223 for cougar?

[BLJ]

50 or 53 grain v-mav- no exit no tracking needed as long as hit in vitals

No exit at 223 velocity? What distance? Thanks.

 

[Cap'n Bruce]

I've got a picture of a buddy hugging a different cougar in much the same way!

They're not hard to kill. Many hound hunters kill them with a rim fire pistol. If your calling it in good odds your closeish range. Pretty much any bullet will be fine.

I shot this with a 243. I used an accubond on this one because I didn't want too much expansion. Lions are thin skinned and it wouldn't be hard to blow a huge hole in the hide.
View attachment 1011262

 

[dreamingWest]

I killed one today with a .223 using a 77 TMK. Outfitter I'm hunting with prefers 223. He was especially fond of suppressed .223.

 

[Scoutfan]

No exit at 223 velocity? What distance? Thanks.

Never shot a big cat with one. No exits on coyotes or bobcats. All bobcats were 200+. Don't remember the velocity,but I push mine pretty hard

 

[Jason Snyder]

I’ve killed a fair number of cougars with a .223 and a 62 grain TSX. They are not hard to kill, despite what the internet may tell you.

 

[BLJ]

Never shot a big cat with one. No exits on coyotes or bobcats. All bobcats were 200+. Don't remember the velocity,but I push mine pretty hard

Close enough. Thanks.

 

[Scoutfan]

If you want to be extra safe for no exit then go to a 40 grain and slow them down a little bit. I have shot many deer,pigs, coyotes,jack rabbits, prairie dogs and a few bobcats with the 40,50, and 53 grain v-max.
The only exit I ever had on anything bigger than a jack rabbit was one smallish coyote that I shot in the neck. Put it square on their shoulder or straight on in their chest and all you will have is a 22 caliber entrance hole and a dead animal laying where you shot them at.

 

[Redbaron307]

88g ELDM out of a 22 creedmoor, 100ish yards dropped dead in its tracks. Entrance wound only, no exit. I’ve been blown away with the 22 creedmoor this year, killed 5 whitetail and this lion with it. if it was legal to use on bear and elk in my state I’d give it a try on those as well.

 

[Wanttohuntmore]

Been using 52gr Sierra BTHP, leftover stuff from my 1/14'" twist. Got a 1/7" now so the heavies might be where i go instead of all copper.

 

[RBHunter]

I’ve used a 55 grain V-Max on plenty of cats. It works great and never had an issue.

 

[landis07]

I just got a 102 female last weekend 40 yard shot with a 55 grain vmax , went straight through

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[Wanttohuntmore]

I just got a 102 female last weekend 40 yard shot with a 55 grain vmax , went straight through

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Saw that earlier and am inspired! We have too many cougar in WA. Someday I'll call one in.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Been thinking of the ttsx or lrx. Just hoping i can get it into the vitals

I wouldn’t use a mono at 223 velocity unless you had to by law.

I use 77TMKs either Blkhills or phantom defense NAS3.

Cats are narrow and a few inches to get to vitals

 

[Maverick1]

I've heard the same from a friend of a friend, guy killed piles of them, his favorite was a 22 mag.

Defines “piles of them”. Is that like 2? Or 3? Or 300?

 

[Legend]

Defines “piles of them”. Is that like 2? Or 3? Or 300?

I will bet money that more lions have been killed with a rim fire 22 than any other caliber. Anything bigger than a little. 22 rim fire is just extra insurance and optional.

Now if you are hunting them at a distance over 30yds then you probably should go .223.