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Campfire Outfitter
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Anyone have experience killing deer with a .223 Rem? A local shop has a nice old M70 Featherweight in .223 - I'm tempted to pick it up for some varmint shooting but am interested in possibly hunting mule deer with it. Shots are usually under 200 yards but 300 is not uncommon. I would reload and use good bullets like the Nosler Bonded 64 grainer. Thoughts, experiences? Thanks.
A true sportsman counts his achievements in proportion to the effort involved and fairness of the sport. - S. Pope
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Google is your friend with this dilemma.
I have used Sierra 55 GK SP with great results from the 223 and bet the 60 Partition would be good as long as the twist is there to shoot them.
Others will chime in about the Hornady 55, Sierra 63 and Barnes TTSX, all of which I am sure will turn the lights out on a buck pretty fast but I have no hans on experience with those bullets.
The last time that bear ate a lawyer he had the runs for 33 days!
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I don,t think there is any experience on this site ...
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Absolute killer. I would not go much beyond 200 yards.
"Only Christ is the fullness of God's revelation." Everyday Hunter
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Stunt shooters weapon of choice
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Will Munny: It's a hell of a thing, killing a man. Take away all he's got and all he's ever gonna have.
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You can kill deer with them,but it wouldn't be my top choice for a dedicated 200-300 yard mule deer gun.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Surely you've seen this topic ad infinitum in the 11+ years you've been here.
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Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
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Surely you've seen this topic ad infinitum in the 11+ years you've been here. As in Gunwriters about a mo ago? Add AI and its god fer griz to 500. Fire said so. If you cant whack muleys at 800 in the brush with a 20 mph breeze with the AI version you aint chitt fer a hunter.
Last edited by jaguartx; 01/18/17.
Ecc 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but that of a fool to the left.
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I Dindo Nuffin
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Campfire Ranger
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I think Centershot has been around here long enough without being labeled a troll, to think this is a legitimate Q...It did strike me as strange though after so many threads flinging 223 poo around... Anyhow...Vanilla .223 Rem at about 80-100 yards. 62 TSX. Would prefer to push it a bit faster than the 223 is capable of, but the 64 grain bonded shouldn't need warp speed to work well.
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I think Centershot has been around here long enough without being labeled a troll, to think this is a legitimate Q...It did strike me as strange though after so many threads flinging 223 poo around... Anyhow...Vanilla .223 Rem at about 80-100 yards. 62 TSX. Would prefer to push it a bit faster than the 223 is capable of, but the 64 grain bonded shouldn't need warp speed to work well. I saw a recent thread here where Barrett will be building the light weight Fieldcraft rifles in 22-250 with a 1:7 twist.IMHO that might be a real dual purpose gun.
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Campfire Outfitter
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The 64g win power point works well. It's shorter blunt shape helps it stabilize in the slower twist barrels but doesn't give you much BC. A 200 yard killer maybe 300 if you push it.
Bb
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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It'll work just fine but there're people who say its too small, there's also people here who have trouble killing deer with ANY rifle in their hands no matter what the chambering. I've only ever killed whitetails from 20-450yds with a 223/223AI using 50Vmax's, 60partition's, 62TSX's, and 75Amax's. I won't even count the fast twist 22-250/22-250AI kills. Wife and I have killed 5 with the just the 60 partition the past couple seasons and I've recovered 3 of those bullets. Never had a 62TSX stay in a deer, the other bullets came apart. I'm back to using the TSX full time.
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Good ro see you posting again Brad
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Campfire Tracker
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There is ample evidence on this site for the right bullet in the right place.
I was skeptical for a long time regarding the distances guys were turning in kills with a mild 6. But there it is. The larger cartridge killing power thing is deeply ingrained in hunting lit and our heads. The endless cartridge blather on the net seldom touches on how well a guy can shoot--as if shooting well is somehow a constant.
But the bottom line is the right bullet for the circumstances and placement in critter. As you said, some people will have trouble killing deer regardless.
Personally, hunting where I do, am curious about the higher BC bullets in the 22 caliber, hit signatures, cut hair and blood evidence compared to larger diameter bullets you have used in the past. Would appreciate hearing about it.
Have plans...:)
Defend the Constitution
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Campfire Outfitter
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Not trolling - and did see a 223AI Thread that was miles long. Had trouble determining if that was even serious as there are so many smart ass remarks. Seems to be a common theme where the .223 is mentioned as deer worthy.
I am/was in the camp of the .223 being too small, but never having tried it myself, wanted to ask the question. I have been around long enough and shot enough deer to know that a shot with a bullet that light would need to be broadside at reasonable range.
The reason I ask is that I have always wanted a M70 Featherweight (prefer .308) but saw one in .223 at a local shop. I'm trying to justify it to myself and if I could add it as a legit deer killer, well that may just be the tipping point.
A true sportsman counts his achievements in proportion to the effort involved and fairness of the sport. - S. Pope
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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The possible problem is the slow factory twist. It will limit your options bullet wise.
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Campfire Outfitter
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You can kill deer with them,but it wouldn't be my top choice for a dedicated 200-300 yard mule deer gun. Agreed, why I'm asking about experiences from guys that have actually used the .223Rem. on deer. It would not be a dedicated mule deer gun - more of a multi purpose varmint, coyote and possible deer gun.
A true sportsman counts his achievements in proportion to the effort involved and fairness of the sport. - S. Pope
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Campfire Outfitter
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The possible problem is the slow factory twist. It will limit your options bullet wise. That has been on my mind. Have not been able to find what the twist was on '80's Winchesters.
A true sportsman counts his achievements in proportion to the effort involved and fairness of the sport. - S. Pope
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TSX worked for me this year. I don't usually shoot past 100 in the woods where I hunt though.
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