.223 ENOUGH FOR DEER?! 223 Remington Hornady American Whitetail 60gr Ammo Test

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In this video we’re going to do a ballistics gel test and review of the following hunting ammunition fired from the following test rifle:
- 223 Remington Hornady American Whitetail 60 grain Soft Point
- CZ 527 Carbine chambered in 223 Remington with an 18.5 inch barrel
All shots are fired from a distance of 100 yards to encompass the majority of common real world hunting scenarios.
I will be shooting into 10% ballistics gel from www.clearballistics.com that has been calibrated to meet the FBI ballistics testing protocol.
While ballistics gel isn’t an exact proxy for big game, small game, predators or defensive situations, it does provide a repeatable medium through which to test various bullets and ammunitions against each other.
With each type of ammo tested I collect data on bullet penetration depth, bullet weight retention, bullet expansion and muzzle velocity.
For reference, bullet expansion is measured at the widest expanded point using a calibrated Frankford Arsenal Digital Caliper.
Bullet weight is measured using a calibrated Frankford Arsenal Digital Scale after having removed as much ballistics gel as possible from the expanded bullets.
Bullet velocity is measured using a ProChronoPal chronograph set approximately 7’ from the shooting bench.
I am fully aware that a chronograph measuring bullet velocity from 7’ away from the muzzle is going to register a slower velocity than if velocity were measured directly at the muzzle, but that difference is going to be so small as to be all but irrelevant in regards to comparison of actual measured velocity versus factory stated velocity.
My goal with these ballistics gel tests is to provide hunters like you and I with the most objective information possible to help us make the best choice for our particular hunting situation.
The results of these tests are my own and I cannot guarantee the same or similar performance on your part. The views and opinions expressed in this video are solely my own.
All videos are filmed in a safe and controlled environment on a private range with all applicable safety precautions by a trained professional.

[@Ope-Outdoors]

Finally, 223 deer hunting ammo tested!

[@greybone777]

It's a varmint round. Not a deer hunting round 😮

[@MR.Gunworks]

@@greybone777it kills deer very well it's not a Varmint round it's more of a universal round hog, deer, black bear, ground hogs there all on the menu with 223/556 with the right ammo and shot placement

[@tonkatank045]

He's done a few different 223 deer load reviews, they mostly perform excellent. 223 has 2x the muzzle energy of a 357 mag which is a known deer killer. Anyone who says 223 can't kill deer doesn't know much on the topic.

[@jayheslin803]

​@@greybone777I assume you have no experience or you would know better.

[@Ghillie-bp6tl]

Definitely looking forward to monolithic copper loadings.

[@jimtumlinson4658]

IT'S NOT THE SIZE OF THE PACKAGE THAT COUNTS, IT'S THE ADDRESS YOU MAIL IT TO.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

That CZ527 is a beautiful rifle.

[@nicks2581]

If you get the Ruger American Ranch it is dirt cheap, but highly functional.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

@@nicks2581 I actually just picked up a RAR in 7.62x39. It will clover leaf 3 rounds of Wolf at 100 yards. It’s pretty impressive.

[@user-vv8oj6vl8w]

Test the federal fusions next!

[@556Cross]

Speer gold dots are the same and cheaper

[@kbowen2251]

Glad to see you reviewing these. My brother wants to hunt with his 223 so I'll be sending all these videos to him so he knows what ammo to get!

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service!

[@jaredw289]

Used the 62 grn speer gold dot (5.56) out of a 16in AR. Hit deer (142 lb buck) at 65-70 yards. Clipped heart and shredded lungs. Bullet made it through both sides. Deer dropped after a 15 yard jump and wobble flop.

[@kingy300wby]

I just put a short video up the other day of a fallow doe my wife shot with her new 223 we were using hand loaded 53gr vmax the shot was 217yds just behind the shoulder and made an absolute mess of it!! Was not expecting it to make a pass threw but it did and took a chunk of both lungs and a chunk of heart with it!! If you can find the video check it out you will be shocked by the damage, cheers

[@markoeberhardt3132]

I’ve heard a handful of people say they use that. Checked the video definitely made a mess. What do you think the impact velocity was?

[@kingy300wby]

@@markoeberhardt3132 Hey mate the impact velocity was 2300fps and the energy was 624ftlb she ran 10yds and fell over

[@user-eg8hb8xt3j]

The interlocks do very well for a cup and core bullet.

[@user-nx8yu9xy8d]

My browning x bolt 18’ 223 shooting 75 grain has dropped mule deer black tail and whitetail…i don’t get excited and always hit the sweet spot….shot placement and they go down..so fun to watch through the scope with no recoil

[@GunFunZS]

Thanks for the video looking forward to the rest of the series. This looks about right for defensive purposes but I agree with your assessment.

[@sayimsgt4953]

Looking forward to this series. Here in coastal NC the deer are small. Thanks

[@leocisgar]

Just yesterday I was looking in your channel for a .223 caliber test, thanks

[@arthurshingler2025]

Great performance! I wish I could find those bullets for handloading!

[@baron1c]

They just this year legalized .223 (was .243) as legal for hunting in my state. Im not convinced myself but may consider it for youth pending your tests. Thanks so much 😊

[@ryanehlis426]

Inside 200 yards it should be very effective

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

Your State is?

[@tonkatank045]

What state? Deer are generally bigger in most northern states/Midwest states.

[@baron1c]

@@tonkatank045 upstate NY. We have some fairly big bodied deer.

[@a.joegevara3519]

I'd like it if they bumped up the bullet weights a little bit. A comparison to; Barnes Vortex, Winchester Deer season or Ranger, Hornady TAP, Remington hypersonic bonded, or Fed Fusion would be awesome!

[@user-qi5mn5xt9d]

I'm shooting the Federal premium 55grain Barnes tsx..id love to see you test that out

[@bradbo3]

Ive used it twice on whitetail.....once was a perfect shot...but the deer was able to make it to neighboring property and I couldnt recover her. Second one dropped like a rock.... the first was 60 something grain....second was 77 grain.

[@Mike-zw7fq]

Im Glad that people like you and Ron Spomer have the guts to say .223 and hunting in the same sentence. I have taken dozens of Montana Whitetails, Mule deer and Antelope with the .223 Cartridge. It is Outstanding on those animals mentioned out to about 400 yards. I used mostly Ultramax with 55 grain Speer Soft Points. I have Never lost an animal using .223. Mostly drops them in thier Tracks. Occasionally they might run as much as 50 feet. Lights out! Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.

[@bekkerbosbeer3453]

Hi Mason would be great to see the same 223 rem or any other ammo you are testing with 24 inch barrels to see if it comes close to box information

[@mot0rhe4d40]

The 223/556 loads that seem to fare best in the hunting application. Are the all copper pills. That uncanny good penetration really shines in the small bore 223 against medium size game

[@Winchester360]

He does an excellent job of testing the rounds, the only issue I have is he’s hitting gel at 100 yards and maybe 50 yards max I could see but there’s gonna be a decent loss of power in a round at a hundred yards. I wish he would do something like 50 yards but everything else about his testing I really like.

[@justfly60482]

Nice job.

[@terryrichards8645]

Would love to see more .223 dear ammo testing!😊

[@greybone777]

It's deer ,dear 🦌

[@pine0981]

Heck with the ammo. I want the rifle!

[@danielcurtis1434]

Respectable velocity!!! Most .223 uses a 24” barrel. So if your using a 16” you get like 2800 FPS losing 8” of barrel length.

[@rockie307]

Barnes tsx is pretty good and probably the best choice for something this small. Most lead core bullets don't penetrate good and leave no blood trail.

[@TriggaTrey361]

Gold dot 75g does the trick for me

[@jacobzombek9083]

Good video. Plan on doing any 35 remington ammo?

[@rynerenzaglia8006]

Awesome

[@mot0rhe4d40]

Looks like this got press ganged into the "Deer" hunting ammo line. When it was perfectly at home in the home defense line up. And the results speak to that

[@foodwrappuh]

I’d like to see you test the Federal premium load with the 55gr Barnes TSX

[@masonleather]

Coming soon

[@keithreese9636]

Federal loads 223 using a 60gr nosler partition, they shoot really accurate in my rem700. Love to see how they do. Thanks a lot for your reviews!

[@jeremys8360]

Federal fusion should pass these tests. Hornady match 68 and 75 grain BTHP should surprise you too

[@anthonypearce5987]

It would awesome if you could test 308 ammo soon, there’s not that many gel test out there.

[@mr.mr.3301]

Cool. I want you to do Grendel so bad

[@patrickwentz8413]

I have a CZ 527 in .223. Got a deer with it. I wish I would have gotten the other calibers of the same rifle. Not sure why they stoped making them.

[@johnnorman7708]

This bullet and load are pretty basic for .223, only being 5 grains heavier and only a tiny bit tougher than the standard 55 grain bullet with cannelure. I have loaded this one and it groups nicely from 1:14 twist barrels. Have not shot anything except paper so far. Brian Pearce tested this bullet from .223 and ..22-250 and recommended it for deer with caution. He said good for broadside lung shots and avoid shoulders if possible. Given that deer in many places are pretty light weight and not all that thick, it should deliver on the more economical end for purpose label hunting ammo.

[@jonathankenton7182]

Short range. Good shot placement. Yes, it will quickly dispatch a southern whitetail. Know it’s limits and yours.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Good test. Good to see some test & results for 223 on deer. I have had my younger children use AR15s in 5.56/223 when they were smaller & younger to introduce them to deer Hunting. I am not a big fan of it but I have done it. I have used 55gr. Gold Dot, 60g, Partition(handloads), 62g Barnes TSX, 69 SMK(handloads) The overall best performer IMO was the Partition. It had good wound damage and substantial blood trail. Mature doe only ran 50ish yards and piled up. Looking forward to other videos. Good job.

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service!

[@lloydshultz9645]

It works just fine.. I personally use a 22-250 and love it.. I use 55gn Hornady soft points. Any chance you'll be testing any 22-250 soon ?

[@ryanehlis426]

Swift loads a 75 gr hunting load, that be a good one to test

[@jacobmullins3644]

I got 64gr winchester deer season xp in 223

[@kevincostello7958]

Do 270 Berger hybrid hunter Or do 270 American whitetail please I need to how one of them do

[@genekelley7579]

🛑🛑 From what I can see, you like those Carbines. 😂👍💯

[@r.Prime3134]

I’d like to see something with the Barnes tts tested in .223.

[@masonleather]

That video drops today

[@michaelkitson139]

I’ve enjoyed watching your videos. Might I suggest that you get a tape measure and measure your barrel on that CZ. Every video has you says you don’t recall. Measure it.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I'm seeing where 77gr tmk's are super popular for big game with a 223

[@johnblackbird7523]

Definitely

[@tonkatank045]

I use 64 grain soft points Power points

[@ryanehlis426]

223 or any centerfire.22 rifle is legal in ND, so even a 22 hornet is legal there.

[@garrettschienschang7898]

This would not be my first option as penetration is quite lacking. In truth, I would probably prefer an FMJ over something like this. However, it would work and I would choose this over most modern semi automatic handgun rounds.

[@edwardabrams4972]

Fmj are illegal in most states to hunt with😳

[@Wildwestwrangler]

They have it in stock at academy locally

[@jehu5813]

Pleeeaaaase do hornady black 75 grain bthp .223!!!

[@andrewprice1774]

Federal fusion bonded 62gr ammo is hell on deer at 50 to 75yds in my experience.. 7 average mid georgia does with behind the shoulder and shoulder shots all except 1 was pass throughs and all dead rght on the spot!!! Picture perfect mushroom on the 1 recovered bullet!!

[@davidlynch3077]

Just dropped a 4x4 whitetail buck in the Blackhills , SD last month with the Fusion 62 gr. I don’t get all the internet discussion on deer cartridges ?

[@nicks2581]

Can you test out the 55gr PMC soft point? I have a Ruger American Ranch in 5.56 that is begging for a deer and I am curious as this is the cheapest soft point hunting ammo available. Thanks!

[@williamgaines9784]

If state law allows it, using expanding bullets, and ranges are kept reasonable,

[@TheGunNerd]

Barnes 70 gr tsx 556 from an ar15 when?

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

Mine is a 26 inch barrel

[@PassivePortfolios]

It's legal in Florida. Might be good for someone who can't handle recoil.

[@Simon-talks]

I'm a Gen Z and I can't really handle recoil that well(or anything else very challenging for that matter)

[@jacobmullins3644]

It's legal here in Wisconsin as well

[@PassivePortfolios]

@@Simon-talks Good one !

[@tbjtbj4786]

I think the 350 legend would be a better low recoil choice especially for fl. Thick swamps and gators in those swamps and not much of a blood trail. The 350L according to a recoil calculator produces around 7 ft lbs of recoil. My nephew started shooting his at 6. And just because its leagle doesn't mean its adequate. Remember in fl any center fire is leagle so that meNs a 25acp is leagle. And our game department has approved the 30 cal for muzzleloader. When I ask why the reason was well we decided the 0.30 was fine with air rifles so it should be fine for the ml. They didn't know or think about the air rifle used a pellet or real bullet type ammo and that most .36 and under ml use round balls and small powder charges putting it in 380 class of power. Leagle or not 380 acp not a deer round.

[@PassivePortfolios]

@@tbjtbj4786 350 Legend recoil - 8.5 ft. pounds, 223 - 4 ft pounds of recoil.

[@charliebelle6693]

IMO no, Chased several around that a friend shot in the chest that were never recovered. He carries a .270 now without any issues. If you catch the spine or head you'll recover them but don't expect an easy recovery on one lung or liver.

[@mrmatt7210]

Just because you can, dont mean you should.

[@rikertvonfulton16]

Broadside shots. Avoiding the shoulder. It should be little meat damage and may not even get an exit wound. I would trust it.

[@badgerbusiness9059]

I saw a video on here of a guy taking a deer with a blowgun...but I digress.

[@bradh8391]

My question is more about 223 in general, why? I know it can be done, but if recoil is an issue why not a 243 or 30-30? If you are tight on money and only have an AR-15 I understand that. But otherwise why? Maybe just to see if you can? Not really criticizing anyone here, I just don't get it!

[@TerryLee04950]

After having triple bypass, I decided to use my AR15 with Barnes 70 grain all copper. I do have several other rifles, but wanted to stay away from heavy rifles while I heel. Now I’m hooked on using the AR as a hunting rifle. I have updated to 300Blackout and 450 bushmaster upper. Also have picked up an AR10 in 308. Darn those things are habit forming. 😮

[@tripplebeards3427]

Curious on how 60 grain vmax would do

[@brianklamer3328]

V max bullet is too fragile construction, explodes without sufficient penetration.

[@tripplebeards3427]

@@brianklamer3328 I agree but the vmax in 60's hold up alot better. I get 50 cent to silver dollar size exits on coyotes loaded at 2850 fps. Plenty of guys over on predator masters forum have shot deer with them and say they work fine. Wonder how the 60 grain Noslers with a solid base would do as well? Not a fan of deer hunting with a 223/5.56 but I'm sure it would do just fine with the correct bullet choice and keeping shots close to dump energy. I'd rather see someone step up to a 243 or 35 rem. Both only have about 13 pounds of recoil and drop deer like thors hammer. I can tell you that from personal experience. I'd stay away from anything smaller than the 243.

[@brianklamer3328]

@@tripplebeards3427 Indiana has minimum .243 caliber cross section for deer on private property, but Kentucky allows .223 Have talked to men that use the Partition .223 bullet and they say OK on a clean broadside shot less than 100 yards. But I wouldn't use it!

[@jimmyjohnns5604]

If I'm not mistaken the Hornady American Whitetail .223 is an exclusive to Academy Sports + Outdoors.

[@masonleather]

Very possible, that’s where I got it

[@Simon-talks]

Hey Mason! I wanna hunt with my .223 Remington!

[@paulmoss7940]

I was just like # 223. lol

[@TranquilFire]

Different schools of thought. You may find when using bullets like this that lose weight; they kill differently. The bullet will transfer its energy quickly and create small secondary projectiles (fragments) these go on to produce tissue damage and can assist when shot placement is less than ideal. Don't get hung up on weight retention, this type of bullet will often be a fast killer of game.

[@diggernash1]

62 grain gold dots are good deer medicine

[@A_Brit]

For hunting this is a no from me, for personal protection it would be great.

[@lawerncemiller6557]

Too lite of a bullet for deer 75 grain speer gold dot great expansion an weight retention

[@DavidDeshane-ic4cg]

Way too small for big whitetails. Might work on smaller southern deer but I wouldn't trust it.

[@arthurshingler2025]

I like the results of this test. Expansion and 15" penatration, at that velocity really isnt that bad at all. Id still keep my shots to around 50 yards, though for deer.

[@aronkoppold3981]

Good coyote loads but not for deer 243 is the minimum for deer

[@tbjtbj4786]

With the interlock maybe. Yes the 223 will work is it the best no. From what I have seen if you're hunting in the open its really not that bad. But if you are in the thick or near it no its not good. I have used Barnes x other supposed big game bullets in it. In fl near the swamps it sucks no blood trail. I used one a bit when I had shoulder surgery. I just stoped until I could go back to using my 6mm. I know it was not leagle in some states back in the 80's and 90's. I think some of them have changed to let the 223 be leagle. But I don't really trust the game department. Because the 25acp is a leagle deer round in fl. And now 0.30 cal muzzleloader are to.

[@tomhenry897]

No

[@bigjon576]

You do not know what your talking about

[@mtower235]

lol been hunting deer and hogs for decades now with it. Why is this even a conversation

[@stanleysanders9099]

If it's legal in your state go for it