R&R | 223/5.56 For Deer Hunting

Published on November 13, 2023
Duration: 11:36

This video discusses the suitability of 223/5.56 caliber for deer hunting, emphasizing that while capable, it's not ideal due to potential lack of blood trail and the need for specific bullet types like 60-grain partitions. The speaker highlights the AR-15 platform's suitability for new hunters, recommending alternatives like 300 Blackout or 6.5 Grendel for better performance and ethical harvesting, especially in thick terrain.

Quick Summary

While 223/5.56 can be capable of taking deer, it's generally not considered ideal due to potential issues with blood trails and the need for specialized bullets. For better performance and ethical harvests, especially in thick terrain, calibers like 300 Blackout or 6.5 Grendel are recommended for AR-15 hunting platforms.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Reloading 30 Super Carry
  2. 01:15Reloading Challenges with 30 Super Carry
  3. 02:43223/5.56 for Deer Hunting Discussion
  4. 03:18Ideal 223/5.56 Bullet Types for Hunting
  5. 03:37Blood Trail Issues in Thick Terrain
  6. 04:14Personal Experience with 223/5.56 Deer Kills
  7. 04:44Effective Range Limitations for 223/5.56
  8. 05:18Allure of 223/5.56 and AR-15 Platform for Hunting
  9. 06:04Daughter's Hunting Setup: AR-15 in 300 Blackout
  10. 06:366.5 Grendel as an AR-15 Hunting Option
  11. 06:49Recoil Considerations: 223 vs. 300 BLK vs. 6.5 Grendel
  12. 07:10Heavier Calibers for Deer Hunting
  13. 07:40Bullet Failure with Standard 223/5.56 Hunting Rounds
  14. 08:05When to Use 223/5.56: Know Your Limitations
  15. 08:38Critical Shot Placement for 223/5.56 Deer Hunting
  16. 09:28Recommendations for New AR Hunting Rifles
  17. 09:40300 Blackout vs. 5.56 Ballistics Comparison
  18. 10:18Continuing Reloading & Viewer Feedback
  19. 10:44Legality of 223/5.56 for Deer Hunting
  20. 10:56Outro & Sponsor Mentions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 223/5.56 caliber suitable for deer hunting?

While 223/5.56 can be capable of taking deer, it's generally not considered ideal. The primary concerns are the potential for inadequate blood trails, especially in thick terrain, and the critical need to use specialized hunting bullets like 60-grain partitions to ensure sufficient terminal performance and an exit wound.

What are better caliber alternatives to 223/5.56 for deer hunting in an AR-15 platform?

For those seeking lower recoil and better hunting performance in an AR-15, calibers like 300 Blackout and 6.5 Grendel are highly recommended. These offer more energy, heavier bullets, and a greater likelihood of ethical harvests with good blood trails compared to 223/5.56.

What are the main drawbacks of using 223/5.56 for deer hunting?

The main drawbacks include a lack of a significant blood trail, which makes tracking difficult in brushy areas. Standard 55-grain bullets often fail to exit, leading to small entry wounds and potentially lost animals. Effective range and precise shot placement are also critical limitations.

What bullet type is recommended for 223/5.56 if used for deer hunting?

If you must use 223/5.56 for deer hunting, a 60-grain partition bullet is suggested as one of the better options. This type of bullet is designed for better penetration and expansion, increasing the chances of an ethical kill and a recoverable blood trail.

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