The 223 as a viable big game round.

C

chuck nelson

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Because Alberta knows best they do not allow the 223 to hunt big game. I'm sure three minutes of thought went into that rule and on another forum when I brought it up say that the rule should change (mainly as a benefit for the youth), snowflakes fast started melting. To belabour the point and because this place slows to a crawl in the summer here it goes.

Even though I apparently will shoot less in my lifetime than some here will shoot in a year I was out again this morning. I had zero intention of running my phones video capabilities but thought what the heck. The video is only for sound (I’m going to buy a phone Skope now) so please have no expectation of a Warner Brothers movie.

Yes, I know I’m not shooting deer. Yes I know steel does not bleed. But a deer at 250 yds could not, in seven lifetimes, win this battle. And I wouldn’t have wanted to be a deer standing at the distances illustrated either.

The scope is an SWFA 3-9 HD that apparently can't work as well.

https://youtu.be/kn5VfOXG8sQ

https://youtu.be/nB55NuE6PjM
 
Really enjoying my T3 223 1-8. It is my cheap to feed fun gun. I topped it with a VXR 3-9, easy to get out to 500 with the 77gr bthp and a few ballistic lines. It's a blast to shoot and does surprisingly well in wind. To you're point though, and yes I agree, a deer at 250-300yds would tip over.
 
We're allowed to use 223 for deer in Sask. as of this year. I'll probably try a few bullet combo's and get my rifle set up for up deer, whether I use it or not. If you fb, check out the 306 hunters page to see heads explode over the thought of it. Pure entertainment.
 
75gr @ 2900 fps MV. 1900 fps @ 600y, 1600 fps @ 800y. It won't bounce off a deer that's for sure.

In BC we can use 17 Hornet for moose and elk.
 
Leave a bale of hay in a cattle pen, close the gate behind the deer and then use a .17 cal pellet gun... that should provide you with hours of entertainment.
 
saskgunowner101 said:
We're allowed to use 223 for deer in Sask. as of this year. I'll probably try a few bullet combo's and get my rifle set up for up deer, whether I use it or not. If you fb, check out the 306 hunters page to see heads explode over the thought of it. Pure entertainment.
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I’m quite enjoying the meltdowns at 306 hunters.

The troll asking which was better for deer, 36 or 50 grain varmint grenades, cracked me up.
 
What percentage of factory 224 cal ammo is either metal jacket or varmint type bullets?
Handload sure, but maybe you’d do just as well with reduced loads in larger cals?
 
In P O Ackley's book, he talks about a ranger that he knew who spent a lot of time experimenting with 22 center fires on big game, in particular the 220 Swift ( the 223 hadn't been invented yet). Deer and feral burros were hunted, shot and compared to other kills with such calibers as the 30-06. It's a very interesting read!
 
No doubt it will kill deer. The real question is at what point is it stunt shooting if there is something else available?
Also entering into the equation is the shooter skill, terrain, angle of the intended quarry and quite probably size. Big difference between a big whitetail buck wound up during the rut on a hard quartering shot at 300 yards just at dusk with no snow on the ground and thick brush for miles right behind him, and a yearling doe broadside in an alfalfa field eating her dinner. Also a big difference between the guy who shoots half a dozen shots a year, including while out hunting, and someone who is a competitive shooter in one of the longer range disciplines.
Personally for myself, I have a responsibility to the animal to do all I can to kill it quickly/cleanly. Anything less would not sit right with me, when I have those quiet times and reflect on what I have and could have done.
 
The one thing I disagree with from the OP is the idea that 223 is a good option for youth. IMO, youth are much better served by a 243, 250savage, ect. The 223 will absolutely get the job done but a step up in power gives a bit more room for error, less than ideal shot angles, ect.

To me, the 223 is good for a seasoned hunter who is well versed in shot placement, angles, ect, won't rush the shot or let his adrenaline get the best of him, and will not be tempted by a less than ideal shot... In other words, I'll keep shooting my 270. Lol
 
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Suther said:
The one thing I disagree with from the OP is the idea that 223 is a good option for youth. IMO, youth are much better served by a 243, 250savage, ect. The 223 will absolutely get the job done but a step up in power gives a bit more room for error, less than ideal shot angles, ect.
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I disagree, kids need to be taught to be critical thinkers start them out with a 223 and they won't grow up to think that 22 centerfires are inadequate for deer because they read it on the internet.
 
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