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2/25/2003 1:06:08 PM EDT
What would be the best .223 brand and bullet for me to go deer hunting with? (white tail deer)
2/25/2003 2:00:21 PM EDT
[#1]
If I had to use 223, I would use soft tip or hollow point. I could be wrong so you may want to get a few more inputs before making a decision.
2/25/2003 5:53:04 PM EDT
[#2]
Before we get a lot of requests begging you not to use a .223 on deer, let me suggest you go for the Winchester Power Point Plus (64gr SP). It is designed for just such purpose, and it performs fine, although it doesn't make a .308 out of the .223...

Another choice could be Federal's Trophy Bonded Bear Claw (55gr SP).


2/26/2003 6:19:27 AM EDT
[#3]
What 1911ar-15 said with the addition of the Nosler Partition and Barnes X-Bullet if you handload.  
2/26/2003 8:30:44 AM EDT
[#4]
I have had good results with the Federal 55 grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw and Black Hills 68 grain match load. Two shots. Two deer down fast, each hit through the lungs at short ranges. I've posted details on this board and the hunting board. This year I switched to the Win 64 grain PP previously mentioned. Unfortunately I didn't get a shot while carrying my Bushmaster carbine.
2/26/2003 9:21:30 AM EDT
[#5]
In the old days we would shoot (mule) deer with .222 and .223 exclusively using 52 and 55 gr SPs out of old Remington bolt action rifles. We brought down many deer over the years with one shot using this combination.  

An AR15 would be an even more effective hunting tool than our old bolt guns because of the bullet choices available.

In addition to the above mentioned. I think the Sierra 63 gr SP is very good (maybe cheaper and still very effective, I reload this bullet so don't know if it is available as a commercial load).

I haven't tried it but a 68 or 69 gr BTHP would probably be very effective, but you might get bullet pieces in your meat.
2/26/2003 9:53:05 AM EDT
[#6]
I've always been that "why a .223" guy, and after I read an article on some guys that went deer hunting with this round and the .223 WSSM, I changed my mind.  Excellent terminal performance in said article with said round.  And I'll second the Winchester Power Point Plus.
2/26/2003 3:08:14 PM EDT
[#7]
Really the only .223 round made specifically for deer hunting is the Wincherster Power Point Plus previously mentioned.  It's a very good deer round and it's the only .223 I would feel comfortable hunting deer with.(Though there are doubtlessly other .223 rounds that would take down a deer.)

-General Lord
2/26/2003 3:35:18 PM EDT
[#8]
I used the Winchester Supreme 64grn Power Point Plus to successfully down three Whitetails this year, all one shot kills. The ammo performed great out to 120 yds.
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