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

[rclouse79]

More powerful rifles do require more practice to shoot well. Was there any mention of how much shooting each of the participants did? My Model 7 in 7-08 is harder to shoot well than a varmint weight barreled 223 without question. It won't shoot half inch groups no matter who is behind the trigger.

I think he shot all of the rifles himself. Looked like around 20.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Hard to answer definitively but yes, a suppressor does make a 223 significantly more enjoyable to shoot. My daughters will be introduced to centerfire rifles with suppressed 223s but that's easy to say because I've already got one.

You also don't need a $1000 ti can. An AB a-10 warhog for $450 will significantly improve the shooting experience.

100% agree.

I have a little dedicated .223 can now that my son will use. It’s an Otter Creek Labs Polonium K that was $425 on sale.

 

[FredH]

I think he shot all of the rifles himself. Looked like around 20.

So not having years of experience shooting rifles from 338 WM down to rimfires. His article was subjective and he was the subject.

 

[FredH]

I used to think exactly the same way but this is false.

Can I get prone and shoot a 338 Lapua very well? Yes I can.

Can I shoot a 223 better consistently? Yes

Go try it in multiple field positions and see if you change your mind as I did.

A 338 Lapua can be quite comfortable to shoot if it is heavy enough and has a good break. However very few people use one. In my case I can put bullets exactly where I want them from any position with my current most powerful rifle, a 35 Whelen. Second being a 7MM RM. I generally don't notice recoil when shooting at game. If I were shooting 20 shot strings in a 3 position match then yes a 223 would be more fun to shoot. That said I used a Match M14 in 308 in a number of matches. This meaning for me anyway I have no problem with recoil under average hunting conditions. A light 338 Win Mag is my upper level of comfort. I quit using one as my elk rifle not because it kicked but because with bullets available at the time I was not getting the expansion I wanted past 400 yards. I then went through a 300 magnum phase which lasted a good while but got tired of getting in and out of trucks with it's 26 inch barrel. Went back to using a 30-06, 270 and 7mm RM with complete satisfaction. Nowadays getting an elk tag is harder than getting an elk.

 

[rclouse79]

So not having years of experience shooting rifles from 338 WM down to rimfires. His article was subjective and he was the subject.

Judging by the guys gun safe room he looked like he had many years of experience with many calibers. I just thought it was interesting was all.

 

[Justin Crossley]

A 338 Lapua can be quite comfortable to shoot if it is heavy enough and has a good break. However very few people use one. In my case I can put bullets exactly where I want them from any position with my current most powerful rifle, a 35 Whelen. Second being a 7MM RM. I generally don't notice recoil when shooting at game. If I were shooting 20 shot strings in a 3 position match then yes a 223 would be more fun to shoot. That said I used a Match M14 in 308 in a number of matches. This meaning for me anyway I have no problem with recoil under average hunting conditions. A light 338 Win Mag is my upper level of comfort. I quit using one as my elk rifle not because it kicked but because with bullets available at the time I was not getting the expansion I wanted past 400 yards. I then went through a 300 magnum phase which lasted a good while but got tired of getting in and out of trucks with it's 26 inch barrel. Went back to using a 30-06, 270 and 7mm RM with complete satisfaction. Nowadays getting an elk tag is harder than getting an elk.

You're entirely missing the point. I didn't say anything about shooting 20 rounds at a time.

It has been shown repeatedly that shooters of all skill levels shoot a rifle with less recoil better than one with more. That doesn't mean you can't shoot very accurate shots with a bigger rifle. It means you'll make accurate shots at a higher percentage with a lighter recoiling rifle.

This isn't only due to a person being "recoil sensitive." A rifle with more recoil will expose flaws in your shooting position and move the gun more during the shot.

 

[Gravel Road]

First blood for the RSS Tikka 223, 77 TMK. Rokslide lime green scope wrap for good luck-lol.
Not much of a test, as the shot was only 50 yards and he was perfectly broadside. Tucked it behind the shoulder and he ran 30 yards and tipped over. Hit a rib and made about a 2" entry into the chest cavity. Hole in the heart, lower front of lungs destroyed and a rib shard or jacket cut the liver and diaphragm. No exit but couldn't find the bullet. Surprised at the amount of bloodshot around the entrance. May have to switch back to the 308 as 223 is too destructive