Thread: 223 on deer

[QUOTE=whanahuia;1720059]

I think the .223 won a reputation through the pros using it and lost it through the amateurs using it. The pros and the experienced are still doing OK with the 55 grn cup and core. Even better with lighter monos and "modern" bullets./QUOTE]

This is going to ramble a bit, but hope it makes sense.

statement #1
Ive shot none with the new heavies. Probably 1-200 deer and pigs with 55gr. I know Ive never lost a deer with them. I can't remember loosing a pig, but I think I probably have. We tend to forget our stuff ups.

Statement #2
over the years of taking people hunting, there were a number of occasions where I came home really frustrated and upset at things Id witnessed or peoples decision making processes. My wonderful partner sat me down and said, listen, you have been doing this since the age of 12 and had a father, uncles and grandfather to teach you. You had thousands of acres and lots of animals to learn on. I think you sometimes forget that others dont.


Statement #3
projectiles are incredibly lethal! So much so that I think many of us dont take time to think how lethal they are! There is not a single cartridge or case combo that I would choose to stand in front of and really any thing anytime to shoot an animal with. the probability is it will die!

How lethal? If I had to choose one cartridge to do all my hunting with. If we were only allowed one gun. It would be the .22 long rifle!

Ill continue this thought train later, just saw the time and work calls.

So with all the above,

Though I haven't used the new projectiles and twist rates, I see the guys who have put up strong evidence of their use, Like @Tahr and @gimp, And I think Im happy to say that this brings the 223 more in line with .243. Which I always considered a good minimum.
But also I put both of them, and others, in the category of potentially like me, having forgotten what its like to not have that gained experience, and that things maybe easier for them than they realise at times.

I have noticed though in my time, that bigger more powerful cartridges do offer some advantage as side effect when a shot is badly placed. But again no experience with the new heavies to compare.

This thread has made me think, and I considered setting up a fast twist .223, and once I would have. But I did my experimentation when I was younger. I understand really well how the traditional cup and core in the medium range of cals works and I dont feel I can be any more successful with the newer alternatives. And as Ive aged I find a distaste for testing my equipment or myself on game animals unless I suspect a real advantage.

SO I think there is a dividing line as a sensible minimum. The 223 with standard projectiles probably sits on one side. The .223 with fast twist and heavies on the other as a potential ethical minimum for big game for the majority of nz hunters, no matter age or experience etc.