223 Deer Bullet/Factory Load

[doverpack12]

Interested in thoughts and real world use on some factory loads I've shot through my 223 Wylde. I'm sighted in for HSM 55 Blitzking ammo. Looking to try out the 223 on a whitetail doe for curiosity. I've shot Winchester 64 grain power point, DT 55 grain Barnes TSX, Hornady Match 73 grain ELDM, Hornady C.D. 55 grain FTX, and both Federal Fusion 62 grain versions. Hornady 55 FTX shoots half the group size of all others (0.5 Moa) and is close in point of impact. Currently leaning toward using the Winchester then Double Tap but would like to hear any results with any of the above and specifically the Hornady 55 FTX since it shoots so well. Shots will be 150 max and obviously be selective and wait for a broadside opportunity.

 

[CVCOBRA1]

"for curiosity".....you don't have anything bigger than a 22?
I know the 223 gets used on small whitetail, which I have no reason why, but what if that buck steps out and you are not armed for it.

 

[Hatrick]

Twist rate might make you shoot lighter bullets. My Contender hates heavies. Like cobra said, might might be a little light except for crop damage head shots. We use them in Florida pig hunting over bait and less than 50yds.

 

[JTB]

I've taken two deer from a 223 using the 60gr partitions with great results. One was shot straight on into the chest at 273 yards and there was no heart to be found when I cleaned it. Completely liquified. The drawback is that they run out of steam fairly quickly and you have to know what your limitations will be. If you are staying within 150 yards the partition will be a great option.

 

[del2les]

I have taken several Southern Whitetails, does and a 250# buck, with 222/223 loads using a 63gr Sierra SMP, one with a 55gr Hornady spire (not recommended), and the outstanding, for 223/5.56, 62gr TBBC. That factory load is sold under the Federal FBI barrier load, XM556SBCT3, but I have a few hundred of those bullets for reloading that I bought as pulled, but they look new. Great performers in a 223 or 22-250.

Forgot to mention the Speer 70gr SP works well also.

 

[Hatrick]

Twist rate might make you shoot lighter bullets. My Contender hates heavies. Like cobra said, might might be a little light except for crop damage head shots. We use them in Florida pig hunting over bait and less than 50yds.

Just to clarify my post. He said the heavies did not shoot as good as the FTX. The FTX is a personal protection bullet and is setup to expand rapidly. We did use Hornady Full Boar but not being able to find it we have gone to 55gr FMJ.

 

[doverpack12]

Oh I have plenty of larger rifles. I drew a mule deer buck permit so when hunting mule deer I will have the STW. The 223 is new and I thought it might be interesting to try on a whitetail doe. Might even pack 2 rifles since I'd like to try out my 243 as well with 85 gr Sierra gameking.

 

[doverpack12]

Just to clarify my post. He said the heavies did not shoot as good as the FTX. The FTX is a personal protection bullet and is setup to expand rapidly. We did use Hornady Full Boar but not being able to find it we have gone to 55gr FMJ.

from my research self defense bullets in 223 are basically hunting bullets marketed differently. Self defense I keep Federal fusion 62 gr in the mag.

 

[Hatrick]

My wife has a 243. I can't kill them any faster with bigger stuff.

 

[CVCOBRA1]

FMJ's for a hunting load??????????

 

[Hatrick]

FMJ's for a hunting load??????????

Head shots only. Where we hunt you don't want them running more than 10 ft.

 

[Deleted member 48126]

I used the federal fusion. I've killed a bobcat, a fox, 3 deer, and a hog with my AR. I used the federal fusion for the first 5 animals listed and then FMJ on the hog because I'm a moron. I killed the hog but after about 7 shots. All my shots were within 100 yards. The two does ran maybe 25 yards and fell dead. The buck was at ~100 yards and ran ~150 yards. The fox was leveled and the bobcat ran maybe 50 yards.

 

[muleskinner1]

I was reading an article about oversize calibers destroying a lot of meat. I'm Black Tail hunting with a 243 85 gr. Federal (lead free Ca.). You might find out what type of hunter you are? Good luck and put some meat in the freezer.

 

[PNWGator]

Black Hills 77TMK is a beast. I wouldn't hesitate shooting any whitetail with one, period.