Heavy bullet for .223 for deer ?
11-01-2009, 03:29 AM
#11
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location:
Posts: 692
I loaded some 55gr Hornady with the cannalure old style for WT's for my dad in his .222 and a dozen deer later/3 black bears all have been bang flops or 25 yard dash and crash.24gr Win 748....................Ontario/Canada..........Harold
11-01-2009, 05:17 AM
#12
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Coralville, IA. USA
Posts: 3,802
I have taken a deer with a 55gr using my AR. 55 gr are actually more deadly than the 62. The military used to use 55 gr but went to the 62 over the years. The 55 gr usually will not punch through, but rather will cause more damage inside, where the 62 will shoot through.
If you like the AR, one option that you might consider is a 300 Whisper. It is a new upper that goes on the AR lower. What you have to do is cutdown the 223 brass, load a lighter weight powder, but it holds a 30 cal bullet. The cost of this upper runs around $350.00 but allows you to shoot a different cal from the same AR using the same Mags. Look it up in the internet and you will get some info. I use my 223 for varmet and fun shooting, then use the Whisper for hunting deer and other large animals. It is still accurate well past 200 yards but is about as loud as a 9mm.
If you like the AR, one option that you might consider is a 300 Whisper. It is a new upper that goes on the AR lower. What you have to do is cutdown the 223 brass, load a lighter weight powder, but it holds a 30 cal bullet. The cost of this upper runs around $350.00 but allows you to shoot a different cal from the same AR using the same Mags. Look it up in the internet and you will get some info. I use my 223 for varmet and fun shooting, then use the Whisper for hunting deer and other large animals. It is still accurate well past 200 yards but is about as loud as a 9mm.
I'd use either the 55 or 62 grain Barnes TSX, depending on the twist rate of the rifle. Most AR's today have at least 1:9 twist, so they will stabilize the 62 grain bullet ok. If you have a 1:7 or 1:8" twist, you could also try the 70 grain version.
Mike
11-04-2009, 04:56 AM
#14
Fork Horn
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 159
WHAT twist is in the barrel...that may have more to do with it than any other variable...I've used the 50 grain X-bullet with great success but not at those ranges you mentioned.. the little X-bullet tears the lungs to shreads.. they also will break a rib or two on entry.. I'm not sure they even make it anymore but I'm sure a Nosler partition would accomplish the same thing....good luck
11-04-2009, 10:07 AM
#15
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Garfield NJ USA
Posts: 3,067
My buddy loads the 60 gr Partition for his dad shooting a 22-250. Another hunting buddy has used regular old 50 gr sp or hp's in his 222 for years. Filled his tags every year. You have to be a little picky about the shot though.
