TFL as a resource - thanks guys

yorec · July 14, 2019, 05:33 PM

I’ve been researching the internet on the 223 as a big game round - specifically for antelope. I was directed to several TFL threads, a couple of which originated as Wyoming was gearing up to accept the .223 Rem as a big game round.

Well, that happened and the .223 Rem. is (and has been for a bit!) allowed in the State of Wyoming for antelope and deer (with 60 gr and heavier bullets - that portion of the statute actually reads:
... (i) Any center-fire firearm of at least .22 caliber (excluding .22 Hornet) and having a bullet weight of at least sixty (60) grains and firing a cartridge of at least two (2) inches in overall length, or any other cartridge of at least .35 caliber and at least one and one-half (1.5) inches in overall length, and using an expanding point bullet; ...)

So I bought a Savage Axis II with a medium heavy barrel and 1:9 twist in .223 for my handicapped and VERY recoil shy daughter’s first antelope hunt as soon as she drew her first antelope tag after the change... then I started to research for a proper weight bullet to use in it and those TFL threads kept popping up as I searched for information on bullet selection for her upcoming hunt.

Just had to chime in to let ya’ll know I’m still out here kicking and appreciate TFL as a resource and community as much as ever. This is good stuff here guys - carry on!

Art Eatman · July 15, 2019, 01:15 PM

Thanks for the good words.

Until roughly 20 years ago, most .223 loads were varmint loads. Bullet makers' R&D began to change that, developing controlled-expansion bullets suitable for deer and antelope.

Best luck on the hunt!

std7mag · July 16, 2019, 02:55 AM

Something you may want to look at is this website.
www.ballisticstudies.com
Check out the knowledge base. Has info for many cartridges. Along with terminal performance.

For 223 i've heard decent things with the 60gr Partition.

Best of luck on the hunt!
With any luck, (and a lot of persuasion with the Mrs.) I'll be out there next year.
If up to me, permenately!

jmhyer · July 16, 2019, 04:15 PM

I’ve had nothing but good experiences with Federal Fusion and Hornady American Whitetail (from Academy) loads on deer.

July 14, 2019, 05:33 PM	#1
yorec Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2000 Location: Wyoming Posts: 2,328	TFL as a resource - thanks guys I’ve been researching the internet on the 223 as a big game round - specifically for antelope. I was directed to several TFL threads, a couple of which originated as Wyoming was gearing up to accept the .223 Rem as a big game round. Well, that happened and the .223 Rem. is (and has been for a bit!) allowed in the State of Wyoming for antelope and deer (with 60 gr and heavier bullets - that portion of the statute actually reads: ... (i) Any center-fire firearm of at least .22 caliber (excluding .22 Hornet) and having a bullet weight of at least sixty (60) grains and firing a cartridge of at least two (2) inches in overall length, or any other cartridge of at least .35 caliber and at least one and one-half (1.5) inches in overall length, and using an expanding point bullet; ...) So I bought a Savage Axis II with a medium heavy barrel and 1:9 twist in .223 for my handicapped and VERY recoil shy daughter’s first antelope hunt as soon as she drew her first antelope tag after the change... then I started to research for a proper weight bullet to use in it and those TFL threads kept popping up as I searched for information on bullet selection for her upcoming hunt. Just had to chime in to let ya’ll know I’m still out here kicking and appreciate TFL as a resource and community as much as ever. This is good stuff here guys - carry on! __________________ What part of "... shall not be infringed..." don't you understand?

July 16, 2019, 02:55 AM	#3
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Something you may want to look at is this website. www.ballisticstudies.com Check out the knowledge base. Has info for many cartridges. Along with terminal performance. For 223 i've heard decent things with the 60gr Partition. Best of luck on the hunt! With any luck, (and a lot of persuasion with the Mrs.) I'll be out there next year. If up to me, permenately! __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

July 15, 2019, 01:15 PM	#2
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Thanks for the good words. Until roughly 20 years ago, most .223 loads were varmint loads. Bullet makers' R&D began to change that, developing controlled-expansion bullets suitable for deer and antelope. Best luck on the hunt!

July 16, 2019, 04:15 PM	#4
jmhyer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: MS - USA Posts: 899	I’ve had nothing but good experiences with Federal Fusion and Hornady American Whitetail (from Academy) loads on deer.