223 as a deer cartridge

[nksmfamjp]

I have looked through older threads and there have been changes since the older threads.

Primarily, there has been the introduction of the 80gr ELD-X bullet…..It looks like a 20" AR 223/5.56 can power that to ~2650fps with H4895.

Anybody try this combination? Are there any gel tests you are aware of?

To me, ideal would be something around 70gr for velocity, but this is what exists…

 

[KNOTFERSAIL]

If you're not stuck on 80gr ELD-x, I'd move to 60-70gr's. I load 60-65gr and have great success out of a 20" 7tw AR. There is a plethora of quality/ bonded & mono bullets between 60-70gr to choose from.

If I want to fling a 80gr (ttsx) I'll grab my 6mm.

 

[Tiny Tim]

While personally not a fan of the cartridge for deer, I think bullet technology has made it a viable option. I'd likely opt for a mono, bonded, or a partition. A lot of options, but no experience with that bullet. Agree with above, I'd likely go a little lighter.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

I think you'd be hard pressed to get an 80 eld-x in a standard AR magazine.

 

[twooly]

Look at the 77g Sierra tmk, 80g ELDx and the 75 grain ELDm. All three are very good killing bullets. Pick the one that shoots best in your rifle and venture fourth confidently. There is a very extensive thread on rokslide containing good information on 223's, check it out.

 

[Greatgrandad]

I've used the 80's in my bolt guns but not in the AR's for hunting. In my 26" 1/8" twist, I can reach 2,900 fps using 2520 powder. Other loads we have used on whitetails back East/South are the 62 TBBC, 64s, 65 Sierra SBT, 70 Speer SP, 70 Nosler, and the old 75 AMAX. They have all worked well with most shots being under 100 yards. Usually, we run the 62 - 70's in our AR's.