Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default questions on .223 for deer

    I am going against my own grain this year out of necessity, and taking the AR to WV for deer. I will still be recouping from shoulder surgery and cannot risk the recoil impulse of something larger. Shots will likely be 100 yards max, and I tend to be a lung shooter (successfully I might add). I have opted for Federal Fusions 62 gr. Any other opinions of ammo or other details appreciated. Not a fan of the smaller calibers, usually .308 or slug, but have no choice this year. Will be still hunting from the ground with a single point sling. Rifle is M&P Sport with Sight Mark red dot, and drills 2" groups at 100 with ease. Those with extensive .223 hunting experience to the front.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: questions on .223 for deer

    My Dad hunted deer for years with a .222 bolt gun. Killed many a deer with that gun. With the right ammo and shot placement I don't see an issue. May not be the best choice but would work. I personally would be more comfortable with a .243 if you had access to one and the recoil for 1 shot was doable.
    www.Steelvalleycasting.com is your new home for coated bullets and custom ammo.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: questions on .223 for deer

    Agreed, the main advantage being bullet weight selection, obviously. Much more potential with the 308 case for sure. But I gots what I gots. Maybe it will just be a nice walk in the woods and a bunch of beer. No boolits required.

  4. #4
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    Mar 2014
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    NEPA, Pennsylvania
    (Wyoming County)
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    Default Re: questions on .223 for deer

    Hornady rates their GMX bullets for medium game


    https://www.hornady.com/bullets/gmx#!/
    "It seems that the Constitution is more or less guidelines than actual rules"
    My feedback: http://forum.pafoa.org/showthread.php?t=305685

  5. #5
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    Default Re: questions on .223 for deer

    The 62gr Fusions should work pretty good. You'll get expansion but they will hold together pretty well and not completely turn to shrapnel. Just don't expect much blood trail for tracking.
    Last edited by dkf; November 3rd, 2017 at 12:01 AM.

  6. #6
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    The cold, dark, void, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: questions on .223 for deer

    My concern would be that you're going to lose a good bit of velocity out of a 16" barrel the majority of hunting rifles in .222 or .223 are going to have at least 20" barrels

  7. #7
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    Default Re: questions on .223 for deer

    I have heard of 17 HMR taken deer routinely and humaneley,With that said a 223 with shot placement and expansion head,neck,lungs ,heart ,liver,will get you venision and not exacerbate your healing shoulder ! Hunting this year is out,Doctor put me on a Blood Thinner since heart attact this summer

  8. #8
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    Default Re: questions on .223 for deer

    Might want to go for head shots. Not a big fan of .223 from a carbine. I know it's done all the time, but I'm always amazed how a seemingly good shot can still end up with a long track. Limiting yourself to 100yds is probably smart. I wouldn't let it keep me from hunting. Enjoy and take smart shots and you'll probably be fine.

  9. #9
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    Dillsburg Area, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: questions on .223 for deer

    I've been using Nosler Trophy Grade .223 ammo for deer with no problems it drops them in their tracks as long as I do my part. I'm using a rifle with a 16" 1:8 twist barrel.

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  10. #10
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    Default Re: questions on .223 for deer

    Quote Originally Posted by raxar View Post
    My concern would be that you're going to lose a good bit of velocity out of a 16" barrel the majority of hunting rifles in .222 or .223 are going to have at least 20" barrels
    I know the figure varies with twist rate and caliber, but losing 5-10 fps/inch doesn't seem very extreme. At worst, prolly 50 fps total from 20 to 16. I haven't chronoed anything, but have seen many reports of speed loss per inch. Can't imagine at 100 yds or less it's going to make any practical difference.

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