texasjohn
Super Member
I struggled with using FMJ or Winchester 64 gr PP when going hunting. Where I hunt, shots on whitetail, axis, hog, coyote are presented from 20 yards to 150 yards. Brush and cover is a factor. I've always been a "call your shots" guy and very seldom take moving shots, preferring to place a shot exactly rather than send lead downrange. Actually, the only exceptions I can recall in the past 10+ years is three 30-30 shots at Axis bucks moving thru thick brush. I identified them via horns as real "shooters," selected a small hole in the brush and waited for them to walk into it then fired taking a heart/lung shot. Each ran 30 to 50 yards before collapsing. I actually hate that, much prefer the instant drop from a head/neck shot.
Net is, I selected a .223 shell which I found to be accurate in my gun and I was comfortable shooting. Am pleased with its performance so far. I noted the following comments in the .223 link I left in an earlier post.
As a varmint or target shooting cartridge, the .223 is an outstanding performer, inexpensive and capable of great accuracy. As a medium game cartridge, the .223 is under powered if fast killing is to be expected with ordinary chest shots. The one exception is when using tumbling FMJ ammunition which completely and utterly changes the performance of this cartridge on medium game.
The tumbling 55 grain bullet is truly violent and fast killing and is the most effective medium game hunting load for the .223. Exit wounds on medium game are often as wide as 3? However, it must be stated that when full metal jacket ammunition tumbles, the bullet also very gradually falls to pieces due to the unsealed base of the bullet allowing jacket core separation. Because the process is gradual, wounding occurs through vitals and bone, rather than on impact resulting in adequate penetration for all but tail on shots on medium game.
I dunno....if going exclusively after hogs and anticipating multiple and moving targets, I might load up with FMJ to see how they work. First shot however, will always be careful and near the ear canal.
JRobyn, the site I mentioned gives lots of comments on hand loads and performance. I tend to believe these guys, they have shot LOTS of game in New Zeland and observed ballistic performance under a wide variety of conditions.
Net is, I selected a .223 shell which I found to be accurate in my gun and I was comfortable shooting. Am pleased with its performance so far. I noted the following comments in the .223 link I left in an earlier post.
As a varmint or target shooting cartridge, the .223 is an outstanding performer, inexpensive and capable of great accuracy. As a medium game cartridge, the .223 is under powered if fast killing is to be expected with ordinary chest shots. The one exception is when using tumbling FMJ ammunition which completely and utterly changes the performance of this cartridge on medium game.
The tumbling 55 grain bullet is truly violent and fast killing and is the most effective medium game hunting load for the .223. Exit wounds on medium game are often as wide as 3? However, it must be stated that when full metal jacket ammunition tumbles, the bullet also very gradually falls to pieces due to the unsealed base of the bullet allowing jacket core separation. Because the process is gradual, wounding occurs through vitals and bone, rather than on impact resulting in adequate penetration for all but tail on shots on medium game.
I dunno....if going exclusively after hogs and anticipating multiple and moving targets, I might load up with FMJ to see how they work. First shot however, will always be careful and near the ear canal.
JRobyn, the site I mentioned gives lots of comments on hand loads and performance. I tend to believe these guys, they have shot LOTS of game in New Zeland and observed ballistic performance under a wide variety of conditions.
