That load ... has CLEANLY taken a lot of whitetails.
Critter, that's an important aspect that I'd like to explore here much more. I'm participating in at least one thread about using .223 for whitetail, at least smaller ones (like in Florida). Most agree that it can be done -- given extra attention to bullet choice (heavy, designed for larger game), distance (keep it under 100 yds), shot choice (nothing risky like quartering away running), and shot placement --- but many argue that's it's marginal.
I still want a .223 -- a Ruger American Ranch is almost certainly in my future -- and am exploring the option of using it for both (small, Florida) deer and hogs.
But the rifle that I love the most -- and will use most for hunting -- is my 336 in .30-30. For having it so long (2007), I've shot it pathetically little. (I'm self-employed, and my boss has been a borderline workaholic trying to get a business to a stable place, so little time and less money for shooting.) That's going to change, starting this month.
I enjoy shooting it, and have had good results at 50 - 75 yds with ghost rings. IIRC, it liked 150 gr better than 170's or even 160's (Hornady) -- but I'm going to revisit that this month at a new range. I'm planning to add a Leupold VX Hog (non-R) asap. That's gonna help a LOT, I predict.
Yet, if I'm going to do a lot of shooting -- which I want to -- I want to reduce the recoil a notch or two. (One motivation for a .223.) Not that its recoil bothers me -- I've always found the .30-30 to be relatively mild (compared to some magnums, in which I have zero interest), but retinal detachment and macular degeneration runs in my family. Last eye exam showed some signs of the former for me. So, the less recoil I absorb, the better. (So sayeth the ophthalmologist, and my background in anatomy helps me understand why.)
But, I want to shoot the round that I hunt with -- everyone understands that -- so --- finally, to my point here: it's great to read that 125's are a reliable white tail load. 150's and 170's for pigs, for sure -- but if I can shoot 125's for whitetail, that makes me happy.
For that matter, if indeed one can take hogs with .223, then I suspect that .30-30 125's might work, also -- depends on the ballistics, which I haven't looked hard at yet (and I always take those with a grain of salt anyway).
And it's truly great to read your (plural) testimonials about such small shot groups with the 125's. That just makes me smile, to know that the tried and true .30-30, not renowned for its accuracy, can stand up and do it, too.
We'll see how well mine does both before and after the coming barrel cut/crown. I think I'm going down to somewhere from 16.5" - 17.5". Will discuss with some of you and a smith or two before deciding. I'm willing to be a test case for this -- because for me, accuracy is not #1 priority -- it's maneuverability in dense growth, especially when around hogs.
I think