Thread: 2 x 223 Deer loads

Someone might be interested in my mucking around upping my 223 for deer & pigs.

I've settled on using 55grn Barnes TTSX 55 grn with 2208 (3220fps) and 69grn Targex with BLC-2 (2900 fps)

I've used the Barnes on pigs so far and they have been excellent. Still to try the Targex, but if they are like the 243 Targex I use, they will be great too.

20" barrel & 1:9 twist. Its a 6lb Savage light weight.

The Barnes have been the hardest to get to shoot, and I've tried BM2, 748 and BLC-2. 2208 and BM2 have been the best. Still not bug hole groups with the Barnes, but at about .75" or under its good enough for hunting.

Top group Barnes, bottom group the Targex. These are typical groups at 100 yds for the 2 loads.

I use the targex as well. Just use them as my do everything load. They are freakishly accurate and so far seem to do .the business

Originally Posted by horihunter

I use the targex as well. Just use them as my do everything load. They are freakishly accurate and so far seem to do .the business

Hori, what powder, and what speed?
Also (off topic) what happened about the proposed language lessons?

I am almost sorted with the 69gr Targex.. have been using 2208 but mate gets better speed with 2206H in a 20" tube with the 69gr SMK so will try that before settling on a load, he is getting just shy of 3K (2978 or 87 from memory)

He aslo tried BM2 and 2208 but settled on 2206H for the extra 100fps he got, also a 20" 1:9 twist (Rem SPS tactical short barrel version)

Tahr
Both loads should do ok on Deer & Pigs however shot placement at reasonable distances is the key when using .223 for these animals.

I use Nosler 55gr balistic tips with 2206h doing about 3100fps.

Took a deer at about 160m on Saturday.... It absolutely smashed her third vertabrae and dropped her where she stood.

I waited a good 5 minutes before I felt the shot was on.

Cheers
Pete

Originally Posted by P38

Tahr
Both loads should do ok on Deer & Pigs however shot placement at reasonable distances is the key when using .223 for these animals.

I use Nosler 55gr balistic tips with 2206h doing about 3100fps.

Took a deer at about 160m on Saturday.... It absolutely smashed her third vertabrae and dropped her where she stood.

I waited a good 5 minutes before I felt the shot was on.

Cheers
Pete

Good-o Pete.
The 55 ttsx seem to work for me ok...

Originally Posted by Tahr

Good-o Pete.
The 55 ttsx seem to work for me ok...

Looks good to me.

Might even give them a go myself.

Cheers
Pete

Complete pass through at 200 yards on both of them. Devastating.

Cheers

24.3gr .bm2 gives 2960 26gr 2206h gave 3050. 22" tikka. There was.nt a heap of interest in the lessons but if you want to just go for a hunt with a bit Maori lesson in the truck and during the walk just give me a yell (one of my dogs is trained in Maori so some words will be learnt quickly....)

what would be the best factory amo to use if you had 1in 9 twist in your 223 rifle? i dont reload.

Anyone tried a shoulder shot with the 69gr targex?

Originally Posted by sakokid

what would be the best factory amo to use if you had 1in 9 twist in your 223 rifle? i dont reload.

For deer, the 63 grn Winchester.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Someone might be interested in my mucking around upping my 223 for deer & pigs.

I've settled on using 55grn Barnes TTSX 55 grn with 2208 (3220fps) and 69grn Targex with BLC-2 (2900 fps)

I've used the Barnes on pigs so far and they have been excellent. Still to try the Targex, but if they are like the 243 Targex I use, they will be great too.

20" barrel & 1:9 twist. Its a 6lb Savage light weight.

The Barnes have been the hardest to get to shoot, and I've tried BM2, 748 and BLC-2. 2208 and BM2 have been the best. Still not bug hole groups with the Barnes, but at about .75" or under its good enough for hunting.

Top group Barnes, bottom group the Targex. These are typical groups at 100 yds for the 2 loads.

It appears 24gr 748 in 222 with 53gr Barnes TSX returns groups like your Targex groups. About 2.130 OAL with projectile seated to top cannelure ring.Mate shot fallow spiker thru ear @160m with this reload.

Finaly got the kids Marlin 223 out to test 2206H..... much faster than 2208

3025- 3145 with loads from 25.5gr-27 I will settle with 3045 and 26gr as its plenty fast enough and accurate enough with the first 2 going through the same hole and next two the lower shots, only a low power scope so better than expected from a factory rifle not bedded and not touched the trigger yet.... Probably not worth touching until I have plenty of time spare....one day it may happen

Interesting to compare 26 to 27 i.e. both good tight groups.