Best .223 bullet for deer

[3gunyotehtr]

I have had excellent results with just the standard Hornady 55 gr. soft point. That is what the kids use in both 223 and 22-250. Very efficient outcomes. My father-in law favored the Sierra 63 gr. smp.

 

[roymunson]

i have a buddy who did several summer crop kills with a 55 grain vmax. Neck shots and bang flops...

 

[Rainierrifleco]

Hello - looking for opinions based on real world experience on the best deer bullet for a .223 Remington. What I’m not interested in is the “use enough gun” argument. My son is 11, very small for his age, and recoil sensitive, and I’m looking to find an accurate and lethal load for him for whitetail hunting this fall. The rifle is a Savage Axis youth with a 1/9 twist, so no bullets over 65 grains either. I have lots of propellants on hand suitable for the .223, including Varget, TAC, Benchmark, CFE-223, and Win 748. Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

I put together a howa 223 with carbon fiber stock for my grandaughter to use
With scope it weighs in at 6.3 lbs
I have loaded the 64 gr win power points over 748
Have not shot a deer as of yet but I hear they work ok in 223
There is some recoil in this light rifle

 

[Axlrod]

I put together a howa 223 with carbon fiber stock for my grandaughter to use
With scope it weighs in at 6.3 lbs
I have loaded the 64 gr win power points over 748
Have not shot a deer as of yet but I hear they work ok in 223
There is some recoil in this light rifle

It is right at 5.7 foot pounds of recoil. You would have to drop down to a 22 Hornet to get less.

ShootersCalculator.com | Recoil Calculator

An online calculator that calculates the recoil energy, impulse, and velocity of a firearm according to the firearm's weight, powder charge, bullet weight, and bullet muzzle velocity.

shooterscalculator.com

 

[ZipsNLbs]

I have to agree with 55gr vmax and neck shots . My wife hates recoil . So after crossbow seasons over she gets it done with the MSR. And 55gr vmaxs . All neck shots and never had to track one she’s 8for 8 over the past few years . And I’ve taken some with the 22-250 53 gr vmax

 

[Rainierrifleco]

Those 64 gr bullets made for the wsm worked perfict on a large neb doe last year for my grandaughter

 

[Patoka]

65gr Sierra gameking has been great for the ladies in my house slamming into big Wyoming white tails

Run this pill with 24gr BM2. Never fails to perform. Sierra got this design right on the button.

 

[sierracharlie338]

OP don’t discount any bullet because you have a 9 twist. I would try some of the heavies and see how they do especially if you plan to hunt shorter range with your son. My 9 twist loves the 69g SMK/TMKS and I bet I’m at a much lower elevation than you. 62gr fusions are good options as well

 

[goalie]

Speer Gold Dots shot well and worked well on deer out of my 9-twist AR.