Thread: Is the .223 the most versatile cartridge?

Originally Posted by bumblefoot

I had my first hunt with my new .223 Howa Mini today and it got me thinking. After having shot a .22, 8x57, .303, .308, .270, .44mag, 30/30, 7mm08 I’ve come to the conclusion that the .223 is probably about the most versatile cartridge out there.

When you think what you can effectively use it for; everything from small game to med (large?) game it certainly seems to punch above its weight. Plus; the amount of factory ammo (and economy of shooting) and projectiles for reloading is pretty awesome. It’s seemingly inherent accuracy, and range of rifles it’s chambered makes it a pretty compelling little cartridge…..

I know you technically use any cartridge for the above uses, but for sheer practicality it would be pretty hard to usurp the .223…. It’s sorta the Swiss Army knife of cartridges; sure many specialist cartridges (knives) can do things better; but the 223 does most things more than adequately…

Maybe it’s just a case of my infatuation with a new rifle?

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Yep, would have to agree. As far as shooting the full spectrum across all wild species in NZ, the .223 covers them the best. Obviously you'd have to vary all the projectiles you'd choose to fit the type of game your after.

Biggest limiter with the .223 would be range. But on the same token the vast majority of experienced hunters i've ever talked too (when there being honest), have rarely shot deer outside of 100m anyway. 80-90% is the general ratio given of the deer shot inside 100m. The old argument of, your going to have to walk to the animal to recover it so what difference does it make.

I appreciate all the other arguments for various calibres and the increased popularity of long range shooting (now that we've got access to tech to enable it with much greater success). Also your area would play a part in the type of calibre that suits you best.

Keep 'em coming folks!

Originally Posted by Dublin

Biggest limiter with the .223 would be range. But on the same token the vast majority of experienced hunters i've ever talked too (when there being honest), have rarely shot deer outside of 100m anyway. 80-90% is the general ratio given of the deer shot inside 100m. The old argument of, your going to have to walk to the animal to recover it so what difference does it make.

Really? Not here it ain't, unless you're only a thick bush stalker. Are you in Aus? In the Vic High Country most of the deer I shot or watched shot were quite far away, like 200m++, or much further, very similar to here, glassing faces, waiting.