Has anybody actually used Winchester's .223 64 gr super-x power-point ammuntion for deer hunting?

Question

How well did the bullet perform, and at what range was the shot made?

Answer 1

My Ruger model 77 .223 has killed 29 white tail deer so far at ranges up to 220 yards, mostly with my reloads using a Nosler 60 grain bullet that is similar to the 64 grain you asked about. The bullet design is a good one for deer. It does not explode like some .223s do, and penetrates well, and mushrooms like a larger caliber bullet.. Most of the deer I shot with that rifle fell on the spot and did not get back up, even with lung shots. On deer less than 200 pounds the shock produced by the velocity of the .223 makes up for the light weight of the bullets. Just be careful when you shoot and only take shots you are sure of.
No matter what caliber you use shot placement is the key. Hit a deer in the leg with a .300 Winchester Magnum and the deer will limp away. Hit it in the head with a .22 and it falls down dead.

Answer 2

Winchester Varmint X 223

Answer 3

Note the rate of twist matters a lot with the 22 cal center fires.

A rifle set up for varmint hunting may shoot a 45 grain and up to a 55 grain and cut one nice hole a 100 yards, but the same rifle trying to shooting 60 to 80 grain cant hit the target 3 out of 5 shots because, the rate of twist utilized in the weapon cant stabilize the bullet and the bullet tumbles in flight.
True example= My Ruger M77 Mk II loves 45 to 55 grain, it is set up for varmint hunting.
If I were to take it to the woods for deer I would use 55 grain Sierra Game King BTHP.
Where as my Ruger MINI 14 is just the reverse, given the heavy weight bullets and it will impress you what it can do, the 55 grain is ok, the 52 to 45 it don’t like them.
On the MINI 14 it does depend in which one you have, when Ruger first started manufacturing the MINI 14 they accommodated the varmint hunter BUT when military surplus ammo hit the market Ruger did a design change they changed only the rate of twist to accommodate the heaver 61grain and heaver bullets.
So it really depends on what rate of twist your shooting with.

Answer 4

That is a little light.

.223 is a good round for coyotes but a little light for deer.

I think it is less about the point and more about where you hit the deer when you are using something that light.

But, I guess I should not talk, because I shot an elk with a .243. Hit him perfect every shot but still shot him 4 times. I am sure the first one would have killed him, but he just stood there so I went ahead and shot him again. Then again. Then again. And he dropped after the fouth shot. Every shot was perfect but at 150 yards they better have been. (SMILE)

Answer 5

Bound's hubby here:

The .223 is a varmint round, not a deer round. In most states that allow rifle hunting the .223 is not permitted on deer. You have too great a chance of wounding the deer then losing it. Do not even attempt to use the .223 on deer.

Good luck.

Answer 6

I would imagine that .223 could stop a deer with a spine shot, but why would you want to risk it? You would be much better off with a 25-06, .270, .243, something with a little more power and a little more bullet weight. With a larger caliber you also are not relying on spine shots to take down a deer.

Answer 7

It works really well, with well placed shots. Neck shots they drop on spot. If you shoot anywhere else, plan on tracking it. The bullet is too small to drop it if shot in the shoulder. ot saying it cant happen, but im sure 9 out of 10 shots, you will have to track it. Neck and head shots are the best.

Assumeing you are talking about whitetails.

Answer 8

You can but you are still better off with a more powerful round. I have hunted with the 223 but not deer.

Answer 9

I wouldn't use a .223 for deer hunting, there is a BIG chance it would only wound the animal.

Answer 10

Winchester 223