Thread: 223 on deer

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.