[kryptar19]

Ok so I'm pushing the limit a little bit. I want to make my own .223 load that can kill a deer out to 350 yards. I know its a long shot on deer foor such a small bullet, but I think it can be done.

I'm thinking that a fast moving 68-75 grain balistic tip can do the trick. I've been looking at Hornady V-max and Superformance.

What bullets and powder do you guys think will fit the bill?

[winds-of-change]

I don't hunt at all and know nothing about hunting but isn't a 350 yard shot a loooong one for any hunter?

[robocop10mm]

How big are the deer? A .223 with a heavier bullet may be adequate for the smaller Texas deer, but I would not even consider it for the big mid west deer. Even then neck shots are advisable.

[kryptar19]

I hunt in Arkansas, the deer here are not real big. A giant will be like 200lbs.

[kryptar19]

Originally Posted by winds-of-change

I don't hunt at all and know nothing about hunting but isn't a 350 yard shot a loooong one for any hunter?

It is a long shot, but I've killed 'em at that distance before.

[robocop10mm]

I would consider .223 "adequate" for deer in that size range. Certainly not optimal, but adequate. Neck shots only.

[kryptar19]

Originally Posted by robocop10mm

I would consider .223 "adequate" for deer in that size range. Certainly not optimal, but adequate. Neck shots only.

We shoot deer with our .223's in the heart out to like 150-200yds and they never go far. Maybe they will run 50yds.

I'm wanting to make a custom load that has the power to kill 'em behind the shoulder at 350yds.

Should I have put this in the hunting forum??

[bowguy]

At the range you're interested in I feel the .223 is not an adequate caliber. Part of the requirement, accuracy is not the issue. Bullet energy is where the rub comes in. For a bullet to have proper controlled expansion the .223 is not IMO the caliber for the job. Look up the foot pouinds of energy at this range (compare bullet weights) then inquire what is the necessary enegery for proper "controlled" expansion. Shooting prairie dog or other small game/varmints at this range is all together different. It's all about bullet performance.

[kryptar19]

Originally Posted by bowguy

At the range you're interested in I feel the .223 is not an adequate caliber. Part of the requirement, accuracy is not the issue. Bullet energy is where the rub comes in. For a bullet to have proper controlled expansion the .223 is not IMO the caliber for the job. Look up the foot pouinds of energy at this range (compare bullet weights) then inquire what is the necessary enegery for proper "controlled" expansion. Shooting prairie dog or other small game/varmints at this range is all together different. It's all about bullet performance.

That's why I'm loading my own round. I'm looking at using thr Hornady V-max, it is made to get good expansion in low velocity situations, and I'm going to load it with slow-burning powder.

I'm just wondering if there are better bullets for the job, and what powder people suggest.

[Txhillbilly]

The VMax is strictly a varmint bullet.On larger animals such as deer,they just explode on impact and only cause an outer flesh wound.
I load up my hunting loads with 65gr Sierra Game Kings,and also use 70gr Speer Soft Points.These are the heaviest .224 hunting bullets that are available.

I would limit the effective range of them to 150-200 yds on deer sized game,but they will put them down quick with good shot placement.

Varget,H335,and BL-C(2) give very good results with either bullet.