The AR-15 is one of the most popular rifle platforms of all time. It only stands to reason that its popularity would bleed over into the hunting world. It has, in a big way. According to a recent study by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, 27 percent of hunters surveyed have used a modern sporting rifle (MSR) in pursuit of game. Of those, 48 percent report having used a MSR within the past five years, illustrating a growth in the use of the platform among those hunters surveyed. Of those answering yes to the use of an MSR for hunting, nearly 60 percent state they have used that platform to hunt large game.
That popularity has spawned a number of larger caliber choices for AR-15 rifles. Bullet diameters ranging from 6.5mm all the way up to .450 are now mainstream. Some of the most popular include the .300 Blackout, the .450 Bushmaster, and the 6.5 Grendel. Rifles and ammo for all of these are readily available and they all do a great job on deer-sized game.
But what about the most popular caliber in the platform, the .223/5.56? With their adjustable stocks, light weight, and nearly non-existent recoil, AR-15s in the .223/5.56 caliber make the perfect gun for young or small-frame hunters. But is that caliber a legitimate choice for the deer hunter? Just a few short years ago, I would probably answer that question with a “not really.” Yea, the .223 would get the job done, particularly on smaller deer in the deep south, but there was just too much margin for error to make it a reliable deer cartridge.
But, all that has changed in recent years. Ammunition manufacturers, noting the increased popularity of AR rifles among hunters, have set about making the .223/5.56 a genuine deer cartridge. To make this happen, they have borrowed proven designs from other big game bullets and added innovative new features specific to the lightweight bullets found in the .223 to form a tough and reliable cartridge tailor made for deer hunting with the modern rifle platform.
Winchester’s foray into this market is the 64-grain Power-Max Bonded. According to Mike Stock, the center-fire product manager for Winchester, he loves the round.
“Our .223 Remington 64-grain Power-Max Bonded really was created purely as a deer hunting bullet,” Stock said. “What makes a good deer bullet in .223 is very different than what makes a good deer bullet in larger calibers. In heavier bullets, I will always recommend a deer bullet to rapidly fragment which means a tapered jacket that is thin at the nose. However, in .223, we often max out at about 64 grains to achieve good accuracy in 1:12 bolt rifles so we have to put that weight to good use in order to get the penetration we need for deer. That means relatively thick jackets all the way to the nose and in the case of Power-Max Bonded, a protected point also helps with the delayed expansion. This all goes together for an accurate, controlled expansion bullet that can penetrate more than enough for use on deer.”
Since 2005, Federal Ammunition has offered a bonded .223 bullet in their proven Fusion line as their go-to for medium game. That changed in 2015 with the introduction of their new Trophy Bonded Tip to their Premium Vital Shock line of hunting ammunition.
Federal’s J.J Reich says, “The new Trophy Bonded Tip is based on our time-tested Trophy Bonded Bear Claw design. For decades, the Vital-Shock Trophy Bonded Tip has proven itself as one of the most effective cartridges available in many popular calibers. New in 2015, the .223 Rem is the newest caliber in the lineup. The bonded bullet retains more than 90 percent of its weight, penetrates deep, and shoots flat and accurately thanks to its high-ballistic coefficient. Polymer Tip, Long Boat Tail and Skiving all help that performance. The solid copper shank crushes bone, and exterior skiving on the nickel-plated bullet ensures optimum expansion at any range.”
Both of these bullets have proven themselves numerous times in the field on white-tailed deer. These new premium bullets have changed how we look at the .223/5.56 as a deer hunting caliber. While shots should still be limited to ranges maxing out at around 100 yards (the small bullet just sheds too much energy beyond that range), hunters can now feel confident in taking their rifles afield during deer season.
#1: VxH To: no gnu taxes (#0)
"Now boy, are you sure you can skin grizz?"
An AR-whatever probably would've kept the cabin a little more tidy during close encounters with the predatory nature, of nature... regardless of how many legs a horse has.
VxH posted on 2018-02-26 12:21:29 Reply Private Reply
#2: no gnu taxes To: VxH, buckeroo (#1)
no gnu taxes posted on 2018-02-26 12:43:12 Reply Private Reply
#3: Stoner To: no gnu taxes (#0)
As to using a lighter bullet, it really depends on placement. I know a fellow that always hunts deer with a 22-250. He always goes for a head shot. Never has to track them down . He is a meat gatherer, not a trophy hunter.
Stoner posted on 2018-02-26 12:53:41 Reply Private Reply
#4: VxH To: no gnu taxes (#2)
"won't save anything - having them hide in the corn crib"
And eventually, after the inevitable consequences of the fallible and uninspired "rescue" mission...
Respect. Not submission.
VxH posted on 2018-02-26 12:56:07 Reply Private Reply
#5: Tooconservative To: no gnu taxes (#0)
Some hunters may not like that 100 yards so much. That requires some stalking and concealment skills. So many hunters I know use a big rifle and high-end scope and barely have to do more than set down their beer can and shoot from the window of their pickup. I recall when I first heard of people hunting deer and hogs with .223, I thought they were most likely just wounding them and they'd wander off and bleed out in the next county.
Interesting article though. I've been shopping (and overshopping) for a new gun, debating .223 vs .308 vs. AK/SKS ammo.
I think good shooters can do amazing stuff with a quality AR-15 and a really good scope and the right ammo choice but it'll never be a big game gun or battle rifle. However, it can do the job more often than anyone used to think.
Tooconservative posted on 2018-02-26 13:26:46 Reply Private Reply
#6: no gnu taxes To: Stoner (#3)
That's a bit hard to pull off.
no gnu taxes posted on 2018-02-26 14:48:05 Reply Private Reply
#7: no gnu taxes To: Tooconservative (#5)
I have known hunters who killed deer with a slug from a shotgun (50 yards at the most)
A 30-06 is the best weapon for a deer, though.
no gnu taxes posted on 2018-02-26 14:51:45 Reply Private Reply
#8: Stoner To: no gnu taxes (#6)
He seems to pull it off every season. The 22-250 is a very accurate, flat shooting round.
Stoner posted on 2018-02-26 15:01:58 Reply Private Reply
#9: no gnu taxes To: Stoner (#8)
But, I am not doubting you.
no gnu taxes posted on 2018-02-26 15:06:49 Reply Private Reply
#10: Tooconservative To: Stoner (#8)
It is quite a feat. But some people just have talent.
Tooconservative posted on 2018-02-26 15:07:22 Reply Private Reply
#11: tpaine To: Tooconservative (#10)
100 yard range will rule out most deer hunting in the west, where 200 yard shots are common.
I managed, once, as a boy, a pure luck shot at a "pheasant out of the air with one of those old .22 rifles with a single shot."
Stupid, dangerous move, since the bullet went clear threw the bird, and ended up hitting an outbuilding with my Aunt's washing machine in it, drilling the tub..
Amazing penetration for a 22_hollow point, and I have the whipping to prove it.
tpaine posted on 2018-02-26 18:05:57 Reply Private Reply
#12: tpaine To: no gnu taxes (#7)
Shotgun slug hunting is the only way you can hunt in the southern half of Minnesota. -- Some slugs are made, very accurate up to 100 yards, especially when shot from a rifled shotgun.
I think some other States in the Midwest and East are the same..
tpaine posted on 2018-02-26 18:13:34 Reply Private Reply
#13: VxH To: Tooconservative (#10)
SMH. Was he also the only one who couldn't read the warnings on the box those old .22 LR rounds came in?
"Range 1 mile"
Somebody should've ripped a corner off his Hunter's Safety card for that kind of "talent".
VxH posted on 2018-02-26 18:18:29 Reply Private Reply
#14: GrandIsland To: no gnu taxes (#9)
You lead the nose with your crosshairs... let the dumb bastard walk into the head shot.
No meat damage.
GrandIsland posted on 2018-02-26 18:48:51 Reply Private Reply
#15: sneakypete To: no gnu taxes (#2)
Well,if you are dumb enough to hunt bears with a .223 it's not like you would be losing anything worth having.
sneakypete posted on 2018-02-26 19:25:57 Reply Private Reply
#16: Abcdefg To: no gnu taxes (#0)
Abcdefg posted on 2018-02-27 02:34:31 Reply Private Reply
#17: no gnu taxes To: sneakypete (#15)
no gnu taxes posted on 2018-02-27 05:52:58 Reply Private Reply
#18: Stoner To: no gnu taxes (#9)
Well, they stroll through our property all the time. Would be easy shots, from the front porch, the back porch, or the end porches.
Stoner posted on 2018-02-27 11:34:25 Reply Private Reply
#19: Stoner To: sneakypete (#15)
Then that person is pretty dumb !!!!
Stoner posted on 2018-02-27 11:36:29 Reply Private Reply
#20: no gnu taxes To: Stoner (#18)
I used to see deer on the golf courses all the time. They pretty much ignored you because they thought you were no threat. They were used to humans. It's different when they are out in the woods.
no gnu taxes posted on 2018-02-27 11:41:35 Reply Private Reply
#21: sneakypete To: Stoner (#19)
Bet they don't do it twice.
sneakypete posted on 2018-02-27 13:58:45 Reply Private Reply