Thread: 223 on deer

Originally Posted by gimp

I shot a spiker in the shin (operator error). Reasonably sure that isn't fatal with any cartridge.

The determining factor for fatality appears to be, based on the evidence, was it shot in an appropriate place with an appropriately constructed bullet? The selection of appropriate places available doesn't appear to be any smaller using appropriate bullets (70-80gr) in 223 than anything else

Not sure I agree. I would be reluctant to shoot a big red stag or Bull Tahr (at say 200 yards) in the most solid part of it's shoulder with a 70-80gn 22cal bullet where as I would have no hesitation with a 180gn 30cal bullet (assuming same bullet construction and MV). Physics would suggest the window for the 22cal bullet would be a little smaller.

Originally Posted by Shearer

Not sure I agree. I would be reluctant to shoot a big red stag or Bull Tahr (at 200 yards) in the most solid part of it's shoulder with a 70-80gn 22cal bullet where as I would have no hesitation with a 180gn 30cal bullet (assuming same bullet construction and MV). Physics would suggest the window for the 22cal bullet would be a little smaller.

ah but if you were using a mono..the .224 MIGHT actually be better..although both might well pencil through.... but its always been the case/story pick your shot or let it walk.....

I have done so, both species, happy with the results.

Originally Posted by gimp

I have done so, both species, happy with the results.

Ok. So is there any situation where you would consider a bigger, faster bullet appropriate (or more suitable) for hunting NZ big game?

Originally Posted by Shearer

Ok. So is there any situation where you would consider a bigger, faster bullet appropriate (or more suitable) for hunting NZ big game?

Whenever a person wants to use one, I suppose? The point is more that I wouldn't consider a 223 with good bullets limiting at all in ordinary hunting circumstances.

I wouldn't try to shoot a red stag at 500 metres with the .223, I imagine. I also don't tend to find that I need to.

Originally Posted by gimp

Whenever a person wants to use one, I suppose? The point is more that I wouldn't consider a 223 with good bullets limiting at all in ordinary hunting circumstances.

I wouldn't try to shoot a red stag at 500 metres with the .223, I imagine. I also don't tend to find that I need to.

Read Mike Bennetts book where he cites Charlie Emmerson shooting 3 stags at 500m with a 222.

Originally Posted by TeRei

Read Mike Bennetts book where he cites Charlie Emmerson shooting 3 stags at 500m with a 222.

and that IS part of the problem.......

Im not saying its completely bullshit...but I would take it with grain of salt too..and if its dinky die honest to God truth..you have experienced shooter with no buck fever using firearm he uses everyday and has done for years so knows bullet path inside out .....it might have happened...but its a hell of a risk to take if a mouse farts somewhere along bullets path it will move off track.
if young job newbie reads that then tries it,he will more than likely miss completely or wound animal
no different to me picking up Philipo or dannybs long range cannon and expecting to shoot a deer at 750 yards without rangefinder or dialing up.....it might happen...but I wouldnt bet on it turning out well.

anytime that is what your carrying........ its not a matter of the 224 being just as good....its a matter of it being good enough.

Know a guy that uses a 18inch barrel, 7mm TCU, in a Thomson Contender. Can't remember the actual figures but it,s something like 2800 with a 100g projectile. He's awesomely effective with it, so the little 45mm case can do some amazing things.

Not the contender, it's encore rifle, expained that as bore increases pressure drops, so you can have a real play with powders & pressures, of course the single shot does have to worry about mag length as well.

A broken 80 grn Targex from off side ribs of lung shot Fallow spiker. Just breaking the skin. Dropped on spot about 180 yds.

Originally Posted by Tahr

A broken 80 grn Targex from off side ribs of lung shot Fallow spiker. Just breaking the skin. Dropped on spot about 180 yds.Attachment 222406

It's a dam shame we can't get more of them.

Sent from my CPH2145 using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by 25/08 IMP

It's a dam shame we can't get more of them.

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Brian and I had a muck around this evening. I sighted my Tikka in with Targex 74 grn Bryn made for me. 2950 fps from standard barrel and shots touching (until barrel & suppressor got hot). Have 200 loaded for next week. The M7 is sighted in for 69 Targex at 3K. 100 of them loaded.

will be more of the 80gr Targex eventually but have to wait till Bergers have more of their J4 jackets available for me to be able to make them.
Its been a weird few years!
Cheers

Originally Posted by TARGEX

will be more of the 80gr Targex eventually but have to wait till Bergers have more of their J4 jackets available for me to be able to make them.
Its been a weird few years!
Cheers

I bags the first 300