Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting Hunting Deer with the .223 Rem?

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.

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.

I don,t think there is any experience on this site ...

Absolute killer. I would not go much beyond 200 yards.

Stunt shooters weapon of choice

It bounces off.

You can kill deer with them,but it wouldn't be my top choice for a dedicated 200-300 yard mule deer gun.

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.

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.

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

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.

Good ro see you posting again Brad

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...:)

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.

The possible problem is the slow factory twist. It will limit your options bullet wise.

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.

That has been on my mind. Have not been able to find what the twist was on '80's Winchesters.

TSX worked for me this year. I don't usually shoot past 100 in the woods where I hunt though.