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  1. #1
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    Good .223 load for hunting deer

    I am wondering what some of the better .223 loads for hunting deer are. I like the look of the federal fusion 62 gr or the barns triple shock x bullet 55 gr. Note that I have never hunted and am only curious, though I may try hunting at some point. Also note that my only rifle is in a .223 type platform and I am not able to get another rifle anytime soon. When hunting deer with .223, should the bullet be on the heavier side say 60-77 gr, or in the middle range? Are the loads above good loads? Any other load suggestions?

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    I was in your shoes not long ago. A friend took me hunting and I killed my second deer. The first one I bagged with a Honda Civic many years ago(I dont think that counts). But my AR dropped a button buck in his tracks. My buddy directed me to aim for the head unless I wanted to track him through the thick brush. And of course the head shot dropped him dead in his tracks at 250 yards. It was a VERY exciting experience! (first shot missedgot lucky and he just looked at us waiting for shot number 2) I was using Winchester Ballistic Silvertip ammo. I think it was 55gr, got the job done, and delivered some damn good eatn' Im sure there are much better ammo choices out there for deer though.
    ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

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    The .223 round I use for deer in my neck of the woods are Fiocchi Extrema Rifle Hunting they are loaded with a 50 gr V-max and can make a kill shot out to 150 yards. I haven't shot a deer at a longer distance then that with these. I probably wouldn't take a shot if it was farther then that. These are kinda on the lighter side of what you would need for deer hunting. I also use handloaded 55 gr SP SX Hornady with 24.5 grs of AA2230. I hunt Blacktails and they work great for me on them. If your hunting muley's or whitetail I would go with a heavier grain bullet. But this is what works for me. Hope this helps you.
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    Quote Originally Posted by DemonRat View Post
    The .223 round I use for deer in my neck of the woods are Fiocchi Extrema Rifle Hunting they are loaded with a 50 gr V-max and can make a kill shot out to 150 yards. I haven't shot a deer at a longer distance then that with these. I probably wouldn't take a shot if it was farther then that. These are kinda on the lighter side of what you would need for deer hunting. I also use handloaded 55 gr SP SX Hornady with 24.5 grs of AA2230. I hunt Blacktails and they work great for me on them. If your hunting muley's or whitetail I would go with a heavier grain bullet. But this is what works for me. Hope this helps you.
    V-MAX are varmint bullets. They fragment far too fast and do not penetrate far enough imo. Glad they've worked for you but I wouldn't use them myself.


    Personally the 70 gr Barnes TSX loaded to max 5.56 NATO published by Barnes at 2866 FPS from a 20" barrel is imo, the best hunting round for deer, hogs, and similar sized game. Deep penetration and wonderful expansion in living things.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Snake Plissken View Post
    Personally the 70 gr Barnes TSX loaded to max 5.56 NATO published by Barnes at 2866 FPS from a 20" barrel is imo, the best hunting round for deer, hogs, and similar sized game. Deep penetration and wonderful expansion in living things.
    Any personal experience with these? I picked up a box but havent used them yet. I will be trying them out next time I go hunting.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Evil Colt 6920 View Post
    Any personal experience with these? I picked up a box but havent used them yet. I will be trying them out next time I go hunting.
    https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=94628

    Bin Laden would tell you how effective they are to if he could talk

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    Quote Originally Posted by Evil Colt 6920 View Post
    Any personal experience with these? I picked up a box but havent used them yet. I will be trying them out next time I go hunting.
    http://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-cont.../5.56-Nato.pdf
    http://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-cont...mingtonWeb.pdf

    There is Barnes's data. I tried hunting deer twice with this bullet but didn't get any shot opportunities. Although I have found various people using it with great success at TOS (not a member there so can't search) in their hunting section.


    Check this:
    http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?p=1169232

  8. #8
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    Search terms: deer hunting .223

    https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=51598
    https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=22047

    And others.

    Sum: Go heavy. Get close.
    Last edited by ST911; 01-13-12 at 23:26.
    2012 National Zumba Endurance Champion
    الدهون القاع الفتيات لك جعل العالم هزاز جولة الذهاب

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    300 blk or an SR25 ;-)

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