Thread: Is .223 a good all rounder?

Looking at a bolt gun that is chambered for .223, Pretty keen as it is cheap to shoot and is a pretty quick little round.

I'd want it for both a bush gun and range gun.

Would this be okay to use on deer? Obviously it would down a deer but I'm just concerned about range and penetration.

Would it be worth saving more and upping to .243 or 308?

Opinions please

Have a read:
http://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co.n...-hunting-3260/

Originally Posted by Gillie

Have a read:
http://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co.n...-hunting-3260/

Cheers, Didn't spot that on here. Certainly informative. I'm not too worried about botching a shot, I'm confident enough with my accuracy and limits, Even though I'm still learning. Seems as if I am properly zeroed and using the right round it should work like a charm.

Originally Posted by Scottishkiwi

Cheers, Didn't spot that on here. Certainly informative. I'm not too worried about botching a shot, I'm confident enough with my accuracy and limits, Even though I'm still learning. Seems as if I am properly zeroed and using the right round it should work like a charm.

Yes. Be prepared to walk away from a deer if the right shot placement isn't available.

Originally Posted by JoshC

Yes. Be prepared to walk away from a deer if the right shot placement isn't available.

Same goes with any animal. There is nothing dumber than taking pot shots.

I don't believe that there is a difference in RIFLE price between a 223 and 243/308. The increase in cost you speak of is more likely due to the quality of the rifle, not the caliber. A centerfire is a centerfire.

Learn to shoot would ever you get, BEFORE you go hunting. Also, shoot is heaps.

Originally Posted by Uplandstalker

I don't believe that there is a difference in RIFLE price between a 223 and 243/308. The increase in cost you speak of is more likely due to the quality of the rifle, not the caliber. A centerfire is a centerfire.

Learn to shoot would ever you get, BEFORE you go hunting. Also, shoot is heaps.

When I mean cost I meant the cost of ammo, .223 is a lot cheaper in comparison to .308.

Originally Posted by Scottishkiwi

When I mean cost I meant the cost of ammo, .223 is a lot cheaper in comparison to .308.

Cheap 308 ammo is not far off cheap 223 ammo for price and for hunting makes little difference to overall trip cost.

Hunting/shooting might be the wrong past time/sport/activity if the price of ammo is a major concern. There's heaps of other things to blow your hard earned that you will not actually use than the ammo. Things like the 4 jacket I have, 3 packs, 3 tents, 4 knives, fancy knife sharpeners,3 pairs of boots in 4 years, oh and barrel wear.............. Don't be a sucker for the consumer shit the the retail store are in to like most folk starting out, including myself in the early days. I guess the best way to learn to the spend to much sometimes.

Anyway, just make sure when you pick up the rifle, it feels right to shoulder and point.

On a side note, are you after a hunting jacket or pack?

For a target/range gun 308w is the standard, however to stand a chance of competing you need something that can do 1/2 MOA to 1000yds supersonic and preferably < 1/4MOA. So really a specialist gun ie custom action with a 30inch SS heavy match barrel pretty much $3k plus $1.6k for glass.

I'm no hunter but such a range gun is a pig to carry on the range let alone in the bush/hunting.

Originally Posted by Uplandstalker

Hunting/shooting might be the wrong past time/sport/activity if the price of ammo is a major concern. There's heaps of other things to blow your hard earned that you will not actually use than the ammo. Things like the 4 jacket I have, 3 packs, 3 tents, 4 knives, fancy knife sharpeners,3 pairs of boots in 4 years, oh and barrel wear.............. Don't be a sucker for the consumer shit the the retail store are in to like most folk starting out, including myself in the early days. I guess the best way to learn to the spend to much sometimes.

Anyway, just make sure when you pick up the rifle, it feels right to shoulder and point.

On a side note, are you after a hunting jacket or pack?

Not a major concern, If I am ever super tight on cash I always got the .22 to fall back on I enjoy shooting too much that even if i was homeless I'd be holding a sign saying "Will dance 4 Bullets"

I got most of the gear sorted, Jackets, boots, good knives, a tent yadayadayada.

Could use a new pack though. My old tramping one has certainly seen better days.

Daypack or multiday? I have too many and need to move a couple on.

Originally Posted by Uplandstalker

Daypack or multiday? I have too many and need to move a couple on.

I got a multiday one right now, But probably only would need a single day one.

Originally Posted by steven

For a target/range gun 308w is the standard, however to stand a chance of competing you need something that can do 1/2 MOA to 1000yds supersonic and preferably < 1/4MOA. So really a specialist gun ie custom action with a 30inch SS heavy match barrel pretty much $3k plus $1.6k for glass.

Freaking hilarious!!

You might want to clarify this statement as being applicable for F-Class only?

Originally Posted by steven

For a target/range gun 308w is the standard, however to stand a chance of competing you need something that can do 1/2 MOA to 1000yds supersonic and preferably < 1/4MOA. So really a specialist gun ie custom action with a 30inch SS heavy match barrel pretty much $3k plus $1.6k for glass.

I'm no hunter but such a range gun is a pig to carry on the range let alone in the bush/hunting.

I don't care much for competition shooting, The only records I wanna beat are my own