best .223 round for TX deer

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texastorso

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DFW TX
Ok, I dont really deer hunt and the only rifle I have is an AR-15. If I were to go deer hunting what the best round to use (150 yrds and in). Not going after some huge white tail just hunting for the meat.
 
69gr sierra matchking HPBT rounds would work good. I used them in my 1 in 9 twist bushmaster m4a3 a few years back and took a big deer in Montana at about only 50 yards.
 
The Federal Premiums are DESIGNED to hold together on deer sized game.

What ever you get make sure it is designed for deer sized game and NOT a varmint round.

Tom
 
I know a few people down here that hunt with model 700 .223's and they all swear by the winchester ballistic tip bullet. The one in the black box and the bullet is black with a silver casing. They are about 22 bucks a box though. I almost went with a .223, but sided with the 6.8 SPC.
 
I had a one shot kill on a big buck useing Black Hills PSP 55 grain.The bullet performance was excellent.
 
Hunting in GA - question, do you have keep it to a 5 round magazine? If so, what is the best magazine to do this?
 
Hammer;
The only restriction on magazine capacity for hunting in Georgia is with SHOTGUNS.

For migratory birds and small game, and Turkey- 3;
For deer, and bear......................................- 5.

No restriction on rifles...... (.22cf or larger however...)
Except, no full-automatic rifles, and must use expanding type ammo. (NO full metal jacket, except hollow point version...)

As I've stated in many other posts......
Use a 55gr or heavier SOFT POINT bullet in the .223 for deer, and you'll do well.

DON'T use the 55gr or lighter "PLASTIC TIPED" AMMO. Insufficient penetration. Yes, accuracy is usually excellent, and it'll probably work OK on broadside chest shots, but I've seen more of these fail to anchor a deer than anyother type bullet. BTDT
 
Thank you Goose. I have a few options for hunting deer, but none are stellar...
AR15
.357
.45
12 GA
OK, perhaps I could use slugs in the 12 GA, but not a huge fan of the kick (no flames, please)...
Thoughts on the .357 and .45, one a 4" Model 19, the other a 5" Full Size, respectively. I figure "bow hunter's mindset" - max range of 25 yards (which is WELL within my capabilities of shot placement) - right idea?
 
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Hammer, you are definitely on the right track, but what about that shotgun? I am not flaming, just probing. With the right recoil pad, your felt recoil will be quite diminished. If it is a bird gun, and for some reason you don't want to go through the effort of making it a slug gun, I could understand.

If you are confident with either of your handguns, I think you could push past the 25 yd mark and still deliver sufficient energy out to fifty yards.
 
OK - a little off topic and verbose - :(

No worries, John - I appreciate the idea. My idea was to use what I have. I figured the handguns (esp. if I can push out past 25 yards - again, no worries on accuracy, just have to check energy levels), and the newly acquired AR would be my best bets.
I have several options with the shotgun. However, the 16 gauge and one of the 12 gauges are "safe queens" - passed down from my grandfather, to dad, to me. Well, I guess the 12 ga (1897 Remington) could be used, but don't want to modify it at all. The other 12 gauge would be an option, it is an older Mossberg model.
Oddly enough, I do have a .30-06 (which was passed down), but it is a Woodmaster 742, which they don't make parts for anymore, and I would hate to do something to damage it.
I am afraid 80% of my experience with firearms is handgun related, or shotgun related (hunting ducks and dove) - so I am learning about rifles.
I try to read as much as I can, and talk to friends who hunt deer, but most use .270, or 7mm; they are a little leary that a .223 can take down a deer (though forum postings on here have indicated otherwise). I am very accurate with an old 22 which was handed down (I realize how blessed I am to have such considerate grandfathers / father) - I anticipate the skill will carry over to the AR (I hope)...
WHEW - long post - sorry. :(
 
Winchester also makes a factory loaded Deer specific .223Rem round. The 64gr Power Point.

They have taken quite a few deer in Eastern NC for me.
Will
 
You could always get yourself a 6.8 upper and a couple mags to have it be a dual purpose gun if you dont feel confortable with the .223. I personally hunt with a 6.8 built AR
 
In New Zealand I use PMC 64gr pills. They are very impressive. My son and I have shot big red stags up to 260m with one shot. Unfortunately this round is no longer available. We will be switching to 63gr Sierra reloads. Never under rate the 223 as a deer cartridge.;)
 
The R&D in bullet development these last fifteen or so years has changed a lot of notions about what's suitable.

The centerfire .22s are no longer "just for varmints".

In .30s, it seems that some of today's 180-grain premium bullets give equal penetration with yesterday's 220-grain bullets.

And so it goes...
 
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