223 for Deer

[muddycreek]

Can you use a 223 for deer? I have a 7mm RM that I hunt deer with all the time, but recently picked up a 700SPS-P in 223. I love the way the gun feels, and have thought about taking it with me sometimes when I deer hunt. I know people in Texas use them a lot, but trying to find out about a bullet to shoot for larger animals like deer. I've been shooting Fiocchi 50gr Hornady V Max so far and love those. Any suggestions? Any experience?

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

Originally Posted by muddycreek

Can you use a 223 for deer? I have a 7mm RM that I hunt deer with all the time, but recently picked up a 700SPS-P in 223. I love the way the gun feels, and have thought about taking it with me sometimes when I deer hunt. I know people in Texas use them a lot, but trying to find out about a bullet to shoot for larger animals like deer. I've been shooting Fiocchi 50gr Hornady V Max so far and love those. Any suggestions? Any experience?

Its legeal here in NY look at Barns, seirra or nosler bullets

[Gene Jr.]

Yes I've done it. No, I won't do it again. I had several good experiences that lead me to think it was a non-issue. But the bad experiences are bad. For crop damage or population control it's just fine. If you are hunting and it's important to be able to take a shot on most deer that present an opportunity then don't use it. There is very little room for error and you will be tempted to take shots you shouldn't.

[436]

I would agree in part with the others. I've hunted deer with .223 using mostly Barns. As long as the deer aren’t to far out and there not big trophy class animals like mule deer size it works pretty well. Smallish white and black tail at .30 30 range or a little farther... shouldn't be any problem with a well placed shot. It’s when you push the animal size and start trying range’s meant for the .308 Win and .300 Win Mag class cartridges; there’s where you start running into some real problems.
Just my 0.02
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[muddycreek]

What about a smaller bullet like the 50gr v-max? Yeah not planning on taking shots like with my 7mm but every now and then I like something different.

[MachV]

IF the 50Vmax does not hit a rib on the way in it will drop a deer like no other. Its a big if though as a rib is all it takes to make a nasty flesh wound!! BTDT even a coyote rib can splash the Vmax on the surface

[436]

Originally Posted by muddycreek

What about a smaller bullet like the 50gr v-max? Yeah not planning on taking shots like with my 7mm but every now and then I like something different.

To many good bullets for the .223 Rem out there; like Barnes 50gr TSX FB and better yet 55gr TSX FB; rather than using a varmint bullet on a deer.
Yep they {varmint bullet} will kill a deer, but hell’s bells; a rock thrown hard enough would likely kill one, if you hit him in the head... I think I’d stay with tough sporting bullet like Barnes or maybe Nosler 60gr Partition’…, if you have the proper rifling twist for the 60gr... I’ve kill a few with nothing more than the 62gr. M855/SS109 at 200 yards... don’t recommend it, but it’s better than a varmint bullet; to my way of thinking.
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