64 gr.P.P,or 70 gr.Speer? Whitetail

[JackSprat]

I picked up a 223 with 1 in 9 twist,and I figured I would like to load it for deer. I have narrowed it down to 64 gr. Winchester Power Point,or Speer 70 gr. semi-spitzer..Have any of you used these,and what is your opinion of them..I plan to place an order soon,and am leaning toward the power points,but the Speers got a slightly higher customer rating on Midway USAs sight..

 

[bantam9]

I've used 70gr Speer out of a 1:14 Savage 340V 225WIN. Don't have a chronograph, so don't know speed. But it didn't keyhole, and gave me acceptable groups at 100 yds. Bought some of the 70's cause every review I read says they're like a hammer on deer. Still waiting to verify the claim. Maybe this year???

 

[Grumulkin]

I've taken 2 deer with a single shot using the Speer 70 gr. Semi Spitzer in 1:12 twist barrels. One with a 22-250 at 360 yards and the other with a 222 about 80 yards.

 

[ssyoumans]

I worked up a load from 24.5gr of Varget up to 26.0gr of Varget (Max) in my 16" M&P AR15. They shot very well. The max charge yielded 2,907 FPS, (1,314 ft-lbs) which is pretty hot but I didn't see any swipes on the brass. I did load mine much longer than the Hodgdon data calls for. I loaded to 2.250", but Hodgdon's recipe calls for 2.140".

A co-worker dropped a 110 lb or so doe with one. Didn't recover the bullet. He had no complaints, and he usually uses a 308 Win.

I have tinkered with some of the Nosler 64gr Bonded Protected point bullets as well, and have a good load, but haven't taken anything with it.

The only other bullet that I would add to the mix is the 62gr Barnes Tipped TSX, but I think it calls for 1:8 twist. They have a non-tipped one good for 1:9 twist. I use the Barnes 95gr TTSX out of my 6.8 SPC II and it is impressive. Drops hogs and deer.

I think either bullet you have chosen will work well given proper shot placement.

Please work up any loads to ensure safe functioning in your firearm.

Good luck!

 

[JackSprat]

Did you get an exit on the one you shot at 80 yards with the 222?..The Speers are starting to look pretty good to me..

 

[Dudedog]

Snuffy did some testing on .223 bullets for deer.

Here is the link
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=791412

Some interesting results.
RMR has some good prices on Bonded .223 bullets (Flavor unknown but there was another thread here discussing possibilities, will see if I can find it and add the link)
http://rmrbullets.com/product-category/bullets-for-reloading/bullets-for-reloading-224-5-56mm/

 

[Grumulkin]

Did you get an exit on the one you shot at 80 yards with the 222?..The Speers are starting to look pretty good to me..

I got an exit on both.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Try the Berger 70gr VLD. Worked for me. 1/9" Mossberg MVP.
Also Hornady 60gr Spt, Sierra 63 and 65gr GK. No experience with 70gr Speer. Any 55 gr Spt or heavier had worked in .223.

 

[jaysouth]

Nosler 60 gr. Partition Bullet is the ticket for whitetail in a .223. Use your most accurate load between 2800 and 2900 fps.

 

[R.W.Dale]

The two deer I've killed with 22 centerfires were using the Sierra 55g SPBT game king

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Nosler 60 gr. Partition Bullet is the ticket for whitetail in a .223. Use your most accurate load between 2800 and 2900 fps.

I agree, the 60gr Partition would be a good choice. If you are going to hunt deer with a .223 you will want a bullet that will stand up to hitting bone.

 

[dranrab]

Dudedog, those are Fusions and I am buying some. Thanks for both of the links!

 

[JackSprat]

Thanks for all the good advice everyone..I have killed a couple oppertune deer in the past while carrying my old 340 in 222 using just common 50 gr. Soft points,and while I never lost one I realize that it's not really a sencible choice for deer only..I kill a good bit with 87gr hot-cors from my old 99,and have no complaints..I am hoping that the 70 gr. thru the 223 will a happy medium.

 

[LoonWulf]

Ive used, the factory loaded PPs, hand loaded 70grn speers, 65sgks, and now some 80grn softpoints from midway. So far ive liked the 65sgks the best, the 70s do out penetrate the rest, usually id either have a exit wound or find the bullet under the hide on the off side on our axis deer, and punch clean thru feral goats and sheep. the sgks, and the pps usually go in about 8-10", but seem more destructive. The 80s ive only used on one pig and it broke both shoulders.

ive also killed a bunch of deer with plain old 55grn softpoints, but shot placement has always been exact, and usually done at night doing damage control.

 

[newfalguy101]

I used the power points, and while it "worked" I won't use it again. As far as that goes, I will not likely use my 223 for deer again. I have enough better options I don't need to.