Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 55 to 60 grain 223 Rem bullet for deer /bear

This Pig weighed just a tad under 300# 55gr. SP Rio7

Where did you hit that chunky boy? I've found that they all go down with 223 cup/cores if you'll stick it at the base of the neck.

JPro, Left Ear, he was laying in a dirt tank in the mud sound asleep, never heard me drive up, DRT

Rio7

Ear hole works! (grin)

I think he had his caliber/cartridge determination issue resolved medically, according to his OP:


As to the lighter to mid weight 223 options, I too am a fan of the Gold Dots. However, I'm guessing that even the Partitions are easier to find. I know it's stating the obviouls; but, even though many of these are hard to find, posting a WTB ad in the classifieds doesn't take much time or effort.

I've always wanted to just go in my sleep. when its time to go, considering the amount of death I have been around within hospitals while working in the medical industry....

but sleeping in the mud, in a dirt tank and getting one thru the ear...

I'll have to reconsider than a be a little more specific in my thought process...

Note to self.. don't fall asleep in dirt tank of mud when ever in Texas...

Thanks to all for replies, especially to WMR. I didn't know anyone (Federal) produced 223 ammunition with 60 grain Nosler Partitions. I bought three boxes off of Gun Broker. I am very rural and not many gun shops with much inventory of ammo of any kind, much less specialized stuff. Hopefully some 60 grain Nosler Partition bullet tips become available for reloading before I use these all up.

22-250, 220 Swift, 243 all have too much recoil for my shoulder. You can see and feel my ribs from the neck down in the front. There is no shooting from the opposite shoulder as that would require too much stretching of too tender an area, plus I am very weak with little chance to build new muscle to replace what they took.

My 223 will get the job done. My friend killed a Kudu in Africa @ 300 yards with this gun. He replaced it with a Kimber in 223 that had a detachable magazine as he has a Handicap permit and can hunt from a vehicle in PA. I am too old and beat up to be buying a new gun to hunt with. What kills me is I love my old pre 64 Win 70's. I don't need them anymore (all are passed down and gone) as I can't think about shooting one.

Not sure I seen the ops barrel twist though Id expect the 51 gr Absolute hammer would not disappoint & Hammer bullets are generally in stock. My only experience with the Absolute hammer was with a 87 grain in 6mm ARC. Anyone give the Hammers a try on game in 223?

https://hammerbullets.com/product/224-cal-51g-absolute-hammer/

I "seen" where it was 12" twist.

Recently, Hammer Bullets suggested their 44 gr. for my CZ 1-12 twist. They printed 3/8" at 100 yds. Plenty good enough for me.

Sorry to hear about your surgery. I’ve killed many deer with the 1365 Sierra from a 12” twist 223. Also killed many with the 55&60 horn sp with 22-250’s. They seem to be a bit tougher than the Sierra bullet. 55horn is usually on the off side under the hide. The 60’s usually shoot on through. Midway had both hornady bullets in stock last I looked. I’d like to try the 55&62 gold dots if I can ever find any. I’m not a fan of muzzle brakes but have you considered going that route? Also not sure about suppressors where you live but you may be able to get away using a larger caliber if you put a brake or suppressor on a rifle. Good luck either way.

I fired some 60 Grain Nosler Partition loaded Federal Premium ammunition today. Super accurate, and stabilized just fine. Sub dime sized groups at a little over 100 yards in a pretty stiff wind. I made a full write up in the Hunting Rifle section. "1982 S&W 1500 etc....."

Nosler 64gr bonded solid base.

In stock here:
https://www.shootersproshop.com/22-caliber-64gr-bonded-solid-base-100ct-blem.html

25gr IMR-4895
CCI 400 primer.