Who's using the .223 ?

[inukshuk]

I'd like to have your experiences in hunting with the .223. Share your stories. But please keep this thread for .223 users.
For two years I wanted to get a 22-250, but changed my mind for the .223 because of longer barrel life, more ammo options from 40-80gr, plus cheaper to practice with using the American Eagle.
So far my longest shot was 600-700 yrds, but for prey about 400 yrds. I've gotten Hare, snow geese, Canada geese and Swan. Now waiting for colder weather so I can get a good fur along with the meat "Fox". Hope it's not to big for ptarmigan?

 

[punkrockboy]

Hope it's not to big for ptarmigan?

I wouldnt be using a vmax or a blitzking on ptarmigan, thats for sure!

I have never used my .223 for anything big, but for coyotes,gophers, hare,etc... its the only thing I use!

 

[Chizzy]

I am pretty sure that it is illegal to harvest geese using a rifle in all of Canada's provinces.

Regards,

Chizzy

 

[manbearpig]

i used to use a .223 700P for groundhogs, coyote and the odd crow. most of the time with cheap 45 grain varmint winchester white box bulk packs.

ive switched over to .25-06 as my groundhog and coyote gun, so i dont know what ill be doing with my .223. i guess ammo is going to be more expensive now that the US is restricting export, maybe the .22-250 is a better choice now.

 

[Kevan]

About 30 or 35 years ago I purchased a Rem 788 & scope for about $150.
When I remarked that it was a bit steep the gun shop owner threw in a set of Forster benchrest dies and I was "away to the races".
I'm not really certain just how many thousands of rounds went through that rifle but it accounted for an unbelieveable number of gophers and coyotes.
The rifle was never glass-bedded, totally plain-jane, everything fired through it grouped well under the inch.....even today , I'm sorry that I ever let it go.
I currently have three 223s, the lightest being 9 lbs., and I'd dearly love to find a lightweight 223 for a "walking around" rifle....something around 7lbs. or less in a Rem.
The area around our cabin is infested with coyotes and I realized after turning 62 that those hills are a lot steeper, or is that the rifles are getting heavier...
I still have a 788 Rem, only this one is a 17 and I know if I don't find that elusive "walk about 223" it will get re-barreled back to what it was.

 

[todbartell]

I had a 700 LVSF in 223 for a few years, great rifle - shoulda never sold it!

All kills with 55 grain Nosler BT @ 3250 fps




Called this one in to about 100-150 yards

called this one into 125 yards

250 yard shot

75 yard shot on this wolf

I had zero problem putting these predators down when the shot was placed well.

 

[KDX]

I think the .223 is an excellent cartridge. I've just been shooting paper with mine so far, (except for 1 crow) but it's very promising in my T3 Lite Stainless.

 

[SuperCub]

I'd dearly love to find a lightweight 223 for a "walking around" rifle....something around 7lbs. or less in a Rem.

You might want to check out one of those Rem Model Seven CDLs in .223. I bought one this week. Weighs 6lbs, no scope. I have a new VXII 2x7 and a set of Talley LWs ready to go on.

I think it will be the perfect "walking around" .223.



.

 

[Cummins4x4]

The 223 is a great cartridge, use mine for gophers up to coyotes out to 300ish yds. Both rifles are 9" twist as I find the heavier bullets better at longer ranges especially if there is a breeze.

7615 with VXIII 1.5-5x30 ill ret

CZ Varm Kevlar with VXL 6.5-20x56

 

[Artie Fufkin]

Checked out the Rem. LV SF .223 a few days ago. Couldn't believe how light it was. I'd give that serious consideration for a .223 carry rifle.

AF

 

[cablemonkey]

I bought a well-used mini-14 from a guy that took several small deer on Texada island with it.

 

[trevj]

Keep well in mind, that you don't actually have a choice of bullets from 40 to 80 grains. Not if you want to hit anything, anyways.

The 14 twist barrels will shoot the light bullets, the 12 twist barrels shoot the mid-weight bullets, and the fast twists (10, 9 twist) shoot the heavy bullets best.

Yer gonna have to choose, based on what you want to shoot.

All said and done, I think I'd choose the 12 twist as an all round choice, and start playing with loads to get one that works well with either the Barnes TSX or the other choices (few) for hunting, rather than varmint bullets in 22 caliber.

IIRC most, if not all, of the "heavy" 22 cal bullets are "target" bullets, built to be accurate, rather than to hold together in game.

Cheers
Trev

 

[Timberwolfe]

If you want a really nice walking varmint gun have a look at the CZ American. It has a couple quirks high rings due to the bolt design and safety backwards to us. But the trigger and overall fit and finish more than make up for them.

My second choice would be a Model 7 Remington.

 

[mpwolf]

Pick up a Model 7 or 700, shoot the crap out of it, and then rebarrel w/ a 1-" barrel, and find out what you can do w/ a properly twisted .223!
I love meeting friends w/ 1-14" 22.250. They all think they've got more range than I do w/ my puny .223. They just don't understand what a faster twist barrel buys me!

 

[wade]

i have a lefthand cdl rem 700, 223 great for gophers,i want to try a 53gr tsx on a mule deer,, so far no mule deer when i got the .223

 

[Kevan]

You might want to check out one of those Rem Model Seven CDLs in .223. I bought one this week. Weighs 6lbs, no scope. I have a new VXII 2x7 and a set of Talley LWs ready to go on.

I think it will be the perfect "walking around" .223.

After inquiring with several dealers that particular model in 223 is not to be found here in B.C., apparently its a special order....according to WSS it is discontinued.
Did you buy yours "down East" ?

 

[SuperCub]

Here's a couple .223s that I just got. The 788 is pretty heavy and will probably see use at the range while the M7 will be a "walking around" gun. The 788 just got here a while back and the Model Seven CDL in NIB. Neither have been fired by me.

If I understand correctly the 788 was brought to the Yukon some years back by a sport from Austria and left there with a guide. The engraving on the bbl traces it to a gunshop in Austria.

 

[Elliott]

I am pretty sure that it is illegal to harvest geese using a rifle in all of Canada's provinces.

Regards,

Chizzy

It was, the last time I checked.

 

[BC Bigbore]

I use my .223's for target shooting and predator hunting, which for me is mostly calling coyotes My .223 hunting rifle is a M700 ADL Synthetic topped with a Burris 4.5-14x42 (too bad that we can't use our AR15's anymore tho' )

 

[K98ACTION]

Here is my most expensive gun in my inventory to date. A brand new Remington LH VSF .223, It is topped with the awsome Karl Kahles 3x9x56 Wein Austria scope.. OPTICS ARE THE BOMB.... I'm currently test firing this puppy trying various types of ammo. Getting ready for Coyote fur this winter.