OK, if this has already been asked, sorry. I did try to use the search but nothing came up. My daughter will be going deer hunting with me for her first deer this year and she is wanting to use my M4. She is comfortable shooting it and usually hits what she hits. Now the question is bullet weight with a 1:9 twist. I know it's not fast enough for a larger bullet like a 77-80 grain. What would you guys recommend for use on muley's. Will be in the juniper so no long shots. Have thought about picking up a .243 for her but the weight is a question, along with her dealing with the recoil. What are your thoughts.
Hunting & Fishing hunting bullet weight .223
- Thread starter jwilly
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Re: hunting bullet weight .223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jwilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK, if this has already been asked, sorry. I did try to use the search but nothing came up. My daughter will be going deer hunting with me for her first deer this year and she is wanting to use my M4. She is comfortable shooting it and usually hits what she hits. Now the question is bullet weight with a 1:9 twist. I know it's not fast enough for a larger bullet like a 77-80 grain. What would you guys recommend for use on muley's. Will be in the juniper so no long shots. Have thought about picking up a .243 for her but the weight is a question, along with her dealing with the recoil. What are your thoughts. </div></div>
Typically 55-64 is optimum for a 1:9 twist. For the 77-80 grain you really want a 1:7 twist. For any dear, if your going to use a .223 you need the heavy loads. Honestly a .243 doesn't kick much. I've had an 8 year old weighing 60 give or take fire it with no problem. Just get her some practice behind whatever she is going to fire, so she can get used to the recoil, and lose the flinch. Teach her the basics, breathing, trigger squeeze ect. Honestly I would recommend a 243, she can use it the rest of her life to take deer sized game. Look for a youth model that has a short length of pull. When or if she outgrows that, you can change the stock.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jwilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK, if this has already been asked, sorry. I did try to use the search but nothing came up. My daughter will be going deer hunting with me for her first deer this year and she is wanting to use my M4. She is comfortable shooting it and usually hits what she hits. Now the question is bullet weight with a 1:9 twist. I know it's not fast enough for a larger bullet like a 77-80 grain. What would you guys recommend for use on muley's. Will be in the juniper so no long shots. Have thought about picking up a .243 for her but the weight is a question, along with her dealing with the recoil. What are your thoughts. </div></div>
Typically 55-64 is optimum for a 1:9 twist. For the 77-80 grain you really want a 1:7 twist. For any dear, if your going to use a .223 you need the heavy loads. Honestly a .243 doesn't kick much. I've had an 8 year old weighing 60 give or take fire it with no problem. Just get her some practice behind whatever she is going to fire, so she can get used to the recoil, and lose the flinch. Teach her the basics, breathing, trigger squeeze ect. Honestly I would recommend a 243, she can use it the rest of her life to take deer sized game. Look for a youth model that has a short length of pull. When or if she outgrows that, you can change the stock.
Re: hunting bullet weight .223
I loaded a 52 grain barnes triple shock (may have been a 53g)last season for a 13 year old hunter that went with us to Montana for mule deer. I chose that bullet because the rifle was a 12 twist. It performed fine with pass through. That includes the first shot the cut the spine and the follow up through the heart lungs.
Had I had a faster twist to work with I would have looked at the Sierra Game King 65 grain, a heavier Barnes or the 60gr Nosler Partition.
I loaded a 52 grain barnes triple shock (may have been a 53g)last season for a 13 year old hunter that went with us to Montana for mule deer. I chose that bullet because the rifle was a 12 twist. It performed fine with pass through. That includes the first shot the cut the spine and the follow up through the heart lungs.
Had I had a faster twist to work with I would have looked at the Sierra Game King 65 grain, a heavier Barnes or the 60gr Nosler Partition.
Re: hunting bullet weight .223
This is all good advise, but may I bring another point of view?
The first deer I ever shot (all those years ago) was a lil' doe at aroud 120ish yards, the equipment used was a Mini14 shooting 55Vmax bullets. A terrible combination one would think? After one shot she was done, her lung and liver turned to soup. I wouldn't do it again, but in a pinch it could do the job I guess. I also shot another deer with a .257 vmax from a 25-06, to my suprise it broke both shoulders and passed through. I only bring these cases up because "hunting" bullets arent the only option. If you have a 9 twist, you may be able to shoot 75 amaxs, that would be my choice. They have worked well on game for me and my group. You may try the 68-69's as well and find they will work great.
This is all good advise, but may I bring another point of view?
The first deer I ever shot (all those years ago) was a lil' doe at aroud 120ish yards, the equipment used was a Mini14 shooting 55Vmax bullets. A terrible combination one would think? After one shot she was done, her lung and liver turned to soup. I wouldn't do it again, but in a pinch it could do the job I guess. I also shot another deer with a .257 vmax from a 25-06, to my suprise it broke both shoulders and passed through. I only bring these cases up because "hunting" bullets arent the only option. If you have a 9 twist, you may be able to shoot 75 amaxs, that would be my choice. They have worked well on game for me and my group. You may try the 68-69's as well and find they will work great.
Re: hunting bullet weight .223
Check caliber restrictions in your state. In Colorado a .24 or greater caliber weapon is required for deer.
+1 on the 243
Check caliber restrictions in your state. In Colorado a .24 or greater caliber weapon is required for deer.
+1 on the 243
Re: hunting bullet weight .223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jackem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Check caliber restrictions in your state. In Colorado a .24 or greater caliber weapon is required for deer. </div></div>
+1 dont want any trouble.
Here is a 75 amax recovered from a doe shot at 330yds:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jackem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Check caliber restrictions in your state. In Colorado a .24 or greater caliber weapon is required for deer. </div></div>
+1 dont want any trouble.
Here is a 75 amax recovered from a doe shot at 330yds:
Re: hunting bullet weight .223
Thoughts, here are mine. I have 3 daughters and my youngest twins have been hunting small game since 10yo and their first big
game hunt was at 12. I built them a 7mm mauser shooting mild 120 grainer's over some H4895 they both harvested an antelope. So my point is not of one of legality, but you want to choose a caliber which will drop the deer in its tracks. A 243, or even a 260, 7mm-08 or 308 with reduced loads. Get her enough practice time and recoil will not be an issue.
What will be an issue is if she shoots a deer with a 223 and it goes limping away.
One of my twins was freaked when her animal dropped and twitched a little, I could see she was not comfortable. The other was not phased when she dropped hers.
So in short, you want this to be the best experience as possible as this first hunt can affect her outlook for future hunts.
Thoughts, here are mine. I have 3 daughters and my youngest twins have been hunting small game since 10yo and their first big
game hunt was at 12. I built them a 7mm mauser shooting mild 120 grainer's over some H4895 they both harvested an antelope. So my point is not of one of legality, but you want to choose a caliber which will drop the deer in its tracks. A 243, or even a 260, 7mm-08 or 308 with reduced loads. Get her enough practice time and recoil will not be an issue.
What will be an issue is if she shoots a deer with a 223 and it goes limping away.
One of my twins was freaked when her animal dropped and twitched a little, I could see she was not comfortable. The other was not phased when she dropped hers.
So in short, you want this to be the best experience as possible as this first hunt can affect her outlook for future hunts.
Re: hunting bullet weight .223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: roggom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What will be an issue is if she shoots a deer with a 223 and it goes limping away
</div></div>
The issue will be exactly the same if she shoots it with a .243,.260,7-08, ect. And it goes limping away.
For the most part roggom I agree with what you said. But I would rather a child be a good shot regardless of caliber, if said child is good with a .223 so be it.
On another note, there are those who feel children have no business hunting until they are old enough and big enough to do it alone. To avoid this kind of scenario.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: roggom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What will be an issue is if she shoots a deer with a 223 and it goes limping away
</div></div>
The issue will be exactly the same if she shoots it with a .243,.260,7-08, ect. And it goes limping away.
For the most part roggom I agree with what you said. But I would rather a child be a good shot regardless of caliber, if said child is good with a .223 so be it.
On another note, there are those who feel children have no business hunting until they are old enough and big enough to do it alone. To avoid this kind of scenario.
Re: hunting bullet weight .223
.22 cal centerfire is legal in Oregon for deer. Thanks for all the good advice and ideas. Most of what has been said I've already beat up. I just would rather have her hunt with her "fav" rifle. I have thought about picking up a .243 for her and my wife to shoot/hunt with, but as of thus far my AR has served both well plinking. I know HOWA has a decent youth .243 combo package for about $675 and it comes with a replacement adult stock. So what are your thoughts on the HOWA? The local Big-R here locally sells them.
.22 cal centerfire is legal in Oregon for deer. Thanks for all the good advice and ideas. Most of what has been said I've already beat up. I just would rather have her hunt with her "fav" rifle. I have thought about picking up a .243 for her and my wife to shoot/hunt with, but as of thus far my AR has served both well plinking. I know HOWA has a decent youth .243 combo package for about $675 and it comes with a replacement adult stock. So what are your thoughts on the HOWA? The local Big-R here locally sells them.
Re: hunting bullet weight .223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jwilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.22 cal centerfire is legal in Oregon for deer. Thanks for all the good advice and ideas. Most of what has been said I've already beat up. I just would rather have her hunt with her "fav" rifle. I have thought about picking up a .243 for her and my wife to shoot/hunt with, but as of thus far my AR has served both well plinking. I know HOWA has a decent youth .243 combo package for about $675 and it comes with a replacement adult stock. So what are your thoughts on the HOWA? The local Big-R here locally sells them.
</div></div>
That is absolutely a great rifle! I hunt with a Howa 1500 .270win mostly. Nice adjustable trigger. Sub MOA. Howa actually makes the Weatherby Vanguard. Very smooth action, and accurate rifle, what more could you ask for? (for the money)
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jwilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.22 cal centerfire is legal in Oregon for deer. Thanks for all the good advice and ideas. Most of what has been said I've already beat up. I just would rather have her hunt with her "fav" rifle. I have thought about picking up a .243 for her and my wife to shoot/hunt with, but as of thus far my AR has served both well plinking. I know HOWA has a decent youth .243 combo package for about $675 and it comes with a replacement adult stock. So what are your thoughts on the HOWA? The local Big-R here locally sells them.
</div></div>
That is absolutely a great rifle! I hunt with a Howa 1500 .270win mostly. Nice adjustable trigger. Sub MOA. Howa actually makes the Weatherby Vanguard. Very smooth action, and accurate rifle, what more could you ask for? (for the money)
Re: hunting bullet weight .223
The 1/9 twist will do just fine on the Sierra 65gn GameKings. Get a box and load them up with about 24-26gns of Varget and get in plenty of range time. Shoud run about 2700 out of a 16".
The 1/9 twist will do just fine on the Sierra 65gn GameKings. Get a box and load them up with about 24-26gns of Varget and get in plenty of range time. Shoud run about 2700 out of a 16".
Re: hunting bullet weight .223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Huckleberry75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 1/9 twist will do just fine on the Sierra 65gn GameKings. Get a box and load them up with about 24-26gns of Varget and get in plenty of range time. Shoud run about 2700 out of a 16". </div></div>
I'll load some up this weekend if I can find them in K.Falls, AKA Podunk.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Huckleberry75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 1/9 twist will do just fine on the Sierra 65gn GameKings. Get a box and load them up with about 24-26gns of Varget and get in plenty of range time. Shoud run about 2700 out of a 16". </div></div>
I'll load some up this weekend if I can find them in K.Falls, AKA Podunk.
Re: hunting bullet weight .223
77 SMK 1 shot in the Throat DRT. 1/9 twist is fine for 77smks if pushed. Use Reloader -15 start at 24.0 grains work up from there.
77 SMK 1 shot in the Throat DRT. 1/9 twist is fine for 77smks if pushed. Use Reloader -15 start at 24.0 grains work up from there.
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