TOO LITTLE

[CRAZYBUCK]

I was wondering what your guys thoughts were with a 55 grain 223 round for couse. I just put a new scope on my ar and was wanting to use it on my rifle hunt in oct if its a big enough round if not ill pull out the 30 06

[PRDATR]

I have used 22-250 to take mulie Does so as WT are a bit smaller just don't use varmint type bullets and your OK probably out to 300 yards. I used Trophy Bonded BearClaws.

Take a look at some of the recently posted pictures in the bowhunting section and you'll get a feel for the size of some of the deer.

[mp_moody]

What is the twist rate of your barrel? If 1/9" try to shoot some groups with 62 or 68 grain bullets. If 1/7" try 75 or 77 grain loads.

 

I used a 55gr soft point on a javelina in February at 200 yards. I would have no problem using the same on coues. Shot placement is key.

 

Edited to add: Try some Barnes TSX rounds.

[baileybailey1]

I agree 100 percent with mp_moody shot placement is key!!! I have taken 2 coues out to 400 yards with my .223 and 3 coues with my 22-250... Tho maybe a little light for others it can be done....Just make sure your NOT using a varmit round like PRDATR suggested I to use trophy bear claws and they work great!!! You can also work up some really nice hand loads for the 30-06... Best of luck to you and your hunt..

[reganranch]

I agree 100 percent with mp_moody shot placement is key!!! I have taken 2 coues out to 400 yards with my .223 and 3 coues with my 22-250... Tho maybe a little light for others it can be done....Just make sure your NOT using a varmit round like PRDATR suggested I to use trophy bear claws and they work great!!! You can also work up some really nice hand loads for the 30-06... Best of luck to you and your hunt..

 

Well said +1

[bonecollector]

Maybe its just me but I wouldnt use a .223 there are so many bigger and better calibers. As sportsmens we owe the animal a one shot one kill. Good luck hunting

[mp_moody]

Maybe its just me but I wouldnt use a .223 there are so many bigger and better calibers. As sportsmens we owe the animal a one shot one kill. Good luck hunting

 

That's why I threw out the disclaimer of "shot placement is key." Too many hunters blame the gun or the caliber for their poor shooting skills. I may catch some flak for this, but I see hunters who are poor shots decide to purchase barrel burners (300WSM, 338 Edge, etc) and take longer, less ethical shots on deer sized game.

[firstcoueswas80]

I, personallyamd highly against using the smallest caliber possible for any game. I dont see the need or a "good" reason behind it. If a hunter only has say a 22-250, that is one thing, but I am and have always been against that.

 

A few years ago, I was sharing a camp with a feller whom was using a 22-250, he managed to kill a nice 80-85" buck with it, and put a pretty decent shot on it. As he told me, the deer ran off and left zero blood. He managed to track it out and as he said "got lucky" with the recovery.

 

And, also I highly agree about the guys who are basically wanna be long range hunters who buy 300 wby, 300 rum, anything 338 etc that think just because they have the biggest gun on the mountain they can shoot 1,000 yards but are scared to death of it! They are 100x worse!

[STOMP442]

Personally I believe a 223 is more ethical than a bow and arrow any day. With proper bullet choice and shot placement you shouldn't have a problem. With a sharp stick shot from a string even with a perfect shot the animal almost always runs off to die a slower death than a well placed small caliber bullet. Just my opinion.

[Coues Sniper]

Personally I believe a 223 is more ethical than a bow and arrow any day. With proper bullet choice and shot placement you shouldn't have a problem. With a sharp stick shot from a string even with a perfect shot the animal almost always runs off to die a slower death than a well placed small caliber bullet. Just my opinion.

Well my opinion, is your opinion is silly

To the OP, sure you could but why?

[jwhernandez]

I have shot 4 deer with my 222 savage 55 grain remmington psp the closest was 150 yards the farthest 400 none ran off the gun was all I had I always aimed behind the shoulder blade never hit bone a 223 will do the job but I wouldnt chance it my best whitetail was 107 inch at 300 all I could think before I shot was I wish I had somthing bigger your gun will doit good luck