What 223 bullet for deer hunting?

[R.W.Dale]

I have had excellent performance with 55 gr soft points. You need an expanding bullet with the high velocity of the .223 or it will just pass through. A few grains weight or a tenth of a mm is not going to make much difference. As always proper bullet, soft point, and placement, heart lungs, is what counts.

Again just saying "soft points" are great isn't good enough to help folks choose a projectile suitable for deer. A hornady 55g Super explosive spire point is a SP, but its a soft point designed to completely disintegrate in an animal the size of a gopher.

Again just knowing a bullet weight and type WON'T cut it for 223 on whitetail. You have to know what that particular bullet is designed to do.




posted via that mobile app with the sig lines everyone complaints about

 

[lil dragon]

I took two deer this past weekend, one dressed at 135# and the other dressed at 110#. Both with the Federal Fusion round. The smaller ran for ten feet (taken at 100 yards), the larger for 40 yards (taken at 50 yards). As stated, shot placement is key. I had no blood trail with the larger deer and found the bullet under the skin.

 

[lil dragon]

Oh, I was using my 16" heavy barrel AR15...

 

[d2wing]

I didn't think of that RW as I don't varmint hunt. Very good point, do not use varmint bullets. Some brands have a symbol on the box telling what the cartridge is designed for.

 

[Kachok]

I would advise against any 223 bullet that did not have a rock solid reputation for penatration, even the bonded fusion is only good to 15" which is starting level penatration for deer hunting IMHO.
Partition
Trophy Bonded Bear Claw
TSX
SGK

I don't trust winchester power points and am a little skechy on the small caliber core-lokts.

 

[Savage99]

The tiny .223 is not a deer cartridge. It's not even legal in many places because it is more apt to wound a deer and make it suffer.

Use enough gun.

 

[Vlad357]

I have had a few one shot kills with 55 grain soft points, 100 yards + or -.

 

[Davek1977]

Use enough gun.

Used within its restraints, the .223 IS enough gun. When you push ANY cartridge beyond its capabilities, you run the risk of wounded animals. Granted, its not a 400 yard, shoot as far as you can see 'em cartridge....but then again, many hunters have n business shooting at 400 yards plus anyway. With proper bullet put in the right place, the .223 will certainly kill deer. If you don't put the bullet in the vitals, it really doesn't matter WHAT cartridge you are using, you run the risk of wounded animals. While you may choose a different caliber...and thats most certainly your right....in the right hands, the .223 is adaquet for deer-sized game.

 

[K1500]

Good recommendations. I believe the Barnes 55gr TSX gets great reviews as well.