Well, I told myself that I was going to bow hunt all year, because I spent a mortgage payment (or 2) on a new Matthew’s. But......
Today I got permission on 33 acres about 5 minutes from the house, and it is slap tore up with sign. Can’t go 3 steps without seeing a fresh rub, scrape, acorns, yada yada yada you get the point.
I’m gonna hunt it in the morning for the first time and Im thinking about taking a gun. The visibility and not really knowing what the deer are more than likely to be doing, has me wanting to be able to take that 75 yard shot if needed.
My dilemma is, my 7 mag isn’t sighted in. It was off at the end of last year after a clumsy little stumble. However, my AR is putting 1 inch groups together at 100 yards with government loads. It’s a .223 and I absolutely love it, but I’m just concerned because I have never personally killed a deer with one.
What is everybody’s opinion on taking the .223? I know it will get the job done if the lead finds its mark, but I’m curious as to what the experts have to say.
Should I just take the bow and hope for a good opportunity?
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I’ve killed 15-20 deer with a 223. Most from a 16” barrel. My favorite load is the 64 grain fusion. They hold together plenty good to bust through a shoulder. BUT. I moved from Arkansas to northern Missouri 3 years ago, and the first doe I shot with my 223 up here left like she wasn’t even hit and died about 100 yards away. I thought my gun was off and just happened to see her fall down or I wouldn’t have believed she was hit double lungs...... Also bought a 30-06 after that season....
Also expanding bullets aren't war-legal.The intention in warfare is not necessarily killing the enemy, a wounded soldier ties up 2 or 3 while a dead soldier only eliminates the threat of 1
Check if it is legal first.
What make and model of AR are you running to get such fine accuracy?
As long as you use appropriate bullets (perhaps 62 grain federal fusion.....just make it a soft point/expanding bullet that is at least 55 grains) and take appropriate shots at appropriate distance....then you are fine.
I gun hunt like I bow hunt (in the thick stuff....because bucks don't step out into fields during gun season on public land around here), so my shots are almost always 100 yards and in. I've take 3 deer in the last 4 years with a 22-250....which is the 223's big brother. Two in the lungs and one in the Adam's apple when he was looking at me from over a small bush. None went more than 50 yards.
I wouldn't shoot much past 200 yards and just don't take marginal shots where you might have to punch through heavy bone (unless you have a great load for that and are really close).
Folks don't argue that a recurve or 357 magnum (up close) is fine on a deer, so I can't see how a 223 up close is any different. I think they are projecting their hunting style (maybe hunting huge bucks over a bean field) onto the question.
I'm not disputing the point I just can't find anything in the MO regulations that says 6mm or bigger. I don't hunt with a .223 but I do like to stay up to date with the regulations. Can you please post a link or share where in the regs you found this information?Law in MO is 6mm and bigger and I support that also my vote is to sight in the 7mm shouldn’t be a problem unless something is damage or improperly installed
I'm not disputing the point I just can't find anything in the MO regulations that says 6mm or bigger. I don't hunt with a .223 but I do like to stay up to date with the regulations. Can you please post a link or share where in the regs you found this information?
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Gotcha, I know they allow AR pistols during alternative methods but they can be chambered in a bunch of calibers. Just thinking I had missed a rule change.it may have change in recent years with the rise of AR-15 and stouter bullets
Is owning a .223 not a reason?Personally I dont see any reason at all to hunt deer with a .223. There are so many better calibers to hunt deer with. Smallest I would use is a .243, but prefer a .270.
I myself, and my buddy both killed our bucks last year with my AR shooting federal fusion 62gr. Double lung and they didn’t go far. Get you some good loads and send it. Just be mindful of shot placement and shooting distance. I personally like them under 100yards. After that you start to lose a bit of energy if I remember correctly.
Haha Funny point, but I think he meant he couldn't think of any reason to use .223 [if other, "better" caliber rifles are available]. I see both sides of it, even worded that way. I always use my .243 over my .223 because it's a harder-hitting, more lethal round, which I consider preferable from an ethical standpoint. I also find myself almost "judging" guys who choose to hunt with a .223 when other, "better" options are available to them. But, I haven't traded in my .243 for a .270 or 30-06, both of which have more knock-down power than my "little" .243. Also, I often carry my bow during muzzleloader and rifle seasons, and that's unquestionably a "lesser" weapon from a killing power and speed standpoint.Is owning a .223 not a reason?
While the US mostly obeys this, I don't believe they are technically bound by this requirement. 185gr +P .JHP 45 ammo was issued for the HK Mk23 pistol, and the most recent M17/P320 bid included JHP ammo.Also expanding bullets aren't war-legal.