Just got back from deer hunting (warning - dead deer pics)

[jmoore]

I must also state that I don't consider the .223" Remington an "end all-be all" big game hunting cartridge. Would not consider it for game much over 300-400lbs, past 200-250 yards (although it worked fine for me the one time it happened that far), or if the user can't place their shots w/ certainty in the chest cavity, somewhere.

Bullet construction is also of great consideration. Most factory loads aren't designed for big game, but there's a few such as the W-W 64gr power point and probably the Hornady TAP 62gr Barrier round.

I started deer hunting w/ a hand loaded 60gr Partition bullet. That worked fine, never did recover a bullet. The 55gr Gamekings came next, and they are so good that until the deer posted above, that's all I've used.

If you are going to use a 16" barreled rifle, I'm going to speculate on the one example and consider the round to have roughly the same affect on deer as you would find using a traditional 30-30, 35 Remington, or similar round. (Minus some ability on rather larger beasties.) about the same effective hunting range as well~ 150yds max.

Advantages:
1.(Using the 20" bbl 55gr bullet)-Generally far faster incapacitation at close range- often instantly! I mean RIGHT NOW! No deer to track when this happens.
2.Lighter weapon (if done properly)esp. when scoped up.
3.Lower sound levels- This is one of the few deer combos that don't deafen me for any length of time, no ringing, kinda tolerable.
4.Good controls on the AR platform- cold weather friendly- no fumbling. Easy unloading as well.
5.That tiny cartridge seems to keep me more focused on ensuring there is no intervening foliage that might deflect the round. It'll happen w/ ANY round, but I really do work just a little harder to make a clean shot with the .223. Purely psychological, but that's fine.


Disadvantages:
1. Probably not sufficient for elk or moose unless you are really an expert close in stalker w/ nerves of steel. And still not the best choice!
2. Not a long range big game round!
3. Scant availabilty of good big game factory ammo, but this situation seems to be getting less severe.
4. Some folk made consider you some kind of bullet spraying slob hunter w/ an evil assault rifle. Whatever. I've only had to fire twice on one occasion (and not quickly); that was MY fault!




So, used w/in its limitations, its super!

Information

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[villiers]

How about one more pic of the animal dressed and on the table? Please invite Gunner and me and we´ll bring the wine.

[jmoore]

How about one more pic of the animal dressed and on the table? Please invite Gunner and me and we´ll bring the wine.

That was last year (old thread this is). But do have some photos of this year's spread. Haven't had the chance to upload 'em. Gunner's always welcome to partake. Had hoped to "give" him a Christmas day deer, but they were scarce. Fixin' to head out again in a just a little bit. (However, the rifle of the week isn't a milsurp, or even a military caliber- 25-06. It also could be considered jinxed, as it has yet to fire a round in the field after 8 or so years, but I'm not particularly superstitious. Maybe, though, I'll try the "armageddon" Knight's tomorrow.)

[vintage hunter]

Good to know I'm not the only one who owns jinxed guns.

[jmoore]

The rifle (for vintage hunter's viewing pleasure):



Christmas Eve food related photos:


The smoker. There were deer not 20m from it a few hours earlier, and it had already been cooking all night.


Deer ham


Deer ribs- not my best effort, but managed to save some that were tasty. Last year's were better.


Here y'all go-Smoked meats in the foreground: Deer ham on the left, turkey center, pork on right. More goodies behind. Feeds 30+.

A late Merry Christmas to you, Patrick (villiers) and Ulrich (gunner)! And the same to the rest of the crew!

[villiers]

Jesus wept! And I´m sitting here starving, trying to lose weight.

[gunner]

Thanks jmoore! But won´t you think that it would have been better to invite villiers and me to this...drool.. good ...drooool.. buffet? Patrick can your aircraft make the way over the pond? I´m hungry... jmoore was the apple on the deer ham a alibi for the veggies?

---------- Post added at 09:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:04 PM ----------

How about one more pic of the animal dressed and on the table? Please invite Gunner and me and we´ll bring the wine.

Great idea Patrick! And i´ll bring a extra bottle of a good Williams Birnen Schnaps ( extra fine booze!)

[villiers]

Attachment 29316Wot? In an L4 Piper Cub?

[gunner]

Attachment 29316Wot? In an L4 Piper Cub?

Patrick, we can take some jerry cans with fuel with us and if we make the way over the Azore´s i give us a fair 50/50 chance to reach the other side!

---------- Post added at 11:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:12 AM ----------

jmoore please explain a" little" to me...for the efforts it isn´t enough to get a diet meal! OK, Patrick may be satisfied but i´m....

[jmoore]

There's a little left...