Thread: Calibre for goats and occasional deer?

Originally Posted by Tahr

I have 2 loads. With the Barnes so long as its in the kill zone (hilar I think its called), they work. The max range I've used them is about 250 yards. But as the range increases the more I tend to move back from the bony shoulder to the lungs with my point of aim. The Barnes bullets are so effective I don't tend to fiddle so much with head and neck shots now.
I also use 69 grn Targex and the new 69 grn Sierra plastic tip. Have used them out to 300 yards and am more careful about making lung shots in the crease behind the shoulder.

The only reason I don't use my .223 a lot more is that you do need to limit your range to under 300, and where I tend to hunt that's not always possible. Plus I like the variation of using different calibers and rifles.

This is the exit from the ribs into the back of the off shoulder with a 69 grn Sierra plastic tip at 288 yards. Red spiker. It a bit yucky I'm sorry.

Those Barnes 55gr look awesome but are kinda pricey @ around $1.40 just for projectile? Are the 69gr Seirras you refer to TMKs? Look a better option for pushing range with 223 with better bc.
Have you tried 75gr Hornady BTHP on game by chance?

Originally Posted by jackson21

Those Barnes 55gr look awesome but are kinda pricey @ around $1.40 just for projectile? Are the 69gr Seirras you refer to TMKs? Look a better option for pushing range with 223 with better bc.
Have you tried 75gr Hornady BTHP on game by chance?

Yes, TMK. I haven't tried anything heavier than 69 grns. Only a 20" barrel. Yes. the Barnes are pricey but if you are using them on deer you don't use many. The TMK shoot to the same point as the Barnes from my rifle so I use the cheaper TMK on rabbits and for mucking around. I would be happy enough only using the TMK on deer if cost is an issue.