|
Forums46
Topics538,609
Posts9,739,120
Members87,098
| |
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
|
|
|
 Is a .223 enough?
#485724
11/14/08 01:30 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 23
shox27
OP
Light Foot
|
|
OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 23 |
Borrowing a buddies .223 this weekend - is it enough for a hill country size deer? What size cartridge is best?
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: shox27]
#485725
11/14/08 01:33 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,551
Sethfish
THF Trophy Hunter
|
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,551 |
yep it works pretty good for the military on "deer size targets"  
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: Sethfish]
#485726
11/14/08 02:00 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 232
buster2balls
Woodsman
|
|
Woodsman
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 232 |
yes it will be fine within a reasonable distance. up to 300 tyds
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: buster2balls]
#485727
11/14/08 02:18 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474
Crazyhorse
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474 |
Quote:
yes it will be fine within a reasonable distance. up to 300 tyds
At maximum, a 55 or even 60 grain bullet out of a 223 is a 100 to maybe 150 yard round on deer. Not 300 yards, now or ever.
If a person is accurate enough with a head or neck shot, then out to 150 might work, for a body shot I would keep it 100 or less if possible.
Notice this statement right here:
Quote:
Borrowing a buddies .223 this weekend
He does not say whether he has ever even shot this gun before or give any reference as to how experienced a hunter he is, or the conditions he will be hunting under.
Claiming that he should be good out to 300 yrds. with that gun does not seem like very sound advice to me. JMO.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: shox27]
#485728
11/14/08 02:32 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 717
hookemhorns
Tracker
|
|
Tracker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 717 |
yes it is plenty but dont buy cheap ammo. Buy winchester silver tips or the hornady.
God is deep but he is not complicated.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: hookemhorns]
#485729
11/14/08 02:44 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,264
TEXASLEFTY
THF Whiskey Sommelier
|
|
THF Whiskey Sommelier
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,264 |
the military's intent is to injure not to kill at any distance so you be the judge. It is enough bullet but not for a marginal shot.
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: Crazyhorse]
#485730
11/14/08 02:50 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 23
shox27
OP
Light Foot
|
|
OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 23 |
Quote:
Quote:
Notice this statement right here:
Quote:
Borrowing a buddies .223 this weekend
He does not say whether he has ever even shot this gun before or give any reference as to how experienced a hunter he is, or the conditions he will be hunting under.
Claiming that he should be good out to 300 yrds. with that gun does not seem like very sound advice to me. JMO.
Never shot the gun, I'm told the scope is zeroed in. I'll be hunting fairly close range - nothing over 100yds.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: hookemhorns]
#485731
11/14/08 02:51 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 16,729
KC
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 16,729 |
Quote:
yes it is plenty but dont buy cheap ammo. Buy winchester silver tips or the hornady.
NO! NO! NO! NO! Do NOT use Silvertips out of a .223 for deer size game! Those are think skinned varmint loads, and they will fragment on impact on a deer (*read No kill Just Wound). I have no problem carrying a .223 out for deer, I usually take a doe with a smaller caliber rifle later on in the season. Just make sure you have a good clear shot, and if you are comfortable with the gun and your ability, head/neck/spine shots are always best (especially if using FMJ's). For body shots (not the tequila kind ) look for a winchester super x powerpoint load. Good bullet, stays together well. Don't use any of the ballistic tip loads commercially available for the .223. These are almost always varmint loads that will do nothing more than wound a deer...
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: TEXASLEFTY]
#485732
11/14/08 02:52 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,087
Jasb
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,087 |
The military kills alot of people with It trure, but they are looking to replace it as we speak for a bigger round....
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: shox27]
#485733
11/14/08 02:53 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,551
Sethfish
THF Trophy Hunter
|
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,551 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Notice this statement right here:
Quote:
Borrowing a buddies .223 this weekend
He does not say whether he has ever even shot this gun before or give any reference as to how experienced a hunter he is, or the conditions he will be hunting under.
Claiming that he should be good out to 300 yrds. with that gun does not seem like very sound advice to me. JMO.
Never shot the gun, I'm told the scope is zeroed in. I'll be hunting fairly close range - nothing over 100yds.
You need to shoot that gun before you make the decision to pull the trigger at an animal, just my two cents.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: TEXASLEFTY]
#485734
11/14/08 02:54 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 232
buster2balls
Woodsman
|
|
Woodsman
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 232 |
if you chose to shoot 300 yds, go ahead. it will kill a deer at that range.if crazy horse doesnt want to shoot at that distance, then thats his call. if i were in ks shooting at a 300 lb white tail then no, but a 95 lb hill counrty buck, yea.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: buster2balls]
#485735
11/14/08 03:00 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,804
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,804 |
Quote:
if you chose to shoot 300 yds, go ahead. it will kill a deer at that range.if crazy horse doesnt want to shoot at that distance, then thats his call. if i were in ks shooting at a 300 lb white tail then no, but a 95 lb hill counrty buck, yea.
Some people would consider this poor advice, some have already said so on this thread, you can add one more to the list.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back.
_____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/usergals/2018/09/full-3152-162968-charge_air_assault.jpg)
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: buster2balls]
#485736
11/14/08 03:03 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474
Crazyhorse
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474 |
It will also wound a deer and at that range very few people would be able to tell whether they evn hit the thing or not.
At the ranges the man stated he will be shooting 100 yards + or -, then he should be alright, but to recommend a 223 on ANY size deer out to 300 yards is not good advice UNDER any conditions.
There is only a small margin of error at 100 to 150, there is NO margin of error at 300 with that small of a bullet.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: dogcatcher]
#485737
11/14/08 03:04 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 23
shox27
OP
Light Foot
|
|
OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 23 |
I can't see 300yds in any one direction at the place I hunt - so this is not an issue. 100yds from blind to feeder - no farther.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: dogcatcher]
#485738
11/14/08 03:04 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 232
buster2balls
Woodsman
|
|
Woodsman
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 232 |
so you are saying i should give advice that i dont believe to be true? had i not have killed deer at 300 yds with a 223, then i would have said it. been there, done that, bought the t shirt.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: buster2balls]
#485739
11/14/08 03:18 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,804
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,804 |
Quote:
so you are saying i should give advice that i dont believe to be true? had i not have killed deer at 300 yds with a 223, then i would have said it. been there, done that, bought the t shirt.
He wasn't asking if you should do it. If you had read his question he was asking if it was enough for him. A 223 is fine for someone that has experience with that particular weapon, but not okay for someone that is not experienced with the weapon. He did not even know the proper ammo to use should have set up a red flag saying look at this as a newbie situation. And I still stand behind the the answer that he should not be shooting the 223 at 300 yard. He has now clarified that it would be less than 100 yards. I would consider that a marginal shot since he has never shot the rifle and would recommend a head or neck shot.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back.
_____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: dogcatcher]
#485740
11/14/08 03:23 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 23
shox27
OP
Light Foot
|
|
OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 23 |
Granted - I'm fairly new to the game. I used a .30/06 last year, but felt it was too much gun for where I'm hunting...hence the move down to the .223. Not concerned in the least about my ability with the gun (or guns in general)...just didn't know much about the particular caliber - just what I've read.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: shox27]
#485741
11/14/08 03:26 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,804
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,804 |
At 100 yards, go for the neck or head shot and you are okay.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back.
_____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: TEXASLEFTY]
#485742
11/14/08 03:32 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 63
RedBone
Outdoorsman
|
|
Outdoorsman
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 63 |
There are specific reasons why the military uses the rounds they do (can carry twice as many rounds and far less collateral damage, etc...). The rounds they use are NATO and Geneva approved to specifically kill not injure. Do larger rounds kill more effectively- yes. But the larger round is a harder round to fire in automatics. If you want a smaller more mobile force the 5.56 is just fine. Also, regardless of the round if you are properly trained and skilled you can kill all the same.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: RedBone]
#485743
11/14/08 04:51 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,838
Big Daddy K
Veteran Tracker
|
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,838 |
I'm going to use some Hornady Match BTHP sin 75 gn for my Thanksgiving does' I hope.
I think those cheap 68 gn Brown Bears is some really good ammo too. They seem to have a pretty good whack when they hit.
It ain't easy being me.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: Big Daddy K]
#485744
11/17/08 12:23 AM
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,527
ssgp2
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,527 |
Big Daddy, does your 75g .223 shoot to the right, after zeroing in with 55g. rounds? mine is about 1.5" right at 25yards
Friend, I wouldn't harm thee for all the world, but thou art standing where I am about to shoot.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: shox27]
#485745
11/17/08 01:43 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,127
Stax
Veteran Tracker
|
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,127 |
My 10 year old son shoots a Rossi 223 with Winchester Ballistic Tips and has killed 6 deer and 4 pigs {up to 300lbs on the pigs} and NONE of those animals has run any further than 20 yards, most have dropped in thier tracks! I usually dont let him shoot it beyond 100 yards on deer, however he did shoot a hog last year at 137 yards because we had a bet....He won!
Shoot it, but keep it close....
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: Stax]
#485746
11/17/08 01:58 AM
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,307
BowsnRods
Veteran Tracker
|
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,307 |
I use a 223 to to back up young hunter's when needed. But I would not recommend any shot over 150 yards and I always aim for the neck you will either kill the deer you are aiming at or you will have a clean miss. also 55 grain soft point is my choice.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: BowsnRods]
#485747
11/17/08 02:08 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 36
BBDhillcountry
Light Foot
|
|
Light Foot
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 36 |
I grew up using a .223 in the hill country...worked fine on all my deer....I have just started using a 6mm and feel more comfortable shooting a longer ranges but I promise the .223 never let me down!
|
|
|
|
Re: Is a .223 enough?
[Re: BBDhillcountry]
#485748
11/17/08 02:33 AM
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,925
DFWPI
THF Trophy Hunter
|
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,925 |
Well, the .223 killed a big old doe this afternoon. In the hands of a person that can call his shot, its great. His shot was under 50 yards in the head. DRT
|
|
|
Moderated by bigbob_ftw, CCBIRDDOGMAN, Chickenman, Derek, DeRico, Duck_Hunter, hetman, jeh7mmmag, JustWingem, kmon11, kry226, kwrhuntinglab, Payne, pertnear, rifleman, sig226fan (Rguns.com), Superduty, TreeBass, txcornhusker
|
