So my .223 load for deer right now is 77grn custom comps at 2650 fps, at 230m (close enough to 250 yards) the velocity is 2079 fps with 739 ft/lbs. We don't shoot deer with .223 past 150m based on our own personal feelings on ethical shots, with that round, in our conditions.
Velocity and round data from their website:
- Sierra 110gr HP 2600FPS MV, 1651FP ME...applied ballistics using Sierra FBHP Varminter at 230m 1537fps, 607 ft/lbs (Less than my .223)
- Sierra 125gr SBT 2520FPS MV, 1763FP ME...applied ballistics using Sierra SMK at 230m 1932fps, 1036 ft/lbs (more energy but that is pretty slow to get the match round do do damage)
- Sierra 135gr HP Varminter 2400FPS MV, 1727FP ME...applied ballistics at 230m 1640fps, 806 ft/lbs (Sierra recommends these bullets be traveling a minimum of 2600-2900 fps for best results and are suitable for speeds up to 3500 fps...basically the bullet is never going fast enough to work as designed)
- Hornady 150gr SST 2290FPS MV, 1747FP ME...applied ballistics at 230m 1761fps, 1033 ft/lbs (Hornady recommends a minimum velocity of 1800 fps for expansion)
Sorry but I just have a lot of scar tissue from lost animals with 300 BO which got me into doing a lot more homework on terminal ballistics and bullet design. What I learned is 300 BO was only good at being quite, nothing else. By the time there were bullets designed to perform with it, it was far too late. I see that here, they are launching bullets but not really doing any good work putting the right bullet with it, yes I see they are playing with twist rates etc. I'm just not seeing it, I have to agree with Paul and say maybe it fills a role...but that role is very close ranges at best and there are may others out there probably doing a much better job with the proper projectiles for the velocity.
) I'll take my good old singe shot Thompson Contender over anything else for deer and pigs. Never need another shot with it, one is good.
