Antelope and 223???

Dalebow · 05-23-2008, 07:13 PM

Is the 223 enough for antelope say 300yards or less??

Ridge Runner · 05-23-2008, 08:32 PM

yes, its not the best choice but it is adequate, just use a good bullet, I've taken many many whitetails with the 223.
RR

Dalebow · 05-23-2008, 08:37 PM

what is a good bullet??? Iam going to us an AR from DPMS arms, 16" stainless bull barrel, 2.5-10X40 optics, shoots under 1"MOA

homers brother · 05-23-2008, 08:43 PM

Might kill one, but you'll want to check as to whether a .223 is legal/sufficient in the game laws of the state you're hunting.

I know the .223 isn't legal in Wyoming for ANY big game.

Ridge Runner · 05-23-2008, 08:53 PM

60 gr nosler partition, 55 gr trophy bonded, 64 gr win power point, there are also a couple x-bullets from barnes.
from a 16" barrel you could probably get by with about any 55 gr soft point, I've taken the last 30 or so deer with a 223 with a 55 gr soft point.
shot placement is the key, onside front leg foreward pretty sunday shot results in a 60 yard sprint to a pile-up.
RR

Dalebow · 05-23-2008, 08:55 PM

sounds good!!

Dalebow · 05-23-2008, 09:04 PM

Homer was right in CO must be a .24 or bigger, looks like the 243wssm is getting a plane ticket:-)

salukipv1 · 05-23-2008, 09:21 PM

Def check to see if its legal....if so, I'd say heavier bullets are better.....50-75gr....

talked to a guy in MT who loved using his .220 swift on antelope all the way out to 300-500yds.
course thats more powder/power....so I would assume the swift would shoot those heavier bullets faster and with more energy.

Either way you'd want a premium bullet, not a hollowpoint.....

.243-.270 is a better route to take I'd say.

Colorado Luckydog · 05-23-2008, 10:07 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Dalebow

Is the 223 enough for antelope say 300yards or less??

Nope! There's a reason it's not legal in some states, It's not a good big game caliber. JMHO. It's fine for prarie dogs and yotes though! You should be very satisfied with your .243, but bring your .223 to smokes some pd's while your here!!

homers brother · 05-24-2008, 05:53 AM

I've used a .243 Win on antelope for years and never had one stagger more than 75 yards from where he was hit, using plain-jane greenbox 100 gr CoreLokts.

Your .243 WSSM should be fine