#3299448 - 05/24/22 05:25 PM
All-Around .223 Bullet
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Die Hard Member II
Registered: 03/21/11
Posts: 1831
Loc: TX
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My grandson wants to start predator & deer hunting with me. The rifle has a 1:9 twist and looking for a good bullet to use for predators and deer.
These are the powders that I have on hand to use:
Varget, R15, 2200, H332, H4198, and H335.
Thanks in advance.
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#3299451 - 05/24/22 05:34 PM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: TXCOONDOG]
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Die Hard Member
Registered: 08/29/14
Posts: 821
Loc: md eastern shore
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#3299458 - 05/24/22 07:09 PM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: why]
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Seasoned Member
Registered: 10/14/12
Posts: 290
Loc: texas usa
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I have had good luck with the varmint nightmare 55 grain soft point from Midsouth.Shot lots of deer and coyotes as well as a few hogs,the canalure seems to make the bullet hold together better as they penetrate very well.
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#3299461 - 05/24/22 07:41 PM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: TXCOONDOG]
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Moderator
Registered: 07/23/06
Posts: 17547
Loc: S. Texas
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While the .223 is arguably marginal for deer hunting, it is capable of getting the job done with careful shot placement.
I have used both 55 gr. NBT's and 60 grain Nosler Partition bullets to cull both whitetail does and feral hogs in south Texas. When specifically hunting deer or hogs, I used the NP's, but on more than one occasion, while predator hunting my rifle was loaded with the NBT's and they were always equal to the job, again, with careful shot placement.
I always waited for a frontal neck shot on deer and a side profile between eye and ear on hogs. The only time a 55 gr. NBT failed at the task was a full frontal shot between the eyes of a large boar. I saw that bullet impact through my scope, knocking the boar to the ground but he quickly jumped back up and disappeared back over the rise from which he came. Unfortunately, I did not recover that one and have never tried that shot again w/223. I'm convinced the bullet ricocheted off the sloped forehead, failing to penetrate the skull.
My favorite powder was H335, produced sub 1/2 moa 5 shot groups @ 3140 fps.
Regards,
hm
_________________________
If what's ahead scares you & what's behind hurts you,look up; He never fails you.
If My people will humble themselves, pray, seek My face & turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven & will forgive their sin & heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14
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#3299467 - 05/24/22 09:33 PM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: hm1996]
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Die Hard Member II
Registered: 03/21/11
Posts: 1831
Loc: TX
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While the .223 is arguably marginal for deer hunting, it is capable of getting the job done with careful shot placement.
I have used both 55 gr. NBT's and 60 grain Nosler Partition bullets to cull both whitetail does and feral hogs in south Texas. When specifically hunting deer or hogs, I used the NP's, but on more than one occasion, while predator hunting my rifle was loaded with the NBT's and they were always equal to the job, again, with careful shot placement.
I always waited for a frontal neck shot on deer and a side profile between eye and ear on hogs. The only time a 55 gr. NBT failed at the task was a full frontal shot between the eyes of a large boar. I saw that bullet impact through my scope, knocking the boar to the ground but he quickly jumped back up and disappeared back over the rise from which he came. Unfortunately, I did not recover that one and have never tried that shot again w/223. I'm convinced the bullet ricocheted off the sloped forehead, failing to penetrate the skull.
My favorite powder was H335, produced sub 1/2 moa 5 shot groups @ 3140 fps.
Regards,
hm Agreed. Was going through my reloading room and found some Barnes 62Gr TSX bullets so I will work up a load for this deer season. His dad and I are discussing building him a 6.8 SPC II for his birthday next March. Appreciate the feedback all.
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#3299473 - 05/24/22 10:33 PM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: TXCOONDOG]
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PM Junkie
Registered: 04/21/01
Posts: 17147
Loc: Missouri
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The 60 gr. Nosler Partition is excellent if you can fiddle enough accuracy from it. I have shot coyote, deer and one hog with the Partition with perfect results. I have a friend that uses that for his daughter's youth deer gun and that little girl has killed some impressive bucks with a 16" AR15. I have used the 62 gr. TSX on several deer and assorted varmints. I don't like it as much as the Partition as an all around bullet. The 62 gr. Fusion/Gold Dot is as good as the Partition and more accurate to boot.
_________________________
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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#3299478 - 05/25/22 12:41 AM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: GC]
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Moderator
Registered: 07/23/06
Posts: 17547
Loc: S. Texas
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The NP is not as accurate as the NBT, but as I recall, (it's been a while since I was able to use an AR on the ranches I hunt), I didn't have a lot of trouble getting MOA from the NP, but that little AR will shoot MOA with just about anything I poke through it. It won't shoot the TSX, though, but I don't own a single rifle that will shoot decent w/TSX. Must be something I'm doing wrong, because lots of folks love 'em, but life's too short to fight stubborn bullets when there are Sierras and Noslers around.   Regards, hm
_________________________
If what's ahead scares you & what's behind hurts you,look up; He never fails you.
If My people will humble themselves, pray, seek My face & turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven & will forgive their sin & heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14
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#3299479 - 05/25/22 12:48 AM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: hm1996]
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Die Hard Member III
Registered: 12/22/13
Posts: 2651
Loc: so.mn
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The 62 gr Trophy bonded bear claw would be a good all rounder.
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#3299480 - 05/25/22 12:52 AM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: spotstalkshoot]
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PM Junkie
Registered: 04/21/01
Posts: 17147
Loc: Missouri
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The 62 gr Trophy bonded bear claw would be a good all rounder. I don't have experience with that bullet but I would bet that you are correct.
_________________________
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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#3299483 - 05/25/22 06:26 AM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: TXCOONDOG]
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Die Hard Member
Registered: 03/28/03
Posts: 799
Loc: KY
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I'm a big fan of the game king bullets. Of course, accuracy comes first & is the biggest part of terminal performance.
You should find a good load with the 55gr Sierra Gk using either the 322 or 335 powders. FWIW, My choice would be 322! I usually get better consistency from it.
Good luck
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#3299485 - 05/25/22 07:44 AM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: TXCOONDOG]
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Die Hard Member III
Registered: 12/29/11
Posts: 3436
Loc: Buffalo, MN
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I'm a big Game King fan also. I use the 65gr and they're my favorite hunting bullet so far. I've got a sweet shooting 53gr TSX load mixed up but I havent taken it hunting.
I use benchmark with the 65gr and H322 with the 53gr, but I HBN lube the bullets and a polytwist black hole weaponry barrel which keeps pressure super low so I can pour in more fast burning powder than I would with other barrels.
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#3299587 - 05/27/22 12:03 PM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: Rock Knocker]
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Die Hard Member III
Registered: 12/22/13
Posts: 2651
Loc: so.mn
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I found a 500 ct of the Federal 62 gr Trophy bonded sp for 67$ plus shipping if interested pm me I will give u sellers info. Shipping I believe is usps flat rate.
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#3299596 - 05/27/22 04:35 PM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: TXCOONDOG]
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Die Hard Member with a vengeance
Registered: 04/05/07
Posts: 4944
Loc: Kern County, CA
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Barnes recommends a 1-9" twist or faster barrel for shooting the very long 62 gr TSX bullets.
_________________________
Foxpro Field Staff
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#3299603 - 05/27/22 06:40 PM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: derbyacresbob]
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Die Hard Member II
Registered: 03/21/11
Posts: 1831
Loc: TX
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Barnes recommends a 1-9" twist or faster barrel for shooting the very long 62 gr TSX bullets. Yep..says it right on the box, but more than likely won't load them. I bought them on a clearance sale years ago and forgot I had them. Bought 1k of the trophy bonded bear claws, It shouldn't be hard to find a load for the Model 12 as she has shot everything under MOA thus far....handloads or factory stuff. Appreciate all the feedback!
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#3299609 - 05/28/22 06:12 AM
Re: All-Around .223 Bullet
[Re: TXCOONDOG]
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Die Hard Member III
Registered: 07/06/07
Posts: 2826
Loc: Wisconsin
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Wouldn’t shoot deer with a 223 but I am sure it would get the job done with correct shot placement. I’d go with a 60 grain vmax or Nosler ballistic tip.
Edited by Dultimatpredator (05/28/22 06:13 AM)
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