Big Enough for Whitetail?

[@justinmochi7323]

Nowhere else can you get such a perfect blend of ballistics and beautiful story telling on such a consistent basis

[@easttexan2933]

@Justin Mochi I agree

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thank you kindly, Justin.

[@joshsmith3650]

@@RonSpomerOutdoorsyou remind me of my grandfather who is no longer with us. When I was too young to appreciate it, he would tell me this kind of data about the different calibers and I’m pretty sure he had forgotten much more than I will ever learn lol. I love the videos and brings back some great memories

[@richardstone5241]

For me it's not worth switching to an Ackley for 100 feet per second. I love the 22-250 with a 60 grain bullet also, the 25-06 with 100 grain, the 270 with 140 grain and the 30-06 with a 180 grain bullet. Everybody should have the .22lr, 12 gauge shotgun, 22-250 and one of the last three I mentioned 25, 270 or 30-06. If, I could only have ONE rifle I would choose the 22lr or 12 gauge shotgun (with 6shot, 8 shot and slugs).

[@georgeboros263]

Growing up in eastern Montana, my dad owned a 30-06, a 30-30 and a 22-250. He bought the 22-250 for coyotes. But then he had 5 sons. Needless to say, the 22-250 put down a lot of deer...both whitetails and muleys. I don't ever remember doubting it either.

[@johnsnyder5470]

I am an old man now, in my 70s after having hunted deer for over 50 years. I have shot deer with 338 Win Mag, various 300 magnums, 30-06, 7MM Remington Mag, 270 Weatherby Mag, 270 Winchester, 264 Winchester Mag, 25-06 Remington, 243 Winchester and lastly a 45 Colt through a Marlin 1894 rifle. I have failed to observe any consistent relationship between caliber/cartridge and effect on lethality. All will kill equably well given good shot placement. Understand, I have never shot at any game in excess of 250 yards and do not regret that self imposed limitation. I wish I could say I have never lost a wounded deer but that would be untrue. I can say the loss had nothing to do with cartridge. I have just recently decided that if I continue to hunt deer, it will be with a 223 Remington as I am convinced it will be as lethal as any other cartridge given proper bullet selection and shot placement. We must remember that thousands of deer are killed with arrows every year.

[@andyd2960]

My niece uses a .223 WSSM for deer and drops them dead. I'm a fan of bigger bullets, but the little ones do the job if you do yours.

[@scottsatterthwaite4073]

Well said!

[@michaelcleveland1714]

I used my ar with hornady american whitetail this year and got a doe and buck the doe dropped where she stood the buck took about 5 steps and was expired

[@Phuc_Socialist_You_Tube]

An Arrow is not the weanie weapon you seem to think it is. An Arrow weighs many more times than a bullet. It imparts shock as well as killing by hemorrhage. The shaft helps to hold the wound open to expedite bleeding. A broadhead, stuck in a deer continues to slice and chew at arteries and vital organs if the animal continues to move. The .223 was intended to be light weight ammo, that could be carried in greater quantity by soldiers. Because hollow points were outlawed by the Geneva Convention, The .223 bullet was designed, in conjunction with rate of twist, to be unstable and keyhole when it hit the target. This was referred to as the buzzsaw effect. It leaves a vicious wound. The problem is that the .223 can't be counted on to do that in every case. Meaning some hits will be seriously inadequate. Out of respect for the animal, Use enough gun. A good rule of thumb, .24 minumum bore.

[@twolak1972]

@@Phuc_Socialist_You_Tube couldnt agree more, 223 is so I adequate for deer only a complete imbecile would take one. Must really be a lot of pussies out there worried about their shoulders getting hurt from a man's gun.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

7mm08 has become my favorite caliber.

[@philliphill4763]

"Hunt honest & shoot straight" ... a great theme!!!

[@DanielBoone337]

It seems like the 22-250 is an underrated cartridge... I've shot a many of deer with it before I started handloading and I always shot the Barnes factory ammo with the 55gr TSX for deer and I never lost one with it. I also had a 22-250AI built and I've shot up to an 80gr ELD-M out to 1000 yards with phenomenal accuracy and I've shot a few deer with the 75gr Gold Dots and 62gr TTSX at about 150ish yards and they just folded up like they were hit by lightning. So I think you hit the nail on the head with this one as always and great video brother keepem coming!!!

[@cpprcrk1833]

Had a neighbor growing up who used a Anschutz 153 in .222 Rem and took his Deer every year . Said he never lost one , and only had to shoot two a second time . Granted our Southwest Virginia Bucks were no monsters , but bullet placement and being able to shoot your rifle accurately are the most important part of the game .

[@davidandre886]

Another classic from Ron. It also speaks volumes to that partition bullet! Definitely my favorite hunting channel!

[@michaelweymouth4015]

Mine too, I’d like Ron to start long range target gear

[@davidandre886]

Do you mean like reviewing precision rifle stuff? Like for target shooting etc?

[@jeffking6286]

Nothing beats the good ole .30/06.....

[@randalgaff6768]

If I was able to meet one person in the hunting community it would be Ron. Just love listening to him.

[@CJ-zx4zt]

harvested a bison this weekend. 243 between the horns 1 shot. its the bullet more than the caliber!! shot placement and bullet choice are always #1 thanks again for another great video

[@tylarhaugan7908]

22-250 22-250 ackley favorite loads are 75 swift sirrocco and 77 lrx from barnes works very well

[@bryanjaeck4828]

The best rifle for me to hunt white tails is a .243, I have shot more deer with .243 that the the .308, 30-06 rifles I also owned. I have shot tmen out to 350 yards successfully....Just my favorite rifle caliber....

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Good old 243 Win and 6mm Rem. are a couple of my favorites, too.

[@boogerdog5247]

You are the FIRST HUNTER/SHOOTER, since an Iowa rabbit and bird hunter told me in the 60's that you start behind, PULL THROUGH, and touch the trigger as the barrel passes running or flying game. I've practiced it myself, and have always had difficulty trying to detail the method to other shooters on some of these utube channels. But kudo's for mentioning an awesome procedure that few hunters know of. Awesome, just awesome! Hadn't heard it metioned by another man, since that early 60's moment, but, I never forgot it.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

That pull through system works beautifully for pass shooting birds, too, from doves to geese.

[@boogerdog5247]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors The man who introduced me as a 12 to 14 year old, was a venerable wing shooter, using a Grand American Winchester, and everything they hunted in Iowa, on the ground or in the air, was movin' out fast. I can't tell you, how your comment resonated with me, as you covered the topic so quickly, but comprehensively, it was like the flick of a deer's ear in deep south brush...but I caught it. So few are aware of the concept, let alone the practice, and you are the only person to speak of this method, since that day long ago in early 60's that I've heard it mentioned. Wish you'd devote a video to the topic and see how it generates interest. Both you and I are aware, it works. The success, lies in the barrels "tracking" as the swing synch's with the game...I'll not give away the "break timing" in hopes of your taking it from here. Stuff of pros...it's what you do, and why we are here. Again, kudo's Sir.

[@beavisbrowne3497]

Great video!!! Shot placement cures many ills...I went for prairie goats with an acquaintance equipped with a 300 rum and I a 22-250 with 55 partitions. Mine dropped so fast it disappeared from view. His 11 shots , the three hits on legs and a lucky head finisher. It's the rifleman not the cartridge..within reason

[@Steven_Bresky]

Ouch!! 11 shots, someone needs some more practice, gentle trigger squeeze and and no flinching

[@beavisbrowne3497]

@@Steven_Bresky yes on all accounts!

[@wesadrian6981]

11 shots on an antelope. Was there anything left?

[@beavisbrowne3497]

@@wesadrian6981 sorry 7 were misses

[@SixOFord]

11 shots, wow. I usually don't even carry that much ammo haha.

[@kenthiasoutdooradventures2294]

I had open heart surgery about five years ago, only 3 weeks before the Idaho deer opener. My surgeon said "absolutely no shooting of rifles or shotguns. The recoil will rip open you sutures". So, do you really think I skipped deer season that year? Hell no! I simply toted my light-recoiling 22-250. Shooting 55 grain Noslers, I shot a small buck at 150 yards and dropped him in his tracks.

[@jakemarley5783]

My state Is .24 cal. and over, so yes it will, but giving the warden my truck and guns isn't on the top of my list. So . 243 and 25-06 is popular around here for people who want to do both. Thanks for the common sense content and info Ron👍. And happy and efficient hunting.

[@thenauticalhunter7388]

What state?

[@jakemarley5783]

@@thenauticalhunter7388 NC

[@forward1165]

Absolutely! But only if you really know your gun/cartridge and your game. I’ve taken more white tails with my Savage 223 and 52 grain hollow points (because it really likes them) than every other cartridge I have combined mainly because it’s always with me. I keep my shots within 200 yards and always take a heart shot just behind the shoulder. They drop like a rock.

[@kurtstewart4638]

Ken I have a savage 223 as well is that a handload or factory load if factory what brand? Not sure I've ever seen a factory loaded 52 grain.

[@jctoth]

Great video. I probably would have taken the 243 in this situation but as you said… knowing what you have and how to use it is paramount. Thank you.

[@kingarthur9310]

I’m so excited! I got a Savage 110 Apex in 6.5 Cm, and it’ll be the first I’ve ever used with a lefty bolt! Thanks for the videos Ron!

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

Good luck finding 6.5 CM ammo, the real hunt begins there.

[@danielcurtis1434]

@@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill I’ve got one better!!! Try finding 209 (shotgun) primers for a .50 caliber in-line muzzleloader??? I call my local gun store every so often…do dice for 14 months…nothing!!! Online…nothing anywhere!!! I’ve gotten sick of looking…

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

@@danielcurtis1434 I know your pain. fortunately I ran into some 209s awhile back, some I'm good for a little while. If you do find them, they are ridiculously marked up with any primers. Your best luck might be online.

[@Mark-uq9km]

Good for you for finding the lefty bolt action. As a lefty myself I gravitate to lever action and Remington 7600 which I love. But, last week I found a left hand bolt also in Savage Apex, .350 Legend for hunting with my grandsons who live in Ohio. Reloading is quirky with the Legend so for now it's factory loads.

[@johncox2865]

I had an uncle who was a trapper in Canada before WW II. Lost a few toes there to frostbite. He told me that, during the Great Depression, poachers would spotlight deer (at night, of course) and tap them between the eyes with a .22 Short. Why? Game Wardens couldn’t hear the little thing. I was a kid, so I never quite got around to asking him if HE had ever done that. Bet he did, though 😀

[@InTheYear]

Got my first coyote while deer hunting in Upstate NY with a 130gr Barnes. Went so fast through him at 125 yards there was minimal damage pelt damage (both entry & exit) I know people who use 243 with varmint grenades and have no exit on larger yotes. Thanks for the content Ron! 👍

[@kalebbreshears5329]

Shot placement for the win! My first deer was taken with a 22-250 Rem in SW MO and I have been hunting deer here with 223 Rem ever since. My brother still loves his 22-250 for deer out to 300 yards.

[@brianhoxworth3881]

Back in the 1980s-90s. Missouri had .25 cal and above for whitetails. They have since changed it to any centerfire rifle cartridge , I believe..

[@donaldmartin4980]

@Jeremy Chapman And at the end of the day your shoulder has no pain and your eyes are not seeing double, lol. Anything bigger than .270 win is really overkill for deer size game.

[@Lure-Benson]

@@donaldmartin4980 Not true because hunting also is in many types of terrain . In the Pacific NW we have Hugh canyons to shoot over so a 7 mm Rem mag - 300 win mag and the 300 Wby mag are Highly popular. At times we have shot deer or Rosevelt Elk so far you could only see the horns by using High powered optics. I watch a Rosevelt Elk shot by a 7 mm Rem mag so far away I was using 10x optics to see the horns. The game animals are untouchable by short range deer guns 30-06 !

[@donaldmartin4980]

@@Lure-Benson Lol, I have engaged targets with .30-06 at over a thousand yards, it is hardly a short range cartridge. The average hunter hasn’t got the tools ( military type scope with a mil dot reticle and repeatable accurate adjustments) couldn’t dope wind and bullet drift and drop , let alone shot angle adjustments . They simply don’t have a clue and shouldn’t be engaging living animals beyond 300 yards.

[@Lure-Benson]

@@donaldmartin4980 WOW ! was that fun spouting allot of hot air BS ! Here in the Pacific NW we have Hugh canyons and often even when I used my 30-30 I like to shoot at rocks across the canyons to see if I could hit then as more often I could so it prove nothing of your spouting off BS

[@scrider5493]

Loved the Hunting Story, thanks.

[@PostalBound]

Great story Ron. I believe in the ballistic research as well. While I'm not a fan of 22 cal for deer hunting, I have done my fair share of nuisance tags for does using an old Model 70 Varmiter in 225 Winchester. Using 53 gr x bullet around 3350 fps. Within 200 yards, I have to admit, it knocks them down and out. Keep in mind I'm on sandbags inside box blind. Typical shot straight up the leg, lower 1/3 chest cavity generally dropped them in their tracks. All the meat was either used by my family or donated to others. Point is, many combinations will work. It is up to the hunter to know his equipment and load limitations. The animals deserve nothing less than our best effort to harvest cleanly and humanely.

[@vlast8107]

I love listening to Ron talk. I just started getting into guns for hunting and I've learned a lot from him. Still haven't chosen a rifle yet, but at least I can make a well informed decision.

[@NuManXplore]

Love these hunting stories!! Great bullet tips as well. A lot of people here use .223 and .22-250’s for caribou actually.

[@gpax-6197]

Understand your bullet, shot placement and practice practice practice. Love the video!

[@jackgriffith9229]

Hunters! This post is excellent and a lot of fun just to hear the hunting story!! I really enjoyed all of the wonky ballistic speak and it sounds like Ron has done homework and hunting and knows of that which he posts!!! Enjoy 🏹🦌🏹🦌🏹🦌🏹🦌

[@rangetime6779]

Great advice and you have wonderful stories to share

[@googleuser3760]

Fantastic video Ron. My grandad always hunted with a 22-250. He always dropped em dead in there tracks every time.

[@johnkaraphillis754]

I enjoyed video and the story. Thanks Ron!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@FredHenry1850]

I love hearing you tell your hunting stories.

[@easttexan2933]

Excellent video Ron. Thank you for sharing that experience with us. Many years ago, a friend of mine shot the 22-250 from ground blinds at deer at 100yds. Neck shot them all. DRT.

[@mertonsilliker3686]

After 23 years hunting in Alberta I saw your story unfold many times. Nice buck.

[@johnwenzel]

0

[@bandanabanana3162]

I had a similar experience. I was hunting for coyote and I heard what sounded like a bunch of horses running in my direction. Now I'm in Northern Georgia (US) and it's pretty thick where I'm set up. I had a friends AR-15 with only open sights and I'm in a pop-up blind. It was to my advantage as that's what I trained with in the military. So I see the first buck and it looked like a Midwest monster and 6 doe were following and in the rear was another big buck all in about 65 to 70 yards. One doe got turned around and bleated so the rear buck turned around and nudged her in the right direction so without much thought I made a "bleating noise" and he turned around again and I was lined up in the instant and as I squeezed the trigger he had turned back around so instead of a heart shot I clipped the inside of the rear spine. He wasn't going far so I got out of the blind and went ahead and finished him off. I had a friend not too far away who had come up as he heard the 3rd shot and if it weren't for him nobody would have believed my story of a 15 point buck with an AR. He was so heavy after being field dressed we had to get another friend to help us get it in the back of a little Ford ranger and it was a struggle. That is likely the best true deer story that I will ever have.

[@Bayan1905]

This is one of the reasons I like the .243 Winchester. I would run lighter handloads for coyotes and make darn sure I would keep a couple 100 grain loads on me, especially if I were out there where I could see a deer from a distance. Either that or maybe a .257 Roberts.

[@JULIANBRACHFELD]

Thank you for sharing that Ron ! I can tell you what that cartridge's daddy, the 250 Savage does to the vitals with a traditional broadside shot, and it was messy. The larger of the 2 does walked about 25 feet and dropped, the other flipped on its back and DRT. No blood trail, none necessary. That was with a 87gr pill. I've also harvested with the 22 Savage Hi Power. Same shot. 70gr pill. Same results. As long as your POI is good, you shouldn't have to chase them too far.

[@tdeberry71]

Years ago, the county I live in only allowed .22 caliber center fire for deer hunting. Some used .223 but most hunted with the .22-250, and it did the job quite well. Now when you are restricted in such ways, the ballistic information of every grain weight of every loading is the most important information you can have. Back then, in the mid 1990's, there wasn't a whole lot of choices when it came to .22-250 ammo. So the ballistics were my best resource when it came to distance shooting.

[@bobkat1663]

Great Show. Nosler Partitions are the best.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Never stop learning. Thanks for sharing sir. Greets, T.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

You bet!

[@stephenhair5501]

Nice follow up Ron. Amazing what a good bullet and velocity can do. Thank you for sharing and stay well. God Bless.

[@yooper7753]

My daughter uses a Thompson Center Encore 24” 223 Remington rifle barrel with a 1 in 12” rifling twist rate. I handload Nosler’s 60 grain Partition bullets with H4895 powder . I keep her shots under 100 yards and every deer she shoots only needs one shot. Excellent tough little deer bullet.

[@Eric--zs6um]

Always wanted fast twist 22-250AI. Have 243 9 twist so I guess I'll be ok. Lol. Enjoy your channel slot. Thank you sir.

[@wiseguysoutdoors2954]

I completely agree. I took my first 2 deer with the. 222 Remington with stouter made bullets in 55 gr. Both didn't go 40 yds. Proper bullet, energy, distance and bullet placement.

[@robvanbramer6197]

Ron love your stories. Nosler partitions are my favorite bullets.

[@paulblake4634]

I shot my first whitetail with a 10 inch Thompson Contender in 222 Remington, 50 grain soft point factory ammo, a little under gunned but at 50 yards it worked, I have shot another 20n 0r so whitetails with a 55 grain soft point out of a Remington 788 in 22-250, pretty incredible kill shots most of the time. Last year I took a large 10 point whitetail with a 22-250 AI with a 62 grain Barnes TTSX at 65 yards, frontal quartering shot that entered the chest and came out the flank, he ran about 60-70myards and folded up. I have also shot feral pigs both with a standard 22-250 with 55 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips and the 22-250-AI with Barnes TSX, both work well with behind the head/neck shots or broadside chest shots at 100 yards or less is DRT.

[@johnknouse8846]

I think legally in Nebraska, you have to be shooting a rifle/cartridge combo capable of at least 900 ft/lbs at 100 yards. In some states, .243 is the smallest caliber allowed to take a whitetail. I’ve always been taught, at least 1,000 ft/lbs, but I know guys who hunt with their .223 AR’s (which I just wouldn’t be comfortable doing), which drops below that threshold at just over 100 yards. As always, shot placement is the most important part of the equation.

[@thebigsurg]

Here in South Africa the harvesters use the 223 and 22-250 to cull eland.

[@leeschilleman9575]

Another great video. Keep them coming. Lots of great info.

[@ironmikehallowween]

A 243 seems like a good compromise for both coyotes and deer with proper bullet construction designed for each purpose.

[@donaldmartin4980]

My REM 700 BDL .243, has been keeping my freezer full since 1977…..elk are the only critter I hunt that requires me to break out my .30-06.

[@jeffbadger462]

A button will work on an outhouse door ,but they make better things. Use a gun that is made for deer if they are on the menu. It will also work on coyotes with no problem. The .22 calibers are not really deer cartridges even if people feel the need to use them. Just my opinion.

[@coinboss5818]

The .243 is the most popular deer cartridge in the UK. Duals as a fox blaster as well.

[@donaldmartin4980]

@@coinboss5818 I can’t argue with that choice, I have been using mine now for 45 years. Still keeps ‘‘em inside an inch all day if I do my part correctly.

[@Dave-ti2ue]

It's what I started with for whitetails. Never had a problem with it. Put them down just fine.

[@scottschmidt7517]

Small caliber Nosler Partition bullets are the worst! So much meat ruined from 223 and 243 projectiles our family uses em for target practice. They were found to bounce around the chest cavity turning everything into a nasty mix, then exiting out a hind quarter. My mom’s buck had a 2” patch hide blown off the right rump. Going to try Barnes TTSX and see if there is any difference.

[@andrewrunnion3557]

My Uncle had a 22-250 and I took a shot from hillside to hillside in West Virginia close to 35 years ago. It was a nice 5 Point buck. Everyone said it was around a quarter mile shot. I am not sure. Just put the cross hair on the top and shot. Around 2 hours later is what it took to get to the deer 🦌. It opened up its lungs fast. Not sure I think it was a 60 grain bullet. The biggest deer I have killed was with a 22 long rifle Henry. We just needed the meat.

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks Ron

[@randybedker1584]

I like the 55 grain fusions in my 22-250 because I have put them through both shoulders completely passing through busting both.

[@extractandeject6934]

Like I always say, bullet construction is everything. I learned form experience the very first time hunting deer with a .223 that varmint bullets are not deer bullets. As a matter of fact, high velocity cartridges can turn plain FMJ bullets into very effective projectiles due to their penetration and tumbling. However if you’re going to use any .22 caliber cartridge to hunt deer, stick with monolithic expanding copper projectiles such as Barnes and Hornady GMX. Penetration to reach vital organs is everything.

[@tylerbrown4483]

Yeah, assuming a double lung shot and full penetration, I don’t know that there’s enough difference between a .223 and a 300 win mag to say so. Both animals are going to experience rapid circulatory collapse in something like 10-15 seconds, maybe just a few seconds faster with the bigger and higher energy bullet. The big difference is when external factors affect shot placement. from just plain poor marksmanship to taking a shot at a weird angle that affects penetration. Or shooting farther than you should because you get a poke at the animal of a lifetime. People do all those things, and when the rifle in play is only sufficient for the ideal, and it’s suddenly tasked with real world work, it might not be up to the task.

[@chrisdaniel1339]

I 100% agree with solid copper expanding bullets, why would I want to use a Nosler Partition if it may only retain 60% of its weight.

[@codyj7532]

Hey Ron, I have a similar story but with a 223. I was in my blind with plans of a 50 yard shot on a whitetail. As I was setting up on my deer a decent buck came running up. I shoot the round on yotes a lot , so I ended up making a 300 yard shot. Heart shot, dead deer. Problem is, the bullet was going so slow it was unable to expand and it passed clean through the deer. While it was a kill, it was an example of what not to do.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Yes, 300 yards is really stretching a 223 Rem. for deer. Even highly frangible bullets reach velocities at which they perform more like traditional cup-cores and even solids. I once engaged a running feral hog at about 125 yards, 150 yards max with a 221 Fireball. The little 50-gr. V-Max penetrated to the offside shoulder hide and looked like a classic cup-core mushroom. Such bullet performance, as you saw, requires a precise heart, perhaps lung hit to create sufficient hemorrhaging.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

Great story Ron.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dennislydon-dt4mq]

Great video Mr. Spomer, thanks for sharing your story. I always learn something from your videos, and cherish your wisdom. I saw your incredible interview with Backfire, and Mr. 45 and really enjoyed them.

[@woodywoodpecker3643]

That was one of the best commentaries yet.

[@eddiexoc8430]

Another great video.

[@armedmariner]

Excellent video Ron. As usual. I love 22-250 for deer. I love 60 gr Nosler Partitions. Never shot one over couple hundred yards. Like neck shots. Flat quick shooting and you can see the hit in the scope. Fun. I don’t have or use a chronograph. I just shoot at 100, 200, 300 and 400 to test actual drop of actual load in actual rifle. I make a small table on Excel. I then laminate it. I then tape it to my scope. Now I know my hit zones at each yardage. I never hunt by adjusting my scope elevation. Max I will do is hold horizontal reticle at top of back. 22-250 on deer is a pole ax.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Sounds like you have your system honed to perfection, Armedmariner. Well done.

[@Jeff_Seely]

Excellent video Ron and thank you for the knowledge I gained about bullet energy. We have been using Nosler partition bullets for deer hunting since I was a kid and we have always been very happy

[@matthewknight1910]

I always love listening to your stories, particularly when you’re talking about one of my favourites in the .22-250 Thanks Ron!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you like them!

[@earlycuyler2295]

About 15 years ago i was employed by NJ fish and wildlife management to cull whitetails. boom/ bust crop cycles, over limitting of tags and a 3 year plauge of cwd left the herds VERY, VERY unhealthy. We were given 22 magnum rifles and the option to use other methods of harvest ( so long as it was approved and a legal method of hunting) Most guys were using slug guns muzzleloaders and a few " purests" used a bow. But the 22 mag did the job just as effectivly, if not cleaner.we were givin instructions to aim for neck shots, but even a decent heart/ lung shot rarely resulted in more than a handfull of steps before the deer laid down. The " industry" is first and foremost interested in selling their wares, whatever that might be. Thats why we will perpetually see "new" options being made the " standard". Look at hunting equipment, its not uncommon to hear of people hunting deer with what is essentially a magnum anti material caliber, or " you cant hunt X with Y" typically when talking about anything bigger than a Labrador; and a cartridge not invented in the last 3 years. Its jist ridiculous. Peoole are turning their noses at 308 win and 30-06( both MORE than enough for ANYTHING in the western hemisphere) and using 300 win mag for a 125m shot. Its marketing. plain and simple. Personally, id rather not hunt with rimfire for decent sized ( & non furbearing) game. but i have no problem with using .223 with a good pill for anything up to mule deer.

[@tradmanmike3360]

GREAT VIDEO RON! I LOVE THE 22-50! I MISS THE FOLKS AT BROWNELLS, TURNS OUT THEY MISS ME TOO. SO, I START BACK NEXT WEEK! RETIREMENT IS FOR OLD PEOPLE! LOL... I WILL TELL THEM YOU SAID HELLO. I BRING YOUR NAME UP FREAQUENTLY TALKING WITH CUSTOMERS AND ALWAYS RECOMMEND YOUR CHANNEL. GOOD STUFF RON!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Congrats on getting back to work at Brownells. Great company with every tool we need.

[@altonrowell7854]

I like a 30 30 for brush hunting. Model 94

[@cervus-venator]

Funny in that question came up last night on a live chat. Someone was asking about a calibure good for deer and coyote that will not destroy the pelt. Several suggested the .243 and I mentioned the 6mm Remington. I did see some say the 22-250 and I stated a .223 Remington works well too. This was for close range of 150 yards or less. I mentioned that I had shot several coyotes with my .270 and the person that originally posted the question was really inquiring about the .270 and damage to pelt. I told him damage was small as I wasn't shooting the shoulder so the exit wound was not very big. Of course my coyote shots with the .270 were not for pelts either. Personally I'd use the .223 Remington or the 6mm Remington for both deer and coyotes in his situation. Thanks as always Ron for the information!

[@cervus-venator]

@emskirchner Oger Good point. FMJ will delivery the energy and shock to kill, but result in little damage to the pelt. Thanks.

[@phild9813]

I’ve posted these comments before, but I’ve taken a number of pronghorn now with a 223 70 grain tsx. One shot kills. The farthest was certainly less than 150 yards, maybe 135. All pass through shots; I’ve never recovered a bullet. I’ve also killed a couple hogs with it, and coyotes. Working on setting up a bolt action for it now.

[@patrickmurray9409]

Here in Arizona our whitetail get a hundred pounds for a big one . A good hunting buddy always used a 22 250. He never lost a one,shot placement an a decent range.

[@letsgobrandon4043]

Ron I’ve taken deer and kangaroo with .22lr many occasions. Just last Saturday night I took 3 Roos Shot placement is key

[@ronlowney4700]

Ronbo (Montana Mountain Man) - "Rambo", I like your style! 😁🤭😂🤣

[@letsgobrandon4043]

@@ronlowney4700 legend I like yiur style mate

[@5.56_Media]

Man has knowledge! Always look forward to learning more

[@masongiroir1365]

25-06 is the best for everything in that area

[@flyonbyya]

I lived in South Africa in the 80’s, but never hunted…only worked I want to go with Ron to hunt there ! I’d pay the whole bill !!

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 Ronbo (Montana Mountain Man) - If Ron isn't up for that, let me know! We will see if he is paying attention today? 😉 What do you hunt there??? 🐃🦓🦁🐯🦏🐘🦄😁

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Break out your credit card and let's go, flyonbyya! I know some great outfitters there.

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 Oh, that would be fun! 😁 But as for me, I am working on my house right now and getting ready to sell it while the market is good! 😓 Just no time to play right now! 😭 But, a man has to have his priorities straight! 🤑

[@NHGUIDE88]

Great story and education. I often use the 1/4 second rule for most of my hunting. The Distance with Time of Flight of 1/4 second is about as far as I will shoot in unsupported field conditions. Once again, that requires a good understanding of the external ballistics of whatever you are carrying.

[@Pawcatfoxwolf]

My first deer I ever shot was a doe with my 222 Remington.

[@stevenboggs5076]

The ballistics just make me appreciate the 6.5 Grendel even more! I wish it had published "bolt only" loads with "approved" rifles like with the ARC.

[@magicdaveable]

I too love the 6.5 Grendel. I have a Howa. I have been shooting 6.5x55 SE since the 1960's. It is my favorite caliber. I am an "Old Guy" and will never have the opportunity to hunt an Alaskan Brown Bear but am certain a 160 gr. Solid Copper PSP BT would harvest one of those huge bears. Of course shot placement is important. My Husky Swedish Mauser is still a pristine tack driver but these days I carry my Howa 6.5 Grendel in the woods. It's a truly great whitetail harvester.

[@cato7669]

This is fast becoming my favourite channel 👍🦌💥

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@andymorel4645]

Hi Ron, great video again 👍, you always amazed me with your stories. I am just like you, I remember a lot of details from my hunts and like to chair them. My experience with the 22.250 is a medium buck on the run and it glued him on the spot.

[@jeffreywilson690]

Another consideration Mr ron is the velocity working range of a particular bullet no matter what caliber

[@460style]

Good video from a veteran Hunter. Thanks Ron !!

[@louisgiokas2206]

I hunt in Illinois, where we are restricted to shotguns. On my first hunt I had an old Savage 67 smooth bore with a 26" barrel. Not long after that I got a Savage 210F with a 24" rifled barrel. Using saboted slugs (actually Partition Gold bullets of 385 grains) it was extremely accurate to at least 250 yards (I tested it on the range we had on the farm). Well, this first hunt I shot at a running deer at about 100 yards. I took three shots. The third hit it in the neck and it went right down. The 1oz lead slug did its job. When I got to the deer, I couldn't see the head. It folded under the body. I usually take heart shots (got plenty of those). The last one I got at over 100 yards with the 210F. There was a puff of blood, and the deer went right down. I have also taken deer out to about 100 yards with my S&W 629 Classic in .44 Rem Mag. There was a handgun only season, but now we can carry the shotgun and revolver. That is also a lot of fun. I have lots of stories about that.

[@frankgagas9569]

I have that same shirt. I bought it at Costco. I love the pockets!!!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Frank, were you the guy grabbing that shirt I was about to pick off the pile? Fortunately I found another hidden under the blue ones. Cozy shirts, but you've got to watch the shrinking during the wash/dry.

[@404nitro]

Excellent video Ron! If that pic near the end was that buck from the story.....................that was one nice buck! Congrats (even though it appeared to be several years back).

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Yes it was

[@troy9477]

Love the hunting stories with photos. Please do more of them. Your description of the bullet performance is why the Partition was and is a worldwide standard. I start at 30-30 in power level and go up from there, but i do have a Savage Edge in 223 i could use. It all depends. My big interest right now is a 6.5 PRC, followed by 25-06. But i need to actually hunt something. Lol

[@garyprice6651]

Your story prove what I think witch is bullet type means more than caliber. Most average hunters don't understand the importance of bullet type or makeup as some would call it. Keep the video s coming, love your knowledge and expansion of bullet performance.

[@Tailfeatherz]

I moved to Montana 20 years ago and it's been bang flop 1 shot kills with 7mm08 308 and 3006 except for one cow elk that needed two. Then I thought I'd take me 6mm Rem out and sure enough I shoot a big mulie like I've done for 19 years and he went down feet in the air. But as I was getting my gear he jumps up and runs off. 100 gr Sierra two hundred yards chip shot. Since being in Montana I've heard of about 8 times of the 243 failing. We have big deer so use something 6.5 and up.

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 Ronbo (Montana Mountain Man) - Yep! 😉 We do have BIG deer (Big Elk, Moose, and Buffalo, etc.. too) here in Montana! 🦌 And, that is why I use a 270 Winchester! 😁

[@vitalshok2238]

I've seen my neighbor shoot whitetail deer off his back balcony with his 22-250 up to and including 350-400 yards. More than once may I add. All good shot placement behind the front shoulder and sometimes a little higher. All deer dropped on the spot and never twitched. I forget the bullet weight but it was either 50 or 55 grain Remington core lokt. It always got the job done. I have heard the 1,000 ft lbs of energy to kill a deer but I know it couldn't have had that much energy at that distance. If your confident in your gun and cartridge you will be surprised what you can take down. By the way Ron, that 22-250 Ackley improved looks like a real powerhouse. I'd like to potentially own one someday but I don't handload so maybe I should start. Haha. Keep making these awesome videos

[@kevingaddis7276]

Thanks Ron for another great video.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

You are very welcome

[@roberthorrar5939]

Try a .224 Valkyrie with 90 gr. bullets. Flat shooting and a legitimate 500 yard cartridge. On varmints much longer. Like to see a comparison of high speed 22’s. My 22-250 was re-barreled with a 1-8 twist and it likes bullets up to 77 grains. That really extends the range.

[@davejones67]

Another great video Ron!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks for watching

[@knobjob2839]

My dad took mule deer and pronghorn antelope for years with his 22-250.

[@veteranironoutdoors8320]

All the nuisance animal removers I know who mainly deal with removing animals from airports prefer 223, 22-250, and 220 swift. The fast light bullets create massive hydraulic shock that anchor the animals on the spot. Also, the channel “long range hunting group” has a video showing how a 223 out performs a 50BMG on deer.

[@Peter-od7op]

Wrong on many accounts.

[@lcjjr.6714]

The .243 Winchester is one of the best all around coyote and deer cartridges ever made. It’s readily available in many rifles, flat shooting and deadly.

[@popman10001]

This was so cool

[@Wootangtw]

Awesome video buddy… thanks

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it, Tommy. Thanks.

[@sakostwwy1903]

Its like a miniature .257 Weatherby shooting 100Gr. Speed kills!!

[@benschildgen4994]

I've seen several deer taken with cartridges from .222- 243

[@approachingtarget.4503]

Majority use 243,22-250, for coyote. I wouldnt use either for white tail. But then again i use 3006 for coyote. Set up with light rounds and reduced load. Its perfect.