224 cal on deer...it worked in the 80's - Page 3

reynolds357 · August 14, 2014, 08:55 PM

Tracking dogs are legal here as well. Trailing or running, is if the animal is still alive. That is illegal here. Tracking a dead deer here with a dog is perfectly fine on or off leash.

Unlicensed Dremel · August 26, 2014, 09:13 PM

I think the rule our state has is pretty reasonable -.224 must be 55 grain or heavier. Rules out varmint loads and stuff like .22 hornet. That's about right.

I mean, .22 hornet in reality, would be just fine and dandy for a well-placed neck (spine) shot, but it starts to get sketchy on quartering shots, as would any lightly constructed .224 varmint bullet 50 gr or less.

A few years ago, Savage made a heavy varminter rifle (LRPV?), which had the following twist choices among various sub-models:

1. .22-250: 12 OR 9
2. .223 rem: 9 OR 7

If they had made the 9 twist, .22-250 in a lightweight sporter rifle, I'd have jumped on it like a hobo on a ham sandwich - that's the *perfect* whitetail rifle!

Bennyfatsack · August 27, 2014, 05:26 AM

Here in New South Wales Australia no restriction on calibre, our neighbours to the south in Victoria have a minimum calibre rifle of a .270 for deer,I don't know why here in nsw myself personally have taken easily upto 80 fallow deer with a ruger mkII .223, and if that at best 5 may have been no clean kills. Using factory ammonia running a 55gr sierra ballistic tip, no to mention countless wild goats and a handful of wild pigs, .223 would easily be Australia's most prominent, popular, tried and tested calibre.

Panfisher · August 27, 2014, 07:49 AM

Wow, you mean all those 55 grainer HP, Varmageddons, Ballistic Tips, V-max, SXSP etc. aren't varmit bullets? I like the regs to be more open say "expanding bullet & centerfire", let the hunter pick what fits his conditions and skills.

JD0x0 · August 27, 2014, 12:27 PM

Quote:

If they had made the 9 twist, .22-250 in a lightweight sporter rifle, I'd have jumped on it like a hobo on a ham sandwich - that's the *perfect* whitetail rifle!

Ruger American in 22-250 seems like it could fit the bill. It doesn't have 1:9 twist it has 1:10, which is likely comparable to a 1:9 twist in .223 if you're using full powered loads in the .22-250, since velocity is a bit higher with the .22-250. It should be able to just stabilize the 62 grain TSX boat tail, and the 55 grain TSX should stabilize no problem.

Art Eatman · August 27, 2014, 07:23 PM

From what I've read about .224 "deer bullets", a 1:10 twist should work just fine. I get sub-MOA with some round-nose 70-grain bullets in my 1:10 .223.

MJFlores · September 10, 2014, 07:39 AM

I'm old fashioned and like big bullets and big holes, and just cant imagine hunting deer or other medium game with anything smaller than 30 cal. This is my opinion only. However...I worked up a load in my AR using 60 grain Sierra Game Kings over H322 and WOW do they put the hurt on my pallet and log back stop. I have no doubt that slipping one of those into the shoulder / vitals of a deer would end in dramatic fashion. But, I doubt I'll ever try it because my '06 is always there and ready to go. Now, when my young son is ready to take his first deer...I believe that AR loaded with 60 grainers may just accompany us.

Grunt96 · October 11, 2014, 01:48 PM

A 223 can kill deer just fine, but I don't personally recommend that to the average Joe. Reason being you have to be responsible enough to take ideal shots at ideal ranges. Average hunter Joe may not have that discipline, and then you end up with a wounded deer where as a 308 or 30-06 would have done the job on a marginally placed shot. Heck, I'm really good shooting rifles long range. Spray paint cans and softballs at 500 yards all day with my 308. But, I have made a marginally placed shot only one time due do using a cheap scope that I just couldn't get a clear view through due to low light. The 308 did the job where as a 223 would have resulted in tracking or a lost deer, no doubt about it. In general I think this is why many seasoned hunters will discourage new hunters from a 223. Sometimes, even though very rarely with proper gear shots may not be perfect. Deer could spook right when you drop the hammer or anything, and that perfect shot turns out to be not so perfect. There is a level of responsibility that comes with hunting, a respect for the animal and an obligation to ensure a fast clean kill. So no, I don't think the average Joe should use anything below a 243/6 mm.

BIG P · October 13, 2014, 12:26 AM

Barnes x 55gr. has put many many deer in the freezer at my house,hogs too for what its worth. 223 & 22250. worked pretty good then,Bet it still will.

August 26, 2014, 09:13 PM	#52
Unlicensed Dremel Junior member Join Date: February 13, 2014 Location: Flathead Valley, MT Posts: 2,187	I think the rule our state has is pretty reasonable -.224 must be 55 grain or heavier. Rules out varmint loads and stuff like .22 hornet. That's about right. I mean, .22 hornet in reality, would be just fine and dandy for a well-placed neck (spine) shot, but it starts to get sketchy on quartering shots, as would any lightly constructed .224 varmint bullet 50 gr or less. A few years ago, Savage made a heavy varminter rifle (LRPV?), which had the following twist choices among various sub-models: 1. .22-250: 12 OR 9 2. .223 rem: 9 OR 7 If they had made the 9 twist, .22-250 in a lightweight sporter rifle, I'd have jumped on it like a hobo on a ham sandwich - that's the perfect whitetail rifle! Last edited by Unlicensed Dremel; August 27, 2014 at 08:17 AM.

August 14, 2014, 08:55 PM	#51
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	Tracking dogs are legal here as well. Trailing or running, is if the animal is still alive. That is illegal here. Tracking a dead deer here with a dog is perfectly fine on or off leash.

August 27, 2014, 05:26 AM	#53
Bennyfatsack Member Join Date: August 11, 2014 Location: NSW Australia Posts: 77	Here in New South Wales Australia no restriction on calibre, our neighbours to the south in Victoria have a minimum calibre rifle of a .270 for deer,I don't know why here in nsw myself personally have taken easily upto 80 fallow deer with a ruger mkII .223, and if that at best 5 may have been no clean kills. Using factory ammonia running a 55gr sierra ballistic tip, no to mention countless wild goats and a handful of wild pigs, .223 would easily be Australia's most prominent, popular, tried and tested calibre.

August 27, 2014, 07:49 AM	#54
Panfisher Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,337	Wow, you mean all those 55 grainer HP, Varmageddons, Ballistic Tips, V-max, SXSP etc. aren't varmit bullets? I like the regs to be more open say "expanding bullet & centerfire", let the hunter pick what fits his conditions and skills.

August 27, 2014, 07:23 PM	#56
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	From what I've read about .224 "deer bullets", a 1:10 twist should work just fine. I get sub-MOA with some round-nose 70-grain bullets in my 1:10 .223.

September 10, 2014, 07:39 AM	#57
MJFlores Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 539	I'm old fashioned and like big bullets and big holes, and just cant imagine hunting deer or other medium game with anything smaller than 30 cal. This is my opinion only. However...I worked up a load in my AR using 60 grain Sierra Game Kings over H322 and WOW do they put the hurt on my pallet and log back stop. I have no doubt that slipping one of those into the shoulder / vitals of a deer would end in dramatic fashion. But, I doubt I'll ever try it because my '06 is always there and ready to go. Now, when my young son is ready to take his first deer...I believe that AR loaded with 60 grainers may just accompany us.

October 11, 2014, 01:48 PM	#58
Grunt96 Member Join Date: September 21, 2014 Posts: 90	A 223 can kill deer just fine, but I don't personally recommend that to the average Joe. Reason being you have to be responsible enough to take ideal shots at ideal ranges. Average hunter Joe may not have that discipline, and then you end up with a wounded deer where as a 308 or 30-06 would have done the job on a marginally placed shot. Heck, I'm really good shooting rifles long range. Spray paint cans and softballs at 500 yards all day with my 308. But, I have made a marginally placed shot only one time due do using a cheap scope that I just couldn't get a clear view through due to low light. The 308 did the job where as a 223 would have resulted in tracking or a lost deer, no doubt about it. In general I think this is why many seasoned hunters will discourage new hunters from a 223. Sometimes, even though very rarely with proper gear shots may not be perfect. Deer could spook right when you drop the hammer or anything, and that perfect shot turns out to be not so perfect. There is a level of responsibility that comes with hunting, a respect for the animal and an obligation to ensure a fast clean kill. So no, I don't think the average Joe should use anything below a 243/6 mm.

October 13, 2014, 12:26 AM	#59
BIG P Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2010 Location: North Georgia Posts: 1,679	Barnes x 55gr. has put many many deer in the freezer at my house,hogs too for what its worth. 223 & 22250. worked pretty good then,Bet it still will.