far side. Of the 7 deer we shot in the family she used by far the smallest gun and it went less than the average of the 7. Its got enough jam if you dont shoot funny angles and take stupid shots.
My wife shot her deer this year with a 223 and Sierra 1365. 210 yards, right across the top of the heart. Doe ran 50 yards and was done. There was a 49 gr beautiful mushroom under the hide on the far side. Of the 7 deer we shot in the family she used by far the smallest gun and it went less than the average of the 7. Its got enough jam if you dont shoot funny angles and take stupid shots.
prairie lover
CGN Regular
- Location
- southern MB
Well let's say there is a massive canadian big bodied 170 class buck quartering towards you at 375 yards. Hes giving you the look. You have 20 seconds to make the shot. Hes 10 yards from a 100 foot ravine. 22 cals kinda not ideal there.
