.223 for hunting

P99AS9 · January 10, 2010, 08:29 PM

I want the see what everyone at TFL thinks.

DiscoRacing · January 10, 2010, 08:33 PM

I have two.... use my Ruger 77 all the time.. also have a 700VLSS.

fisherman66 · January 10, 2010, 08:34 PM

what'cha hunting with a .223?

DiscoRacing · January 10, 2010, 08:38 PM

racoon, squirrel, ground hog

10-96 · January 11, 2010, 07:47 AM

Oh yeah- fire 'em up. That's what I use on little critters. If you live in a windy locale like I do- it ought to do ya well out to 350yds reliaby. Oooh, I guess I ought to qualify that. I only reload/shoot 55gr bullets with my old benchrest load and just don't try for much past 350. It's kinda slow, but stoopid accurate in both of my CZ's and very tolerable in my AR's.

Art Eatman · January 11, 2010, 09:30 AM

From a practical standpoint, I generally figure that about the largest animal that I'll deliberately hunt with a .223 is a coyote. I prefer something with a bit more Oomph! to it for deer.

semi_problomatic · January 15, 2010, 08:41 PM

Varmit shooting sure. Don't see the point with deer or larger.

stinger · January 15, 2010, 10:40 PM

I think it is perfect for everything up to deer. For deer it is still a good choice if you know its/your limitations. Check your state regulations to know if it legal.

Sarge · January 15, 2010, 11:09 PM

I consider it adequate for anything up & including deer, if one makes a good shot with it. You'll pass shots with the .223, which you could take with confidence using a heavier caliber rifle.

Scorch · January 16, 2010, 01:35 PM

The limiting factor for using a 223 for deer is bullet construction. If you are using good bullets and picking your shots well, it would be adequate but not my first choice.

James R. Burke · January 16, 2010, 01:50 PM

For everything up to a deer. Yes a deer can be taken with one perfect placement etc, but it would not be my choice. Great varmint type rifle. This is just myself on what I would use. I have a few differnt rifles so I can more closely match what I am hunting.

223nut · January 16, 2010, 02:02 PM

I have taken 2 doe mule deer with 62gr Federal Fusion ammo. Both shot were less then 100yrs and neither made a step. 223 will do the job with the right bullet and with YOU the hunter knowing YOUR limits to put the bullet where it needs to go. I would keep my shots not longer then 100yrds.

turbotype87 · February 2, 2010, 10:19 PM

First of all i would like to say this question seems to come up alot. Here in Connecticut the minimum caliber for deer hunting is .243. Not to say a .223 can't take down a deer with the correct placement. I prefer to use a minimum of .30 caliber. It's funny how each state has there own laws pertaining to caliber size for deer hunting. I own a AR15 Stag model 4 in 5.56mm [.223]. I don't know if i would use it for deer hunting, mostly use it for target practice.

langenc · February 2, 2010, 10:54 PM

This issue has been kicked around more than the ball will be Sunday in FL.

About 4 yrs age a gun mag had an atricle about it and it hasn't stopped since.

Nosler Partitions 60 gr.

FrankenMauser · February 3, 2010, 12:59 AM

Quote:

This issue has been kicked around more than the ball will be Sunday in FL.

About 4 yrs age a gun mag had an atricle about it and it hasn't stopped since.

The arguments over .22 caliber hunting cartridges have been getting kicked around for more than 100 years. You're giving gun rags too much credit.

PRONE2 · February 3, 2010, 10:11 AM

I use it for everytihing from deer and hogs on down Bang flop DEAD! That's just me thought to each there own.

Art Eatman · February 3, 2010, 11:06 AM

Always remember that there is a bunch of difference in skill levels between those of us who are pretty much dedicated to acquiring a high level of skill in shooting and hunting--versus Mr. Average Guy who doesn't shoot a full box of ammo in a year and maybe gets a half-dozen days in the woods.

rjrivero · February 3, 2010, 02:55 PM

My 10 year old uses my .223 AR on HOGS. She's not quite quiet enough in the woods yet for deer, but stalking hogs and getting a good broadside view, she has yet to fail. Nosler Partition is a GOOD performer on these hogs. Last year she took a 300 lb sow, this year it was a bit smaller, 180lbs or so. Neither one walked after getting hit.

Note my daughter shoots every week in the NRA Jr. Rifle program. After starting this program this fall, she's already gotten her Pro Marksman, Marksman, Marksman first class, and Sharpshooter ranking. She's now working on her BARS for her designated marksmen certificate. (i.e. She's no slouch with a rifle)

JohnO · February 3, 2010, 02:59 PM

Art, That's an excellent point. I'm certain the DOW takes that into consideration when they determine what the min caliber should be for big game. I know a guy who routinely takes cow elk with his .243. He happens to be an excellent marksman.

jmr40 · February 3, 2010, 03:11 PM

With good ammo it is fine for the small North Ga deer around here. A 100 lb dressed deer is larger than average and I've seen guys carrying 35 lb deer to the check station in 1 hand.

If hunting in areas with larger deer I feel I could still make it work with good shot placement, but would prefer at least a 243.

James R. Burke · February 3, 2010, 06:33 PM

Anything up to a deer. It can still be used on a deer but lots of things become more critical, and the skill level like Art said is the big one. Thats just my thoughts, but I think this subject been beaten to death.

benroe · February 7, 2010, 03:13 PM

my bro hunts deer with his 223 and does OK with it, but I like to use the 7.62x54R. I just like to know it is going to punch a big old hole through them.

January 10, 2010, 08:29 PM	#1
P99AS9 Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2008 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 612	.223 for hunting I want the see what everyone at TFL thinks.

January 10, 2010, 08:34 PM	#3
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	what'cha hunting with a .223? __________________ la plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu'il n'existe pas!

January 11, 2010, 07:47 AM	#5
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	Oh yeah- fire 'em up. That's what I use on little critters. If you live in a windy locale like I do- it ought to do ya well out to 350yds reliaby. Oooh, I guess I ought to qualify that. I only reload/shoot 55gr bullets with my old benchrest load and just don't try for much past 350. It's kinda slow, but stoopid accurate in both of my CZ's and very tolerable in my AR's. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

January 15, 2010, 08:41 PM	#7
semi_problomatic Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2009 Location: Ft. Polk Posts: 883	Varmit shooting sure. Don't see the point with deer or larger. __________________ Freedom's just a word. If I'm gonna die for a word, my word is jello...

January 15, 2010, 11:09 PM	#9
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	I consider it adequate for anything up & including deer, if one makes a good shot with it. You'll pass shots with the .223, which you could take with confidence using a heavier caliber rifle. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

January 10, 2010, 08:33 PM	#2
DiscoRacing Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Location: milton, wv Posts: 3,640	I have two.... use my Ruger 77 all the time.. also have a 700VLSS.

January 10, 2010, 08:38 PM	#4
DiscoRacing Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Location: milton, wv Posts: 3,640	racoon, squirrel, ground hog

January 11, 2010, 09:30 AM	#6
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	From a practical standpoint, I generally figure that about the largest animal that I'll deliberately hunt with a .223 is a coyote. I prefer something with a bit more Oomph! to it for deer.

January 15, 2010, 10:40 PM	#8
stinger Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Location: west texas Posts: 772	I think it is perfect for everything up to deer. For deer it is still a good choice if you know its/your limitations. Check your state regulations to know if it legal.

January 16, 2010, 01:35 PM	#10
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	The limiting factor for using a 223 for deer is bullet construction. If you are using good bullets and picking your shots well, it would be adequate but not my first choice. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

January 16, 2010, 01:50 PM	#11
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	For everything up to a deer. Yes a deer can be taken with one perfect placement etc, but it would not be my choice. Great varmint type rifle. This is just myself on what I would use. I have a few differnt rifles so I can more closely match what I am hunting.

January 16, 2010, 02:02 PM	#12
223nut Member Join Date: February 11, 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 41	I have taken 2 doe mule deer with 62gr Federal Fusion ammo. Both shot were less then 100yrs and neither made a step. 223 will do the job with the right bullet and with YOU the hunter knowing YOUR limits to put the bullet where it needs to go. I would keep my shots not longer then 100yrds.

February 2, 2010, 10:19 PM	#13
turbotype87 Member Join Date: March 2, 2009 Posts: 99	.223 First of all i would like to say this question seems to come up alot. Here in Connecticut the minimum caliber for deer hunting is .243. Not to say a .223 can't take down a deer with the correct placement. I prefer to use a minimum of .30 caliber. It's funny how each state has there own laws pertaining to caliber size for deer hunting. I own a AR15 Stag model 4 in 5.56mm [.223]. I don't know if i would use it for deer hunting, mostly use it for target practice.

February 2, 2010, 10:54 PM	#14
langenc Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Location: Montmorency Co, MI Posts: 1,551	This issue has been kicked around more than the ball will be Sunday in FL. About 4 yrs age a gun mag had an atricle about it and it hasn't stopped since. Nosler Partitions 60 gr.

February 3, 2010, 10:11 AM	#16
PRONE2 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2009 Location: St.Louis Mo. Posts: 113	I use it for everytihing from deer and hogs on down Bang flop DEAD! That's just me thought to each there own.

February 3, 2010, 11:06 AM	#17
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Always remember that there is a bunch of difference in skill levels between those of us who are pretty much dedicated to acquiring a high level of skill in shooting and hunting--versus Mr. Average Guy who doesn't shoot a full box of ammo in a year and maybe gets a half-dozen days in the woods.

February 3, 2010, 02:55 PM	#18
rjrivero Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,399	.223 for hunting My 10 year old uses my .223 AR on HOGS. She's not quite quiet enough in the woods yet for deer, but stalking hogs and getting a good broadside view, she has yet to fail. Nosler Partition is a GOOD performer on these hogs. Last year she took a 300 lb sow, this year it was a bit smaller, 180lbs or so. Neither one walked after getting hit. Note my daughter shoots every week in the NRA Jr. Rifle program. After starting this program this fall, she's already gotten her Pro Marksman, Marksman, Marksman first class, and Sharpshooter ranking. She's now working on her BARS for her designated marksmen certificate. (i.e. She's no slouch with a rifle)

February 3, 2010, 02:59 PM	#19
JohnO Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2000 Posts: 502	Art, That's an excellent point. I'm certain the DOW takes that into consideration when they determine what the min caliber should be for big game. I know a guy who routinely takes cow elk with his .243. He happens to be an excellent marksman.

February 3, 2010, 03:11 PM	#20
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	With good ammo it is fine for the small North Ga deer around here. A 100 lb dressed deer is larger than average and I've seen guys carrying 35 lb deer to the check station in 1 hand. If hunting in areas with larger deer I feel I could still make it work with good shot placement, but would prefer at least a 243.

February 3, 2010, 06:33 PM	#21
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	Anything up to a deer. It can still be used on a deer but lots of things become more critical, and the skill level like Art said is the big one. Thats just my thoughts, but I think this subject been beaten to death.

February 7, 2010, 03:13 PM	#22
benroe Member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 52	my bro hunts deer with his 223 and does OK with it, but I like to use the 7.62x54R. I just like to know it is going to punch a big old hole through them.