.223 for bear, mountain goat, deer, elk, and moose.

[wind gypsy]

Edit: maybe another question I should ask is, how much is it costing you to reload .223? Is it even worth it for ringing steel at 400 yards? I bought a box of Fiochi 55gr Vmax for 50 rounds for $42. They have 50rnds of FMJ for $37 also.

You can certainly get to where cost per round makes it tough to justify hand loads. I like the ADI stuff through global ordnance personally. https://globalordnance.com/adi-worl...a-blitzking-200-round-case-upc-9332153003173/
AAC has some cheap ammo as well. The ELD and TMKs are nice when you start shooting beyond the 100 or 200 yard line to reduce how much the wind is impacting a guy.

 

[ElPollo]

I was in the store today and looked at .223 ammunition. They are small.

Cute and deadly. It can be hard to get your head around the amount of damage they do with the right bullet.

 

[Ken_L]

I purchased a Steyr ProHunter III in 223 and I am going to load it with Barnes TTSX 62 grains. I think this will be a good combo for deer. Most of our shots are within 150 yards and typically less than 100.

 

[FB Trout]

Hello all,
I have been a long time lurker here and have learned an absolute ton! Thank you for changing the way that I hunt and practice. I figured it was time to join and contribute.
In the past 4 years, my sons and I have killed 4 mule deer does, at ranges varying from 90 to 375 yards, using Tikka Rokslide specials with chopped 18.5” barrels and TBAC Ultra 7 suppressors. Our .223/77 TMK handloads shoot with a muzzle velocity of 2725 fps. Impact velocities have been from 2100 fps (375 yard shot) to 2580 (90 yard shot). The deer either wobbled for a few yards, then collapsed or ran 30 or so yards and collapsed. Very impressive. Last year, my youngest son killed a cow elk at around 250 yards, 2300 impact velocity. One shot and it hunched up and then laid down and expired quickly. I shot my antelope this year with a 18” chopped Tikka rechambered to 22 Creedmoor shooting 88 ELD match bullets at 3050 fps. Distance was 200 yards and was equally impressive. I look forward to being able to continue to contribute and thank you again for the drop tests and helping us change the way we hunt! We have trusted the process. The photos are as follows:
1) Doe shot at 375 yards with right front shoulder removed, with a close up of entrance, which was tucked in the crease.



2) Cow elk and also right front shoulder removed with entrance wound.



3) Buck antelope shot with 22 Creedmoor.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

North - Wellington. Make contact if you pass through.

If you’re serious I’ll take you up on this! I’ll be back to New Zealand in 2024, is there a time of year requirement for adding some hunting into my trip plan?

 

[david2duck]

I second the ADI stuff from global. Good price and my tikka likes it.

 

[grfox92]

Not sure if posting non hunting related .223 stuff is ok, but here is the result of me zeroing my Factory stock M&P15 today with Fiochi 55gr Vmax and a bullshit Vortex 3x9 Diamondback.

I'm shocked how well this factory gas gun grouped box ammo with what is arguably the worst trigger I've ever felt in my life. Probably 1/8 inch of creep before it breaks. Ill see if I cant put a hole in a coyote this Sunday.

Sent from my SM-G990U2 using Tapatalk

 

[SBR Sarge]

grfox92,

Not a bad start. Add a Larue MBT, better scope and some TMKs and you’re all set!

 

[grfox92]

grfox92,

Not a bad start. Add a Larue MBT, better scope and some TMKs and you’re all set!

Definetly need a new grip, that thing is aweful.

Sent from my SM-G990U2 using Tapatalk

 

[Tahr]

If you’re serious I’ll take you up on this! I’ll be back to New Zealand in 2024, is there a time of year requirement for adding some hunting into my trip plan?

PM'd

 

[jofes]

2 more does, both closer around 100-80, both more broadside so the bullets did offside damage but didn't poke through. Left the heart for one picture. AAC 75 gr. OTM 16" AR. Both ran about 30-50 yards.

 

[jofes]

Does anyone, maybe Form, have data that the 77 OTM is better vs the 75 on deer? Im gonna order a few cases of AAC 77 as it's currently cheaper than the 75.

 

[PsRpOiGrRiAtM]

Does anyone, maybe Form, have data that the 77 OTM is better vs the 75 on deer? Im gonna order a few cases of AAC 77 as it's currently cheaper than the 75.

It's been stated repeatedly that the OTM bullets, specifically Sierras, are inconsistent in their upset. They might be devastating, or they might pencil through. If that's all you have, maybe aim for neck or shoulder to increase the chances of frag/upset or at least immobilization.

 

[Tahr]

2 deer shot last evening. Central shoulder shot and high shoulder shot. Both pretty much dropped on the spot. 77TMK MV 2900, 230 yards. Low shoulder pass through, no blood. Hi shoulder bullet in wound on far side. Central shot first 2pics, then high shot.

 

[Chris_in_Idaho]

Don't worry guys, at long last the professionals are going to settle this 223 question for us once and for all.

 

[wind gypsy]

Laurel from this week’s MN outdoor news ain’t havin it!

 

[Nomosendero]

Yes and those dang elevated blinds, esp. heated!

 

[Chris_in_Idaho]

Yes and those dang elevated blinds, esp. heated!

Obviously the heated ones have more energy.

 

[fwafwow]

But if many are taken at 30 yards or less....

 

[Jimbee]

Laurel from this week’s MN outdoor news ain’t havin it!

View attachment 660389

Now we have to consider the firepower of a cartridge.....