.223 loads for deer hunting???
 

I bought a box of the 60gr Nosler Partitions to load for my dad who has two herniated disks in his upper back and can't take a lot of recoil. I am going to load up some test loads with H335 and AA 2460. I can get about 3000 fps out of it. I also have some 45gr Barnes XLCs I could use. If I remember right I can get about 3500 fps with the XLCs. His .223 is a contender with a 24" heavy barrel that shoots 1/2" groups with 40gr and 45gr varmint loads.90% of shotswould be100 yards or closer.

I am leaning toward the hevier partitions, but I wanted to know which load everyone else would go with.

Thanks
Tom

RE: .223 loads for deer hunting???
 

Definatley partitions. I don't think your going to have trouble with penetration with either. So after that I would want expansion and I think the partition would do that better than the barnes.

RE: .223 loads for deer hunting???
 

Gun, Federal has a .223 deer load,
Fed. .223 NP 60gr
Muzzle Vel>3160
Energy @ 100yds>998

RE: .223 loads for deer hunting???
 

If your gun has a fast enough twist (1:9) try the 75 grain Hornady A-Max. Broadside rib shots only. Amazingly effective.

RE: .223 loads for deer hunting???
 

I would use the partitions, they weree designed for that use!

RE: .223 loads for deer hunting???
 

Im not sure what the twist is but it is probably a 1:12. I didn't know that Federal had a 60gr partition load. That is good to know.

RE: .223 loads for deer hunting???
 

I would go with a Barnes 53gr. XLC FB. using Win. 748MIN: 24.0 grs. @ 2911f/s 997 ft/lb; MAX:28.0 grs. @ 3396 f/s 1357 ft/lb. Good luck.

RE: .223 loads for deer hunting???
 

for my 223 deer loads I use winchesters 64 grain power point, i thought about the partitions but the power points do good enough for my taste for 75 yards and under. plenty of expansion from the looks of the wound channels and penetration wasnt even a doubt when i saw that it exited.

RE: .223 loads for deer hunting???
 

for the ranges one would use a .223 on a deer 75 yards or under, I woulnd worry tomuch about rate of twist even 1 in 12 twist should stabalize a 75 grain A-max enough for a accurate 75 yard shot. Just dont go trying to push that 75 grain A-max out to 200 yards accurately with a 1 in 12 twist lol ;)

RE: .223 loads for deer hunting???
 

Well,i see were back to 223 loads.Tell you what works for me,And have killed a lot of deer with it! Iuse the speer 70 gr ssp. Loaded with accurate 2200 powder. Just killed another hog with one last wk. vangunsmith

RE: .223 loads for deer hunting???
 

I loaded up some test loads with the 60gr Partitions with H335 and AA 2460 so when I get the chance to go to the range and shoot them I will post my results.

RE: .223 loads for deer hunting???
 

I shot my test loads and 1 of the four grouped well. I loaded up 4 loads 2 for my Ruger 77 and 2 for my fathers contender. Both guns shoot winchester factory loads in 1/2" groups. My 77 shot about a 3" group with the H335 powder and a 1" group with the AA2460 powder. My dads contender shot about 3" with both powders. It looks like I will have to play around with my dads a bit more.

RE: .223 loads for deer hunting???
 

For deer I wouldnt use anything smaller than a 55gr bullet. Gameking, Pro Hunter, Partition...somethin that is built good.