Deer load for 14" Contender in 223

[mkee]

I was wondering if anyone has loaded a Super 14 223 for deer.  Only bullets I want to shoot would be a Nosler partition or possibly 65 gr sierra gameking.  What do you guys think?  Any other suggestions?

[Hawkeye]

We can't use the .223 pistol for deer hunting but we can use the .223 rifle for deer hunting. The pistol has to be .24 cal or larger, 100 grn bullet and the cartridge has to be at least 1.25 ".
The .223 is very small for the whitetail here in this state anyway. I know some that have used it but I have also helped several track a "GOOD" hit deer for hours and not find it. Why not use a larger cal.

Mike

[myronman3]

What do you guys think?  Any other suggestions?

we all know it can be done, but that doesnt mean it should be.   unless the deer in your area are very small, i say use something bigger.

[BCB]

mkee.

Ain't going to debate whether this caliber should be used for deer or not, but one thing I am pretty certain of is the fact that the Super 14" barrel will probably not stabilize a 65 grain bullet.  I have shot perfect "key holes" at 25 yards with bullets in this weight range.  The Contender barrel has too slow of a twist.  Good-luck...BCB

[Bullseye]

I shot some 65gr'ers in mine last Saturday.  They would not even hit the target at 100 yards, they were tumbling to parts unknown.

[fast*eddie]

It seems like this topic goes in cycles. Personally I wouldn't shoot a deer with anything less tha a 243. I have shot woodchucks out to 180 yards with my 223 TC pistol barrel. I wouldn't even consider shooting a deer with that caliber even though I know it could be done .  

[tripper]

It's not a legal caliber in my state.

[Doc T]

It must be a function of barrel length.  My Contender carbine (23") shoots 65 AND 70 grainers at about an inch and a half at 100 yards.  Don't have any experience with the short tubes in this caliber.

[Jim Stacy]

actually shot a couple of der with my 221 fire ball !  55sx @ 25 yards in the head. I would not recomment a 223 for deer even though  I have done something  like it. I have also killed der witha 357 revolver , shot in the head at less then 50 yards . If you want to try a 223 shoot them in the head at close (<50 Yards) and use a 55SX or same type of rapidly expanding bullet! Just my thoughts . Jim

[Kurt Heckman]

My 15" encore starts to key hole at 62 grains and only gets worse from there 50 grain and down are very accurate but now where near big enough for deer. Kurt

[larry223]

i think that a 223 is too small to use on whitetails some will do it
here in new york it is legal . i use mine alot but had not thought
of that. head shot at 50 or so yards maybe?
please try a bigger cal.
my thoughts
larry :eek:

[sjf]

Been there done that. I don't recomend the 223 16" contender for deer but I have harvested whitetails with it. You don't need any special or "tuff" bullets at 223 contender velocities. 55 gr Sierra BTSP works fine and will give full broadside penetration if you avoid shoulder bones. If take neck or broadside shots out to 150 yds it will do the job. I harvested one with a (dare I say it ) 55 gr ballistic tip. The bullet held together well enough to penetrate both lungs. Do yourself a favor and find a good 7x30 waters (my favorite) or 30-30 for deer, much less chance of one getting away wounded.

[duxman]

I have used .223 for animal control for about 15 yrs and have taken numerous animals (deer) with the .223. It is deadly at less than 150 yds.
I only take good heart lung or neck shots. Head shots are bad news. I've tried it and never would take one again.The bullet is too light and too small for head shots. I agree with others that there are better calibers available. I would go to a larger caliber in the contender. I haven't shot the 7-08 but I'm sure it is a great choice. I have used the 7mmTCU and can tell you it is an excellent round. You really should go with the gun that will do the best job. I only use the .223 because of the situation dictates. Look into the Encore and a 243 if you really want to stick with the smaller gun. Keep that .223 for the Coyotes.