Originally Posted by
OFFSHORE
The .223 Rem is a very underestimated round for sure. I have eradicated/killed a recorded 500+ nuisance wild hogs for my job. They have ranged in size form footballs to 55 gallon barrels with legs, at distances from point blank in traps to 235 yds. (being my furthest) in open pastures. Neck shots being my favorite, but I have made shots from all angles. I have two rifles I use, a custom Rem 700 and when I'm out of the public's eye, a custom Bushy AR-15 (seems like these days folks are spooky when they see "The Black Rifle"!). In the 700 I load 75gr. Scircco II long in the lands on top of 24.7gr. Varget. The AR-15 gets the Sierra 65gr. SBT #1395 on top of 24.3gr. R-10X. With either of these loads and proper shot placement there is no deer in the 200 yd.+/- range I would not hesitate to put a slug into. Recently I shot a good size boar (180/200 lb.) at 165 yds. slightly quartering away with the Scircco. . .the bullet entered about 10 inches behind the left shoulder and came to rest through the right shoulder bone in a big knot under the hide. The whole shoulder and femur bone was in multiple pieces! His front legs buckled under him and he bulldozed for about 10 feet then laid over kicking - DONE. Bullet still weighted 52.7grs. with a nasty mushroom! ! ! I have also shot many deer in strawberry and melon fields and orange groves at night as crop damage nuisance animals using these rounds with awesome success. With proper shot placement and a bullet of good construction, the .223 Rem is a solid performer on deer and hogs out to 250 yards in my book! You should see what I do with my "Neighborhood Rifle". . .22K Hornet 45gr. Barnes TSX on top of 13.7gr. Lil' Gun - WICKED! ! ! Happy Hunting!