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

[HRH2K]

This was my first year with the Tikka .223 after hunting with a Tikka 270 WSM for about 10 years. I took my first bear in September with 73 ELDM hand loads. The shot was about 100 yards and 2500 fps impact velocity. The bear spun, took a couple bounds, and rolled down a slope dead. I didn’t take any autopsy photos or cut into the chest cavity, but one leg bone was broken and the vitals were sloshed. Kill time was at least on par with my average for 270 WSM if not a bit better.

I’ve practiced more this year than any other and making the swap was a great move in my goal to become a better rifleman. I’m looking forward to logging more results with the .223 Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread!

 

[Reddish]

62gr Gold Dot added another doe to the freezer. Centered the lungs at 100yds, good size hole through both and body cavity filled with blood. She made it a few yards and was down.

 

[Trapperkid]

It’s very clear the 223 is marginal at best but possible for smaller bodies deer at under 100 yards.
I actually used to believe something similar till about two years ago when I found this thread.

 

[ARK_Ginger]

Just adding some data points.

Dad's rifle tikka 22-250 handloaded 88gr ELDs @3050fps. Shot ~50yards straight on. Buck made it about 50 yards away in a dead run. Bullet didn't exit and no obvious blood trail. Poor picture but shoulder was destroyed.


Mine: AAC 77gr TMK from a 16" tikka at ~50 yards, he made it about 30 yards. Hard quartering away shot.
Nice blood trail

Bullet caught in hide on the exit side

Entry side

 

[SURVEYOR]

I posted this in the youth forum and no its not a 223 kill but a 22lr to the brain pan from 15’ and delivered by my 4 year old with his Jagd Terrier

 

[pacoalcracker]

holy smokes..now we have a new bear, deer, elk, moose rifle....and the terrier didn't even have to track it. who needs that overpowered 223? just think...less recoil! less cost too.

 

[hunterjmj]

It’s very clear the 223 is marginal at best but possible for smaller bodies deer at under 100 yards.
I actually used to believe something similar till about two years ago when I found this thread.

Some older guys I use to hunt with still think it's way too small for basically everything regardless of the evidence. Change or new info is tough for some people to swallow I guess.

 

[SURVEYOR]

holy smokes..now we have a new bear, deer, elk, moose rifle....and the terrier didn't even have to track it. who needs that overpowered 223? just think...less recoil! less cost too.

Who needs a cannon when your close and have a 22?