Bullet Recommendation for Deer .223

[Ken Ford]

I've seen pictures of wound channels that you could see through. Hornady TAP 75grn

 

[Springfield 1911]

Well just found out my barrel is a 1 in 12 so i guess i am stuck with lighter bullets. Looks like this little 223 is destined for small game or a plinker.

In this case I would look at the 40gr Sierra BK. They do a number on deer and yote's. You put one in the lungs and I assure you that you will eat venison.

 

[lostgeorge75]

70 grain TSX is devastating if you have a 1:8 or 1:7 twist. My other favorite is 62 grain Fusion. I have killed several deer with both of these. The 70 TSX always got complete pass-thru and exit wounds similar to larger deer cartridges. The Fusion has done great internal damage and holds together well.

 

[Byte Stryke]

Well just found out my barrel is a 1 in 12 so i guess i am stuck with lighter bullets. Looks like this little 223 is destined for small game or a plinker.

one option is to just replace the barrel...

you can go from here
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/index.htm
to
http://www.lothar-walther.com/335.php at almost $500

just watch your lengths and twists when ordering.

 

[WMSproject]

If you have a 1:12 twist rate, then just use a standard 55 grain soft point and pick your shots. Make sure there are no leaves or brush obstructing your view. Aim for just behind the shoulder or a cross shot through the front of the chest and between the shoulder blades. If you have a clear head shot take it

 

[lostgeorge75]

I have heard good things about 55 grain TSX. You'll need to google and make sure the longer all copper bullet will stabilize in the 1:12 and it if will you should be good to go. The TSX are longer than copper/lead bullets and need a little faster twist.

 

[dougiemac]

Or two other options... you can get another barrel or better yet, buy a 300BLK full upper and slap on it for deer hunting.

Honestly, my deer hunt gun of choice is a Marlin 336 - 30/30. But I'm a little old school when it comes to deer hunting.

 

[mirage243]

.223 is plenty adequate for deer, killed many of them with it, one shot in the boiler room is all that's needed. I would keep the range under 250. If you have any doubt about it's killing power, go shoot a 4x4 post with a good quality 55 grain bullet and let me know what you think. A deer's hide, ribs and internal organs are not near as tough as a 4x4 pressure treated post.

 

[Laufen]

64 grain power point (Winchester) or Federals 64 grain load. Federal also make a 55 gr. Trophy Bonded Bear Claw in their premium line. Any of the three would work fine.

 

[GeauxLSU]

I do often actually I did last night .And they are now dead .What is wrong with that ???

Oh nothing. Shooting at a running deer and at an unknown distance is perfectly responsible 'hunting'.