Thread: 223 on deer

Originally Posted by Tahr

.243 would be great. Then he can down scale or up scale later depending on his taste. Although I'm a fan, .223 is not something you just pick up with a box of any old ammo and go hunting with. Takes a bit of thought.

This sums it up perfectly. The .223 is fantastic in the right hands but it is not a great choice for a newby.

Originally Posted by zeropak

This sums it up perfectly. The .223 is fantastic in the right hands but it is not a great choice for a newby.

Amazing how people are fussing over a few milimieters or less of projectile diameter (this whole thread basically) and fail to account for the following:

1. Bullets have improved a lot since the 50/60's when most of these cartridges were designed, sometimes to the extent that barrel twists have yet to catch up on rifles (another reason to buy newer rifles or re-barrel).

2. Scopes and mounting systems are a major factor in rrifle accuracy that is often glossed over.

3. Shot placement is king.

Point 3. means more practice is better. Factory ammo that is cheap and performs well is a benefit as it saves time (and hence money) sourcing components.

223 and 308 will always have the edge of cheap(er) ammo and long barrel life. Also cheaper or at least more readily available rifles. However, most are going for the heavy bullets in 308 which makes it harder to shoot. A 308 with 175/180/200 grain bullets has more recoil than some 'magnums'. Not a good thing for a newer hunter/shooter.

Originally Posted by caberslash

Amazing how people are fussing over a few milimieters or less of projectile diameter (this whole thread basically) and fail to account for the following:

1. Bullets have improved a lot since the 50/60's when most of these cartridges were designed, sometimes to the extent that barrel twists have yet to catch up on rifles (another reason to buy newer rifles or re-barrel).

2. Scopes and mounting systems are a major factor in rrifle accuracy that is often glossed over.

3. Shot placement is king.

Point 3. means more practice is better. Factory ammo that is cheap and performs well is a benefit as it saves time (and hence money) sourcing components.

223 and 308 will always have the edge of cheap(er) ammo and long barrel life. Also cheaper or at least more readily available rifles. However, most are going for the heavy bullets in 308 which makes it harder to shoot. A 308 with 175/180/200 grain bullets has more recoil than some 'magnums'. Not a good thing for a newer hunter/shooter.

Maybe this style of comment is better put in the other thread. Going down this style of discussion wrecks this threads intent i feel.

Originally Posted by whanahuia

Maybe this style of comment is better put in the other thread. Going down this style of discussion wrecks this threads intent i feel.

Tend to agree there. This is one of the few threads on this forum which hasn’t wandered of track so far, be a shame for it to do so now.

Originally Posted by woods223

Tend to agree there. This is one of the few threads on this forum which hasn’t wandered of track so far, be a shame for it to do so now.

Ok. I will freshen it with one at 240 yds. Not hard to kill this size-a yearling buck. 77 TMK.
Bella has taken to laying out like that and sniffing them. Not sure what that’s about.





Craig took it home for a bbq. Sent that pic of it looking like a skinned rabbit. High shoulder shot ruined a bit of back steak.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Ok. I will freshen it with one at 240 yds. Not hard to kill this size-a yearling buck. 77 TMK.
Bella has taken to laying out like that and sniffing them. Not sure what that’s about.

Attachment 259952

Attachment 259951

Craig took it home for a bbq. Sent that pic of it looking like a skinned rabbit. High shoulder shot ruined a bit of back steak.

Go the Bugout.

Originally Posted by caberslash

Amazing how people are fussing over a few milimieters or less of projectile diameter (this whole thread basically) and fail to account for the following:

1. Bullets have improved a lot since the 50/60's when most of these cartridges were designed, sometimes to the extent that barrel twists have yet to catch up on rifles (another reason to buy newer rifles or re-barrel).

2. Scopes and mounting systems are a major factor in rrifle accuracy that is often glossed over.

3. Shot placement is king.

Point 3. means more practice is better. Factory ammo that is cheap and performs well is a benefit as it saves time (and hence money) sourcing components.

223 and 308 will always have the edge of cheap(er) ammo and long barrel life. Also cheaper or at least more readily available rifles. However, most are going for the heavy bullets in 308 which makes it harder to shoot. A 308 with 175/180/200 grain bullets has more recoil than some 'magnums'. Not a good thing for a newer hunter/shooter.

Nobody has suggested a full noise 200 grn load in 308 for a newbie. What a daft thing to say.nobody has suggested full noise 180grn either...I will add the Winchester load used to be great and recoiled less than its 150grn brother. So I really can't understand what three legged hobby horse your trying to sell. All the arguments you use FOR the .223 work even better for the 7.62x39mm for a new shooter but the same range restrictions and discipline still apply.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

Nobody has suggested a full noise 200 grn load in 308 for a newbie. What a daft thing to say.nobody has suggested full noise 180grn either...I will add the Winchester load used to be great and recoiled less than its 150grn brother. So I really can't understand what three legged hobby horse your trying to sell. All the arguments you use FOR the .223 work even better for the 7.62x39mm for a new shooter but the same range restrictions and discipline still apply.

Physics does not care about opinions and feelings:

Originally Posted by caberslash

Physics does not care about opinions and feelings:

Attachment 259968

Brian also says that lighter for caliber projectiles are inherently more accurate than heavy for calibre ones...

And your feelings dont matter.