What Can the 223 Remington Really Do?

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Perhaps the oddest thing about the 223 Remington is how and why it was adopted by the military. They went from 45-caliber to 30- to .22? From 405-grain bullets to 220-grain to 150-grain and then clear down to 62 grain? From 3,000 foot-pounds of energy to 1,300 f-p?
Yes, they did. And in the process we got our most useful, versatile, light recoiling, inexpensive, accurate 22-caliber centerfire cartridge. But sport hunters got it before any military did! Yup. the 223 Remington was introduced as a sporting round before military round. Here’s how it happened…
A few shooters think the 223 should not be used for hunting because it was engineered “as a military cartridge, not a hunting cartridge!” But that’s only half true. The military’s search for a new cartridge that would function to its standards in the new Stoner ArmaLite 15 rifle started with the little 222 Remington, a civilian, sporting 22-caliber that set all kinds of accuracy records after its introduction in 1950. That predates the 308 Winchester, the 243 Winchester, and Elvis as pop star. In 1950 Eisenhower wasn’t even president yet.
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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.
Produced by: @red11media
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@barrybechler6880]

I've used 223/5.56 for whitetail hunting in upper Michigan with great success. The key is the bullet. I use hollow point, or polymer tip. A heart/lung shot does the trick, but I've used my aim point in a neck shot. They go down right where they stand. Solid tip rounds at the rate of speed go right through the deer with minimal damage. Just my hunters opinion. A side note, I loaned my Mini 14 to my son-in-law years ago to try it deer hunting. He was so successful.... I never did get it back. But that's what Dads do. Great video Mr. Spomer.

[@chadvalliere8697]

Michigander here too. I 100% agree. It does a fine job on whitetail deer

[@recon1986]

Hollowpont .223/5.56?? Never in my life have I heard of a hollow point rifle round.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

@@recon1986 Mike, hollow point rifle bullets have been around longer than I have. All Barnes TSX and TTSX have hollow points. Hammer bullets too. Sierra Hollow Point Boat Tails. Speer hollow point varmint bullets.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Barry, you're not alone in your appreciation of the 223 Rem. on deer. It's not legal in many states, however. An important addendum to your polymer tip bullet comment: polymer tip doesn't define the bullet well because polymer tips can be and are put atop frangible varmint bullets, bonded core game bullets, cup-core game bullets, all copper monolithic bullets, etc. I'm guessing the polymer tip you've used successfully on deer sits atop a cup-core or frangible varmint style bullet. When these enter the chest of a deer, they "explode" to create a baseball to softball sized wound cavity. Massive hemorrhaging and quick demise. Good shooting, Barry.

[@Smaug1]

I think we've got to qualify it. There are some hollow point and polymer-tipped bullets that are designed for explosive damage on prairie dogs. They may not penetrate deeply enough to be ethical on deer, especially if they hit a rib. You want a bullet designed for big game; limited expansion. Some of those varmint bullets just completely come apart and will not even exit a prairie dog. People using 223 with varmint bullets on deer is why it's not a legal caliber in many states.

[@elmerfudd1233]

I am a big fan of the 223. One of the things that is often overlooked is that the 223 Remington is an efficient round. One of the things I have noticed when reloading the 223 is that my powder goes a lot further. The 22-250 is king of the varmint cartridges - the 223 can do a lot of what the 22-250 can do (just not as far out range wise). For the 15% increase in velocity the 22-250 gives you, I have to burn about 40% more powder. You aren't giving up much with the 223 Remington.

[@edwardkujawa]

BULLETS AND STABIITY MATTER RANGE GIVE OR TAKE i USED A .22-250 REM WTHE A POWDER LOAD IMR4895 WITH A HORNADY SUPER EXPLOVSIVE BULLET 50 GRN NOT 55GRN GOT GOOD ACCURCY TOO 3800FT PS IS DAM GOOD A FREIND OF MY SIGHTED THE GUN IN A REM 788 SAID VERY GOOD LOADIT STUED A .225RTEDOUT AS A WILDCAT THEN REM CAME OUT WITH I SOON AFTER THE REMINGTON788 WAS ADAM GOOD RIFLE CLIP FED 2OR 3 SHOT MAG NOT SURE BEEN ALONG TIME SINCE I OWNED ONE HAD 2 OF 22-250 AND .308 WIN THENCOULDNT GET ONE SAVAGE AXIS .223REM DICKS DIDNT HAVE ANY 22-250'S SO BOUGHT THE .223REM THE OTHR SAVAGE I HAD WASA .308WIN ALSOWULD PUT WOULDUED A .225 HAVE 2R WITH A 30.06SPRFLD

[@chriswimberly8060]

I put together a .223 8 months ago mainly because of a crazy hog problem I was having/lots of cheap ammo available and allow me to say i love this little round. With a 1 in 8 twist rate it stabilizes the heavier bullets and it has taken more hogs in the last 8 months than most men will ever see in their lifetime. I'm not saying it's an optimum hog cartridge but with proper shot placement it gets the job done quite well. Great round

[@gavindonnelly4767]

Having shot buckets of .223/556 ammo at everything from prairie dogs to antelope and deer, I can say that the key to success with it is bullet selection. Varmint grenades, V-max or ballistic tips for varmints. For Antelope and up, Copper bullets such as Barns Triple Shock or Hornady GMX will do the job. The actual weapon is what comes out of the barrel of the firearm.

[@BigT27295]

Exactly. Well said brother. Makes a world of difference.

[@phild9813]

No doubt, goes for all cartridges beyond 223/556 too. Also… Know what you are shooting in general and it’s limitations and stay within them.

[@kevinbillow4185]

Have you ever tried the Winchester "Deer Season" 64gr 223s? I've debated getting a box to try next year out of a 18" AR

[@phild9813]

I’ve not used them, tried an older version of them and my gun at the time didn’t group them well. I’ve only used TSXs on big game.

[@lumpyzx2645]

@@kevinbillow4185 I haven't used them in 223 but I have used them in 6.5 creedmoor and was very impressed with both on game performance and accuracy, best 100yd group was .25moa 5 shots (ruger american predator, factory barreled action but upgraded everything else), it'll consistently shoot sub .5moa if I do my part, a buddy uses the 64gr 223 xp on deer with good results, this last season I tried out the wolf military classic 55gr hp 223 steel case on deer with great results, another buddy had great results with so.e freedom munitions 223 loaded with the 55gr vmax from an 18" barrel (the barrel length I was using is 16" and the other friend I was talking to I believe has a 22" barrel) So my advice would be to pick up a box and see what you think, at best you found your new favorite 223 ammo, at worst you don't like it and wasted a few bucks on a box of ammo

[@ralphgreenjr.2466]

The 5.56/.223 has had a tremendous impact on the shooting/hunting community. In 1998 when I was assigned to Camp Perry most shooters were using the M-1 and M-14 to shoot across the course. A few years later the Army Marksmanship Unit developed long range loads for the M-16 and cleaned up against all comers. Several years later the Marines had caught up and their top shooter was a female E-5. Due to the light weight of the weapon system and the lack of recoil from the 5.56, ladies could now compete across the course on an equal footing. Game changer. Oh, and it does make things very dead.

[@fustyblatherskite2142]

On average the ladies have better hand and eye coordination than men. If more ladies were to shoot, with equipment suited for them, they would probably dominate competitive shooting.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

Yeah, my niece made it to a team in the Marines.

[@russday1400]

I have always felt the .223 was a glorified squirrel cartridge. But, it is fun,fun,fun. Ron ur show has no equal!

[@RailRoad188]

​@@russday1400if you want squirrels and other small game to disappear, not if you want to eat them or have a furr etc

[@nathanlambshead4778]

The most accurate gun I have ever owned was a .223 TC Contender with a 14 inch bull barrel, and a 2x7 Burris LER scope mounted. When I first sighted it in (off a bench of course) with factory Amer. Eagle 55 grain FMJs, it placed 5 shots at 100 yards you could cover with a dime. I was shocked at the capabilities of that gun and cartridge.

[@YZF750SP]

I have had a 270 and a 375 Ruger for most of my hunting which spans over 30 years in New Zealand and about 3 months ago I bought a Ruger ranch 223 short barrel with a suppressor and attached my Thermal scope to it. Well I have shot over 200 rabbits a few possums and 1 whitetail and Red deer with it and its a neat little gun to use. I did let a large Red go the other day as I wasn't in a good position and didn't want to wound it, if I had had my 375 it would have taken a round as nothing get up after it gets hit with 270gr bullet. Keep up you good videos, cheers from downunder.

[@lobster8009]

If you place your shot right there are very few animals on this planet a single round of .223 would not kill. I stopped using .223 on anything larger that a fox because larger animals take a lot longer to bleed out shooting for lung/heart only. Combine that with the fact that there is verly little blood, sometimes no blood at all and me not havin access to a capable dog its just needlessly hard to find your kill. Rifles like my 8x57IS or 7x65R create nice big exit holes that bleed absolute buckets. Really easy to follow even in bad conditions.

[@manofchaitea6904]

Do you eat the possums?

[@MikeNaples]

@@manofchaitea6904 I'm sure he did. Possum is very tasty. The only problem is it's hard to tell if they're dead.

[@jumpninthedarkalley]

Why are you shooting rabbits with it? Are you wasting them or eating them?? Wouldn't it blow them to pieces....

[@YZF750SP]

@@jumpninthedarkalley Yep they explode real good especially in a thermal scope! Just culling them as they number in there thousands down here

[@SuperDave-pe1zw]

I use a 270 for deer hunting and depending on weather sometimes a 30/30. I use my 223 on coyotes and hogs. I use Hornady V max 55 gr bullets. It drops coyotes where they stand and depending on shot placement has dropped 350 pound hogs in their tracks. It's a great round for what I use it for. Another great presentation 👏

[@VitoBb1978]

Ron like you said my first encounter with this round I was a hot young Naval recruit fresh out of basic training that was in 1975. Fast forward to the early 2000’s I bought a Savage model 12 with a 26 inch barrel , man that little.223 and that heavy model 12 just go together like peanut butter & jelly . I’ve spent many a relaxing fun filled day shooting groups as small as dimes.

[@BigT27295]

Yea. Good times.

[@jimmyrustler5801]

.223/5.56 is somehow both the smallest intermediate rifle cartridge you can get and a devastating explosive 50 caliber AP round that kills people if they look at them wrong

[@rosssrurallife504]

The 223 is one of the most popular deer cartridges here in New Zealand for fallow/sika right up to and including red deer. The 55gr Sierra Game King projectile is a honey of a deer bullet

[@balazra]

All the Adi manufactured ammo is being rebranded as Adi world class. Other than the name it’s exactly the same ammo.

[@rosssrurallife504]

@@balazra Is that the same as Buffalo river ammo? That's what I use :-)

[@EdwardSnortin]

What kind of rifles do you guys have in NZ?

[@rosssrurallife504]

@@EdwardSnortin Bolt action, lever action and semi auto rimfires and bolt and lever centrefires. I'm using an old 1916 .303 British at the moment, I've just uploaded my first hunt with it to my channel. I love the old girl. I have a 223, 308, two 303's and two 22s

[@robhowardlivefree5519]

Hi Ross, I am from NZ and looking to buy a .223 for hunting Fellow. Can you recommend the best rifle/ammo combo? I have been looking at the Tikka .223 Any advice appreciated.

[@swishswish386]

Firstly, another informative, interesting and engaging vid 👍👍👍 The .223 is kind of like the Swiss Army Knife of rifles and it cements the notion that this is another old school round that is difficult to top. An almost infinitive array of rifle brands chamber for it, it’s cheap to shoot, comfortable recoil with pretty impressive and consistent performance…On a side note here in Australia the . 222 is still a popular calibre with plenty of folk using it on vermin / foxes and the like

[@mikedundee65]

The 222 is still a great cartridge

[@esrahansenoutdoorsandselfr563]

thanks for making this great video i am from new zealand where 223 is very common i have shot alot of hares rabbits goats and deer with the 223 such a good round!

[@jonathonmoe2385]

I think most importantly, when using this round on larger game, barrel length is a key factor. If you use a long barrel around 20 inches, then it really allows for the round to get a lot of speed and be absolutely devastating.

[@PaulM-kc2tk]

Generally speaking, you gain, or lose, about 100 FPS per inch of barrel. With a round traveling 2500 FPS that's really not a whole lot to worry about. That's one reason the military standardizes on a 14.5 or 16" barrel. You just don't lose enough velocity to make the tradeoff in length worth it. I remember clearing buildings in Iraq in the early 90's with a 20" M16. I hear that even in the present the Marines still use the 20"...

[@TonyWright-tf5zy]

@@PaulM-kc2tk Still be a whole lot happier with 150 grains at 2500 than 55 grainers at the same speed..

[@UI_Shaggy05]

With a 26 inch barrel, standard 55 grain fmj ammo reaches 3,400 ft/s!

[@TonyWright-tf5zy]

@@UI_Shaggy05 True, you can run them hot, that is getting to the upper limit according to the hornady handbook of reloading. Love the higher energy of larger pills myself.

[@UI_Shaggy05]

@@TonyWright-tf5zy Even factory 5.56 ammo can reach that velocity. Also, the Hornady 30-06 180 grain SST nearly reached 2,900 ft/s out of a 26 inch barrel!

[@geoant67]

I harvested an 8 point whitetail in Oklahoma at 397 yards with Barnes vortex factory 223 ammo. The 55gr monolith Passed through the deer's spine and both shoulder blades. complete pass through. The animal dropped in its tracks. Careful shot placement, lots of practice at the range you plan on shooting, and the 223/556 is plenty for game up to 200lbs. Great videos!

[@willtrax71]

Another great informative video my friend and yes it’s a limited round and I normally Hunt Whitetail with my 6mm I took a beautiful Buck this season with a .556 using Hornady 75 grain BTHP .223 and it dropped in his tracks but the shot was roughly 100 yards and right through the Boiler Room with no exit, the HP instantly fragmented if anyone is curious it was a gooey mess but humane. Stay safe my Friend Semper Fidelis

[@jordanbrits3732]

Hey Ron, love the videos. I am from South Africa and I know hundreds of people, and most of them are PH’s who shoot Oryx sized game with the .223 rem all the time.

[@RLD454C]

I have a Remingtin model 700 - 223 with a 24 inch barrel and I have taken more than 50 whitetails a 14 inch antelope and a couple elk with my 223 . Shot selection and distance and bullet selection are critical when using a 223 to take larger game animals .

[@woldridgefencing9021]

Teaches a lot of patients too!

[@mddunlap03]

I mean you can drop a grizzly with a 22 if you wanted to but doesn’t make it the best option

[@dranelittle7726]

@@mddunlap03 you can easily brain one at twice the distance any archer can reliably hit the chest with a broadhead. So what's the problem? You can't get half as close as a bowhunter, or you can't hit a 6" disk at 100m, from a braced firing position with a scope?

[@negativerush]

A 62 or 77 grain control chaos might be a good choice

[@fiveowaf454]

Having the longer barrel is important to 223 performance IMO, many rounds peak in velocity from a 24" barrel and that gives a benefit in that at 100 yds the bullet can be travelling at the same speed it is from the muzzle on a lot of the shorter barrel AR's that are so popular now. I have a 24" barrel, a 20" and an 18.5" in the 223/5.56 caliber, what I also like with the 24" barrel is how quiet the round is to shoot in the field compared to shorter ones too, makes it a real pleasure to fire, very soft shooting with no noticeable muzzle blast.

[@Tony_Seed]

For the larger game it worth mention a lot of companies and people are loading some hot 77g sierra match king bullets

[@MrHercules222]

223 with a 55 grain ballistic tip is my favorite for woodchuck, fox and coyote. Drops them dead where they stand and no exit wound. Also super fun to shoot woodchuck on alfalfa fields out at 250-300 yards. Gets some long range practice at shorter ranges.

[@millermanhal]

When I went to buy my first ar15. I was confused so just went with the 5.56 barrel to be safe. But honestly mostly shoot .223 since freedom munitions sells 55grain reloads for $17.99 for 50 rounds. ❤ best ammo for the price. Tried every kind they sell and weights. Never once had a bad round or failure to feed or fire. Also I get 55grain sp and 60grain soft points new for 26.00dollars for 50rounds. Keeps me shooting for as long as I want and have stockpiled over 2,200 rounds and now reload them. Great info as always Ron.

[@jude.v25]

And don't forget self-defense... Possibly the #1 reason it's the best selling cartridge.

[@nobodyyyyy556]

you know these 5 yard self defense situations with an AR

[@zacmiles5342]

@@nobodyyyyy556 Kenosha Kyle found it useful as self defense cartridge ;)

[@richardthomas6602]

Anything good for CQB is good for home defense.

[@nobodyyyyy556]

@@zacmiles5342 the BLM loving guy who cried? Okay. luckily the world has never been changed by a Zac or Kyle

[@floatingchimney]

@@zacmiles5342 Kyle used 5.56 NATO, which is more potent that a plain old .223 cartridge.

[@richardwebb371]

Always like the way Ron explains in depth so everyone can understand.. Love his vids. He is very interesting and enjoy to watch

[@eskimo1000]

I live in northern Canada, and the 223. Rem is such a good round 👍🏼 I always use it when I hunt seals (ringed, harp, and bearded). I also witnessed my hunting buddies take down a caribou with a 223. 👍🏼

[@mikerobinson8734]

Are these done with head/neck shots?

[@heathsalter8549]

I'm sorry you live in Canada

[@averyabood6155]

@@heathsalter8549 why is that Heath?

[@averyabood6155]

@@heathsalter8549 cmon Heath...., squeak up

[@dwaybetoggymackinaw5893]

@@heathsalter8549 yeah c'mon Heath. We're waiting with baited breath. Tell us why "'murica is beddur"

[@bobdoby1810]

Always Enjoy 😊 Ron’s Pearls Of Wisdom , No Rah Rah , Just Good Olde Fashion Practical HONEST Experience!! Nuff Said !!😉

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

I appreciate that.

[@ed5042]

been living in NC since 85. 223 for deer? I was shocked, however, I became friends with gentlemen who 'nuisance hunt' for local farmers etc and they are quite pleased with the 223. In fact, the local farmers use the 22magnum and they are also quite successful. The 22 mag, head shots, however, they are happy with the immediate effect of the solid when using the high shoulder shot within 75 yards; they stated that the bullet does ricochet within the ribcage and just flattens them. For clarity, the nuisance hunters were averaging 100 deer a season, the farmers, probably 20. The farmers would shoot them while they sat on their tractors. Now they are dealing with pigs coming up from Chatham county.

[@ed5042]

and for those guys that ramble on about 'y'all need a ..............at least', I ask what they shoot, then I tell them I carry a 6.4 lb Mossberg Patriot in 375 Ruger as backup for you guys .

[@paulmoss7940]

Been in NC all my life 61yr. and I can vouch for your statement as pure truth. People talk about .223 as marginal ,I chuckle cause I know what even the lowly rimfire can do. Its mostly about placement and the less precise it is the more the other factors play out. Outside of war , more people have been killed with a .22 than any other although 9mm is closing fast in the last few years.

[@jasonburrell3508]

Cool! That 22mag would be cool to see.

[@bronco19711]

I don’t know if you rehearsed your sessions or not, But man, do you speak well! Great content and I love to hear you talk. Thank you for making videos.

[@paststeve1]

Great video Ron! .223 Rem is a very versatile round, as you said. The .223/5.56 is easy on the shoulder and fun to plink with. Taking NC deer, raccoons and coyotes is absolutely possible with this round. Thanks Ron, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours. Grace & Peace

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Peace and Merry Christmas to you, too, Rev. Steve.

[@cugir321]

Amen! I've shot numerous big bucks with the sierra 55 gr sbt....it's like a hammer for a chest shot. Shot a 200lb NC 10 pnt last week.....ran 100 yds and flopped over.Amen!

[@TonyWright-tf5zy]

It should be, it an itty bitty .22 round.. accepted for military service not for its ability but because of corruption and backroom dealings.. Always find it so funny that Yanks love the 'fat' .45 over the 'skinny' 9mm yet go for the .22 round over the .30 family rounds like 7.62x39..

[@kennyk541]

⁠@@TonyWright-tf5zywe don’t even use the 45 anymore haven’t used it since Vietnam and we prefer the 5.56 since it performs very well in warfare there’s a reason the Russian stoped used there 7.62x39 in favor of there 5.45

[@danielcurtis8746]

I enjoyed this video, I never really thought about using 223 for whitetail but it is definitely an all around effective round. Great video as always Ron!!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@DanielBoone337]

I know one of the toughest critters in America that I've probably killed into the very very high hundreds if not into the thousands and that critter would be the wild hogs... I've killed a big chunk of them with 223 Rem out of an AR15 and many of those was a 1 shot stop. I've seen those same hogs shrug off shots from 308, 30-06, 300WIN up to 338 Lapua and keep running. I'm not saying it's the best for everything and I'm not recommending people trade in their 7mm Rem Mags to go moose or elk hunting or saying you should even use it for that but with proper shot placement and bullet choice you can do a lot of cool things with the 223. I'd also say if you don't own something chambered in it you're wrong... LOL Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!

[@jaydunbar7538]

Id go with 5.56 clambering for the cheap nato plinking rounds, but I agree even if a person doesn't use it for hunting its a great cheap way to have fun at the range. It's what all my kids are training with, I can't afford to buy enough 243 ammunition with current prices to keep them training.

[@DanielBoone337]

@@jaydunbar7538 yeah I forgot to put that in there personally I like 223 Wylde more then 556 chambered AR's because it's better for 223 but you can shoot 556. I do a ton of reloading and I rarely load to 556 pressures because you're not really gaining anything and if you don't reload you can't find good hunting ammo in 556 either. But you're correct having the option to shoot 556 for the cheap plinking ammo is definitely a good thing. Take care brother!!

[@bennelson3724]

223 62 grain or 75 grain from a 22 inch barrel bolt action OR 62 grain from a 20 inch AR does GREAT at North Alabama whitetail within 150 yards. Longest one has walked after impact was about 30 yards. I believe 223 with the right bullet from the right barrel is a nearly perfect Southeastern whitetail cartridge

[@russ3022]

Thanks Ron, Good video. I have killed white tail and hogs with a 223, but I load my own and shoot 77 grain HPBT. I stay in less than 150 yards and most importantly, I get steady and know pretty much exactly where the shot is going to go. Shot placement is key when using a smaller caliber.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Good advice and good practice, Russell. Thank you sir.

[@Doc2862]

I wish I knew you in person Ron . You're a life-lond shooter and I LOVE you vidieos and yeah I'm a patreion too. Happy hunting brother! Doc, Hendersonville, NC, (You know...land of the 40 yard deer shot. ;) I live off of my 1963 Marlin 336C in 35 Remington. Love ya dude!

[@brianpencall4882]

Remember, when a pistol is equipped with a pistol brace, the .223 becomes more powerful than the .338 Win Mag.

[@kineticenergy1085]

Absolutely. Just speaking the words “pistol brace” and I’m like………”damn…… that sounds like it makes any gun 10x more deadly 👍🏽🤗

[@eriksforestryvision8751]

Yup those short barrel are platform running 5.56 turns it into a t90 tank

[@RailRoad188]

​@eriksforestryvision8751 Only three concussion lol 😅

[@RailRoad188]

​@@eriksforestryvision8751Only the muzzle signature lol

[@justauser]

I think a big part of the .223 being so successful is the AR platform and related parts and accessories being extremely adopted everywhere worldwide. Even most precision bolt guns have AR compatible grips and stocks. Its just such a great platform for so many things. Most people want a semi auto, including for hunting and AR is excellent

[@brians2733]

My first varmint rifle was a Ruger M77 in .223. It’s a beautiful gun (much nicer than the Remington 700 VS I have in .22-250) and great to carry around, be it for ground hogs or coyotes. In Ohio we’re pretty limited in our uses, but it’s still nice to have.

[@kenhurley4441]

Back in the 80's I researched for 2 years before buying my first rifle 30.06. What convinced me was a book titled, Beware of the man that only owns one rifle,,,, he knows how to use it. Later I purchased an AR-15 .556. Now I know how to use both of them. If I had to give one of my rifles up,,,,, bye bye 30.06. Shot placement is paramount! Oh and probably more deer have been taken by a 22LR than any other gun (especially out of season).

[@Fucrightoff]

The 223 is my personal choice and my most favourite ammo for hunting and self defence and it has armour piercing capabilities. I use it all the time and would never give this round up

[@johnfrank4558]

Lol

[@davehunt8088]

Love the .223 in an accurate bolt action.👍

[@byronfranklin3612]

Custom Remington 700, 223 caliber, all in a dime with hand load ammo at 300 yards. Awesome

[@joeyvanover9465]

I have a Ruger predator, and man it is great

[@allenbournes4697]

Byron - that is fantastic! Can you give hand load particulars?

[@RailRoad188]

I don't have a use-case for a bolt-action. My best group so far is .65MOA with the Faxon match .223wylde pencil barrel (called gunner profile) using 77grn in a personally assembled, lightweight AR-15 SPR build.

[@allanw6103]

I was just watching a series of night hunt videos on Tacticallife's night shooter and they were looking for yotes down in texas. It turned into a massive hog kill using black hills 556 77gr otm. They used CZ brens with thermal scopes and suppressors. I was impressed bc these big hogs were dropping dead where they stood. Granted they were inside 100 yds and doing mostly head shots, but they still got some runners. 223 is for plinking, training and smaller game. Step up to 556 which is like a 223+p and it will def get the job done with the right bullet within range.

[@doubled3983]

Hello from Oklahoma! Good Video! I've spent time in Canada years ago. Back in the 70's the 30-30 was very popular up north. As was the '06. I'm sure the 223 is also. Really it boils down to know how to hunt, get close shoot accurately. Shot placement is key with any cartridge.

[@DavidDeshane-ic4cg]

Not all provinces alow .223 for deer up here. 30-30 and .308 are popular and I think that the possibility of encountering a bear while deer hunting drives the want for larger calibers up here.

[@vitaly6312]

Always great insight! 223 is legal in my state for deer but I don’t use it and don’t personally know of anyone who does, although I wouldn’t have any issues as long as they’re hunting and killing ethically. At the end of the day there are poachers who have been caught poaching deer with 22lr for the stealth and that seems to do the trick, although I don’t recommend a 22 or poaching. Always use the best tool you can for the job. Sometimes, for certain people and for certain game, that may be a 223.

[@JT_70]

My son uses his 223 AR15 when deer hunting from a tree stand or when he has to hike long distances to hunt. For longer range and bigger game he uses his 300WSM. I use my 30-06 for deer hunting. I ordered a 223 this week but likely won’t use it for deer.

[@jakepiemme9600]

I own a 222 and 3 different 223s. My kids took alot of deer with them both at younger ages with a 100% success rate. Its where u place that shot. They're all older now and moved up in calibers but my son and I still do alot of our groundhog n further hunting with this round. I personally have no problem with pa sized whitetail hunters using this round...it has worked for our family over a dozen times out to 150 yards give or take and killed everything its connected quickly

[@blakevanness]

I've probably killed a pickup truck load of central pa whitetail with my 222, as have my grandparents and my mom. A core-lokt through the vitals and I've never had to track more than 50-75 yards, quite a few only went 10-20 yards. I upgraded to a 30-06 years ago, but I'll always have a soft spot for the 222.

[@tylerdurden6208]

13:51 i whole hardheartedly support the hand message about the 223 not being a wanted cartridge for the BIG game of honor. If ya gonna hunt the bigins, get a big game cartridge (30-06) or more.

[@jamespruitt6718]

He pulled a Paul Harrell on that one haha.

[@tmpace9]

I love it because of the availably and versatility of the round. Of course it's great for coyotes, hogs, but could be used for small game with 40grain and up to whitetail with 77grain along with self defense. If you had to have a single cartridge, this is a good contender.

[@404nitro]

That early Remington pump was indeed the 760 Gamemaster Ron.

[@richardpowell1664]

Those thangs have a reputation as tack drivers.

[@404nitro]

@@richardpowell1664 They have free floating barrels, but the early ones before say, 1970 or so, had seriously rattly fore ends on them. Other than that, they are great guns. I owned a early 760 in 35 Rem and after a while, I had it chambered to 35 Whelen. That was before Rem offered them in that caliber.

[@chital_shikari3163]

I used to hate the .223 Remington because I was a proud member of the .22-250 Remington club. Then I turned 18, joined Army ROTC, and entered the world of AR-15s. I’ve built a half dozen or so AR-15 lowers in the short time since then, and currently have 2 in the 5.56 NATO chambering and 1 in the “anemic 6.5”, my precious 6.5 Grendel. I’ve killed an axis doe, 2 aoudad ewes, a wild hog sow, and a whitetail doe with my 16” AR-15s using 62gr soft points and hollow points and Fusion (bonded soft point?). I’ve killed at least 3 times as many animals of similar size (and bigger) with the .22-250, using (overwhelmingly) 55gr Nosler BT and VMAXs. (All the previously mentioned loadings are in their respective factory offerings as I’m not a handloader unfortunately). The bolt 250 is more accurate and harder hitting and flatter shooting than even a 20” AR-15 could ever be. Between the .223 and the .22-250, I think the .22-250 is the better choice in terms of ballistic performance and killing efficiency. But the “fun” of the AR-15 platform, the ease of ammunition procurement even in these crazy times, and the wide range of factory ammunition makes the .223 a better choice for many. In fact I’d say I’m pretty salty about this subject because a 24” 1:9 22-250 with 75gr BTHPs is probably one of the mildest recoiling and effective game killing medicines out there (I live in Texas, so we’ll call it red deer or smaller, with the exception of aoudad, and with a maximum range of 300 yards), but it just isn’t something I have access to. Meanwhile I can enjoy whatever barrel twist rate I want and have factory loadings of 75gr BTHP or 69gr Gold Medal Match or 77gr OTM out of either 5.56 or .223, get a 20” 5.56 or .223 Wylde barrel, and go to town. Yeah I’m “that guy”, the .22-250 apologist in the comments’ section of a .223 video; everyone needs a hobby, I guess. Excellent work as always Mr. Spomer. I’m selling my Grendel and .270 to try and get a lightweight short action in Weatherby’s new Mark V Hunter, and one of your videos a while back has solidified in my mind the 7mm-08 as the best choice for me…although I might end up going with “6.5 man bun” (Creedmoor) instead due to ammo availability and still having a .30-06.

[@tbjtbj4786]

Keep a look out for a old Olympic arms 22-250 the made a ar for the 22-250 And some in the 223 wssm and 25 wssm

[@justinlance4174]

Yep I hunt with 6.5grendel. It's my favorite do it all cartridge. And its lightweight

[@richfinley6017]

"6.5 Man Bun" 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Thank you TONS for that! Amazing how a 250 Sav Improved, squoze up .007" has gained such a mythical reputation. An optimization for sure, and an excellent cartridge, but not magic.

[@justinlance4174]

@@richfinley6017 triggered snowflake alert. If u Dont want it dont buy it. Ur loss not mine. But it's the best cartridge ever squashed into an ar15 reciever. No one here ever claimed 6.5grendel was magic. Ur the one who came up with that assumption. But dont get triggered when someone wants better performance than u.

[@fisher1972]

6.5 grendel out of an 18 inch barrel is magic! It kills out of proportion,out of a light handling semi auto! I have several bigger calibers but the 6.5 grendel is a favorite

[@hedge7743]

Fantastic "field gun". By that, I mean a great rifle to carry while in the field for "incidental use". I'm not saying anything about deer or larger game, but more of a "something just popped up" shooter. Also, probably one of the most controversial loads in America. Everyone has an opinion on it, but don't automatically count it out of an application!

[@stevepuyear2738]

Hedge 774. Very well put Sir! It's not overkill for anything, or under kill 'if" common sense is applied when matching cartridge to game size.

[@simpleman4196]

I have taken dozens and dozens of white tail deer over the years with 55gr 223 it has never failed me one shot and down out to 180yards. But yes just be wise and understand what your doing

[@G19Jeeper]

Agreed. It’s my favorite and makes a great truck gun or walking about rifle

[@Washyourbellybutton]

Just say it's good for killing bad guys lol

[@NiteWorXTV]

204 ruger, 223, 22-250 and the good old 243 are all Kangaroo harvesting calibres in Australia, great for night work

[@donswearingen9805]

Soldiers who were shooting rifles for the first time? It's really sad. I watched my platoon, trained on M--1s, who all could shoot before they joined the Army, to training troops 10 years later, 90% of whom had never held a rifle in their hands. I am glad to see high school rifle teams making a comeback.

[@larrymcguire9686]

A well presented video here, Ron! This is the first video I've watched of yours. I love the .223 round. I use my rifle for plinking these days, but I have used it for those wonderful little Prairie Dogs 30 years ago, when I was much younger, much stronger, and wildly handsome! lol By the way, I did subscribe to your channel just now.

[@shalininaicker]

223 also the most popular centerfire cartridge in Australia too.

[@jaredgreen5840]

The .223/ 5.56 is an awesome Jack of all trades. It's great for anything from rock chucks to deer with the right bullets. It's incredibly accurate, soft shooting and is excellent for self defense. The .223/ 5.56 is easily in my top 5 favorite cartridges 😊👍

[@russellkeeling4387]

I have owned a nice Ruger #3 .223 for many years and it is a wonderful rifle. It is somewhat heavy though so I bought a nice little bolt action .223 when I could finally find one. It is going to be my new truck gun that rides with me on the ranch. It is one rifle I have components to last the rest of my life.

[@lisachavez6085]

How do you feel about the SAVAGE HMR 17

[@lisachavez6085]

Hello how do you feel about the SAVAGE 17 HMR

[@jaredgreen5840]

@Lisa Chavez I actually happen to have a Savage 93 in 17HMR and it's one of my favorite rimfires. Savage makes pretty decent and very accurate rifles for the money and the 17 HMR is a great little cartridge. It's has great accuracy potential, it is great for small game out to 150 yards and has virtually no recoil. So if you're looking for a fun little target rifle or something for small game you can't go wrong 🙂👍

[@lawrencelewis1036]

The 223 with the 60gr.Nosler partition works very well on deer.Aim small miss small !

[@bobgordon1754]

I have killed more than one deer with the 60grain nosler partition.

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

My Dad used that bullet in the 220 Swift to kill a pile of deer and antelope, and the occasional unsuspecting yote.

[@223dmr7]

I'm out to 800m with my 223 Remington bolt gun. My son killed a nice buck at 200m with it a couple years ago. He was about 275pownds.

[@paulmoss7940]

Have an old Win M70 lightweight and a TC Contender to sister up with AR's. They used to be one of the cheapest to shoot is the reason I kept them, glad I did .

[@malthus101]

I was going to buy a rifle chambered in 22LR but after watching this, the 223 just seems so much more versatile, I think it's a clear winner! Shame that 222 isn't still popular, looks like a cool round...

[@daanwessels4781]

@malthus101. 😮 not so cool. That's why it used to be called the "cripple" 2. The .223 Rem is just that bit faster with 55gr bullets and every bit as accurate. I'm not surprised that it replaced the .222 Rem . Added to the score is the availability of military surplus 5.56x45mm cartridges. Pulling the fmj bullet and replacing it with a 55gr semijacketed cartridge gives me a flatshooting cartridge out to 200 yards without altering mean point of impact to the extent that it matters on small game and varmints. It puts down reliably African plains game up to the size of Gnu's with head and neck shots at that distance. (After that velocity drop starts telling on impact velocity and something slightly bigger like .243 Win for example is required. Personally I alternate between .223 Rem and .308 Win. At 80 years of age, I am not partial to the recoil of larger or magnum calibres any more.

[@DrBreezeAir]

It worked like a charm on a roe deer. My friend uses it on hogs with great success. And the outfitter that took me roe deer hunting uses it on everything up to moose and red deer. He says the only thing that matters is the shot placement.

[@dragoonTT]

Bingo, any animal with a hole through the lungs and heart won’t last long.

[@nielrossouw7831]

My cousin was a PH here in South Africa. He used his .222 on all plains game. He had the rifle since he was 16years old and he always said that nothing can survive a .222 in the brain. He was a fantastic shot and I never saw him miss anything during the 35 years we hunted together. I wont advise most people to use a 223 as a hunting rifle but if you have his skill set go ahead!

[@66smithra]

Why not use an air rifle then? Place the shot PERFECTLY behind the shoulder. Should do the trick, right?

[@actionjksn]

@@66smithra I can assure you that there are air rifles that can kill a deer. I use real guns but i know there are some super powerful air rifles with larger calibers. You know there are some really poor people with one rifle in one caliber who shoot larger game in order to eat. People shooting elk with. 223 are not recreational hunters, they're hungry. I know a guy who was starving back in the day who shot a whitetail with a. 22 long rifle. He had to chase it a long way but him and his family got to eat.

[@66smithra]

@@actionjksn Yeah obviously we're not talking about necessity. The point was that the 223 is not a good deer cartridge. We should use better tools if at all possible. The original poster said "the only thing that matters is shot placement," and that's obviously not true.

[@outdoorswithroostercurrie6984]

Another First Class video Mr. Ron. I hope one day that I can get a chance to meet you. You’re one of my absolute favorite TV / KZbin personalities. And a hunt with you would be an absolute Dream 💭 come true.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Wow, thanks Rooster. Humbled.

[@mrkay1856]

Here in Australia we hunt kangaroos all day long with a .223 with a 55gr GameKing projectile. The original M16 had a 55gr bullet and NATO decided on a 62gr pill hence the extra leed

[@theeasternfront6436]

Do ya eat Roo?

[@mrkay1856]

Yeah, Roo's not bad mate, and it is expensive in the supermarkets but most of it goes to dog food if there's no signs of disease overwise I'll leave it as most of the time the property owner is happy for you to hunt for free if you can knock them off as you go as they're a pest

[@royjohnson465]

@@mrkay1856 ~At least you could cut off the Roo 'tail' and eat it.

[@dragmorian6347]

Got it backwards, bud. The 62gr projectile was the first military issue round because it fragments properly when it hits a muzzle velocity of 3000fps or greater. That required the 20in barrel. The introduction of the 14.5in barrel on the M4 failed to achieve the required velocity for fragmentation with the 62gr projectile. Thus, it was reduced to 55gr to hit that sweet spot of near 3000fps for fragmentation and multiple wound channels.

[@mrkay1856]

@@dragmorian6347 All early M16's first issued in Vietnam run ALL ran 55gr projectiles US but they had a 1 in 14 or 15 inch twist, but this never became the NATO standard.. Now I don't disagree that they may have changed it back to 55gr for the M4 cause I did joint ops with your ODA and we were told we couldn't run US ammo as there was two types and as Aussies we didn't know the difference.. so that might be it.. But anyways US got away with standardising the 7.62 x 51 as the first NATO round but when it came down to the 5.56, NATO standardised on their ball round as a 62gr.. pill pretty sure you have the French to thank for that one.. then as I believe they changed pretty much all M16's into M16A2's

[@johnganshow5536]

I watched a Beautiful lady in Idaho drop a mule deer at 200 yards, 223/55 grain soft point through the ribs, and it rolled down the mountain..😁

[@LtFrankDrebbin]

Very popular calibre here in Australia. I don't need any bigger. Perfect for foxes ( my main target). 55 grain Varmageddon up to foxes/ feral dogs. Bigger animals, goats pigs I'd opt for 65-70 grain bullet. 1:9 twist is a handy option. Bullet selection and bullet placement is more important than calibre.

[@husseinshariff1518]

Now that's what I'm talking about Ron, thanks a lot for this vid, I'm gonna win a bet tonight after I prove people wrong, especially after they see this vid, keep'em coming Ron

[@gunner4373]

It'll do anything with shot placement. I just don't use it because of the possibility of unforseen variables. Varmint, yes, big game, no. Nothing over 150lbs. Even with modern loads. I've been hunting CO big game for 35yrs and I've seen enough issues with the 243, even with good shot placement, that I'll just keep .223 to smaller animals and 2 legged assailants

[@omegaman6770]

WORD ! 👍

[@ZZstaff]

Thank you.

[@mrfood34]

Great video, I love my 223 I can shoot it all day long and for hunting I've shot big mature coyote with it they drop a die instantly I'm very confident a shot in the vitals on a whitetail dear would have the same affect . Thanks Ron

[@kitbruttig1995]

Hi Ron, there are a number of article's about the 223 vs 5.56 Nato. They all seem to concur its OK to shoot 223 in a 5.56 chambered firearm, but not vice versa. So why would you ever buy a 223 chambered rifle? For that matter, why would the gun makers chamber the 223? Is the 5.56 less accurate for hunting using 5.56 or 223 ammo?

[@ethankelso3084]

Most people here in Nome, Alaska rock a .223 for all winter time hunting use. Works well on seals, caribou, wolves, ect. I've even shot and witnessed others take down both grizzly bears and sometimes moose with a .223. No need for fancy bullets either, 55gn surplus m193 works great on everything. ARs of good quality generally perform well in the arctic and some stay away from the mini-14 after more than one person has had the bolt explode, blowing out the extractor, and yes that is with .223 not 5.56.

[@amramhakohen3923]

....and only a 3-round burst to take down the grizz, right?

[@MarikHavair]

@@amramhakohen3923 People have taken everything from Lions bears and even a fucking elephant with 22LR of all things, I don't think there's a single extant animal on earth that 223 won't kill with proper shot placement sans maybe a great whale.

[@williameberhart3505]

I feel schooled with every video I watch. Thanks

[@rdsii64]

I have one bolt action 223 (that's about to get a new barrel) two AR15's and third receiver set waiting for what I'm going to build next. If you push a 62 grain gold dot at 3000 fps ( easily done with at least a 20 inch barrel) You will be suppressed at what that cartridge can do. If you have reach out a little bit(nothing crazy) the 75 grain gold dot at 2800 FPS is a nasty round. Inside 200 yards loaded with gold dots, I have no problem taking a 20 inch AR15 for anything white tale and smaller.

[@dant153]

Great rifle I like it for coyotes rides in the truck all the smokes them with federal 50 gr . No big holes just drops them where they stand. 9 year old grandson got his first coyote 2 days ago one shot. God bless and Happy hunting

[@Richard-wz9uh]

In my younger dumber days I killed a massive 300# plus wild boar with one shot from a 55 gr. FMJ in 5.56. Certainly an exception rather than the rule. That bullet went right through that boars heart. I wouldn’t try it again but this cartridge can do more than what most hunters of old would tell you it can especially with a heavy monometal bullet.

[@luisc3682]

I hunt deers and hogs in Texas every year. For deers. 223 winchester deer season xp. For hogs M193. You hit the deers upper shoulder and they drop right on the spot . Hogs behind the ear. I have pictures of my 223 hit the shoulder pass the ribs hit the spine and the lungs passed the ribs again and the other shoulder..223 is plenty for white tails inside 150 yards and I say 150 yards because I never tried at longer range. For home defense is perfect.

[@elvenisar]

as a Korean, honestly M-16A1 and K2(Piston driven AR style rifle) are my only two rifle I ever shoot. I shoot lots of 9mm, .38spl, some .357mag, and few 12gauge from O/U shotguns. so I have very little reference to the cartridge, but I know 5.56x45mm NATO is very mild and soft round to shoot for the first time I pull the trigger. I've quite surprised to AR's mild recoils. because I always listen my grandfather's "aemu-wang(of course, he mean M1 garand)"story when he participated in the Korean War(6.25.1950-7.27.1953) - big, long, heavy and powerful to broke his shoulder bone(as just kidding) and enemies's skull(which is not kidding) at the same time when he pull the trigger.

[@bobgordon1754]

Keep shooting girl. it is wonderful that you are shooting, absolutely wonderful.

[@chetperry9283]

Hey Ron, best reviews of the Rem .223 and Win .308 I have seen. I appreciate your honesty and candor and presenting the real data!. You are the thinking man's hunter and ballistics expert.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Chet. I appreciate that! Not sure I deserve it, but life's short, so I'll take it!

[@hammer2596]

Good Barnes bullets in the 223 or a good nosler ballistic tip do a nice job on whitetails. Shot em in the head or neck and right through the boiler room and never lost one using it.

[@johnnymccann5607]

the 223 is a wonderful little cartridge kept in its limits. i have seen factory ammunition specifically for deer and will boat . i won’t hesitate to hunt deer with my 22-250 I’ve took many deer with even my 22 magnum. but if you is them and 223 you need to be a good tracker in case not much blood trail and I’m case no blood trail because chest cavity filling with blood. hogs and wild boar . not me . iam not going to intentionally hunt a creature that is plenty able to hurt me seriously or kill me with a .224 bullet. I’m my opinion for me my 308 carbine, slug shot gun, any thing that will produce greater energy power and hydraulic shock and mass blood loss . iam disabled with health issues and can’t run or climb enough if on charges so want that stomps the spit out of them. there’s only one of me and many of them. Nana and papa wishing you well.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Use enough gun, Johnny. Or better yet enough bullet and energy.

[@blankeny]

I don't think the question is what is .223 Remington Good for, but rather what isn't the .223 Remington good for? Answer, not much. It is a very versatile round...

[@jorgbellinghausen6800]

.223/5.56 was designed for putting down/wounding bipeds averaging 175 lbs at up to 500 meters (preferably 300 and in) ...and it's pretty good for that. 😉 Seriously, over here, the 223 is legal for hunting roe deer, foxes and smaller critters only...and that's good. Use enough gun.

[@robertphillips93]

Was looking for someone to confirm what I've heard about the military calculus in selecting this caliber -- in addition to the training and field utility of the lighter cartridge that Ron mentioned. A wounded enemy soldier is a greater drain of resources than a fatality. The opposite result in this respect than the hunter is after . . .

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

I use it on larger deer than roe, but I'm in one of the United States where it's legal to do so. ( Not all States allow this.) I never shoot past 200 yards (approximately 180 meters) and only take broadside shots with properly constructed bullets. Several dozen quick kills without a loss have been the result. If a person is disciplined enough to pick their shot, the .223 will do quite a lot. Not all people are, however, hence the laws regarding muzzle energy, etc. I understand why the laws are written and abide by them when hunting in areas that require a bigger cartridge for hunting certain game.

[@donnatale6898]

The 223 is the best calibre I have ever owned I use it for every type of hunting

[@denniscleversy4253]

Don't forget, that twist rate of the 223 Remington, will also determine the best bullet weight for your rifle.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Because the AR is just so fun to shoot. It's the inexpensive Transformer rifle that's easy and cheap to build, modify, upgrade, and service.

[@Wootangtw]

I’ve taken everything that walks down here in north Georgia with a 22 mag… the 22 mag is really underrated by many… they do a good job as long as your inside of a 100 yards …. Awesome video… thanks buddy…

[@chuckydubree1925]

Here in my where I live and hunt all my shots are a 100 years and in hard to beat a 22 mag

[@chuckydubree1925]

Yards not years sorry

[@bobgordon1754]

I knew a man ,now deceased, that had no problem killing all our local animals with a .22 long rifle. I introduced him to the .22 mag and he couldn't believe it. He killed many deer with it and at least one I know of just past 100 yards. I do love the cartridge. If it works in the woods at close range a .223 would be like a magnum indeed.

[@Wootangtw]

@@bobgordon1754 oh yeah a 223 is definitely more powerful than a 22 magnum …but the 22 mag is a little more quieter and the rifle’s are usually cheaper to buy and you can carry 100 rounds in your pocket … the 223/556 is a awesome round I also like the 22-250 I’ve shot deer and other game and non game with it … and the 22lr I’ve also killed deer with them years ago… I guess I just love guns in general… almost all of them… thanks for your comment buddy…

[@bobgordon1754]

@@Wootangtw Thanks for the reply. Good men in the woods get by with what the have. The .22s are enough to get the job done.

[@paulscott2323]

I Noah 35 Remington pump was a very nice deer rifle

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

My rule of thumb with the .223/5.56 is, inside 200 yards and under 200 pounds. This assumes proper bullet construction and shot placement.

[@recon1986]

Dude they are extremely accurate up to 500yds I would know as a usmc recon vet.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

@@recon1986 Accuracy is not in question here. I'm talking about the energy needed to cleanly kill game.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Thanks Mr. Spomer! I’m really really enjoying your content!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@texassportsman5880]

I've taken my share of Whitetail with the .22-250 out to 200 yards without any issues.

[@gerardgoubel4169]

Pas pour gros gibiers (75/80) kgs

[@terrybailey9621]

I know someone who's taken more black bear than I've ever seen with a little 223. So me personally I see it as my personal minimum for a rifle cartridge on deer, bear for me is 7.62x39.

[@joelmcmahan7386]

Been a fan for years, watched you for years. Thanks for all the fun and informative videos and shows on tv. Good shooting and gods speed to you and yours. 👍🦌🎥🏆🏆🏆

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Joel. All the best to you and yours as well. Thanks for watching.

[@vaughnkavon3993]

Great video, A to A+. Thanks for an interesting and informative lesson. And thanks to all those who left comments below.

[@frankus54]

It would be interesting to see an opinion on the old .222. After years of shooting a 22-250 and picked up an old .222, I find it great and probably under rated.

[@tomdavis3038]

I’ve seen what it can do. It’s a good round but it’s uncommon and unless you’re in a .222 cult I don’t see any valid reason to pursue this caliber. Just my opinion

[@coyoteodie4458]

It will do anything the .223 will do, some say more accurately. I don't have one becuase i have several .223's. I've taken gophers up to mule deer with them. Specific bullets for each task. They punch above their weight class. Enjoy your .222!

[@frankus54]

There's a few other historic cult members in the gun safe.

[@ralfklonowski3740]

.222 Remington stood out in Germany as beeing the smallest cartridge you could legally use for deer, which for many hunters in our densely populated country means roe. So while many hunters considered the .243 Winchester the ideal roe round, the .222 was quite popular back then. When I leafed through my uncle's gun and gear catalogues as a teen in the late 70's/early 80's I would find a number of rifles chambered for this round. This has changed a lot, .223 and .308 seem to dominate the market, probably because of good availability and price. While I am sure there are still German hunters killing roe with the .222, most consider it underpowered for wild boar, which is the second kind of bigger game you can find nearly everywhere in Germany, even next to and sometimes inside city areas. So if you are going to buy a more powerful rifle anyway for hunting boar, there is no need to keep a roe-only-rifle in .222.

[@agustingonzalez5624]

Very good information. Thanks!

[@jmount411]

It's a good cartridge for alot of things. I wouldn't hunt anything larger than deer with it personally. But I'm sure you could do it if you needed too. No cartridge is perfect. It's like getting a tool from your toolbox. Your not going to use a flathead screwdriver for a phillips head screw, but in a pinch sometimes you can do it. Use the right tool for the job and if you have to improvise, make sure your well practiced and using your head.

[@benoutdoors]

People bow hunt big game, If a broad head can kill it so can a .223

[@northman77]

I know a native guy who killed a moose this fall with a 223! 130 yards headshot. As a white guy, I dont have the right to do this, it is mendatory to use 6mm (243) or more for big games here. That said, 223 and 22-250 seems to work pretty well!

[@66smithra]

@@benoutdoors That's not the same comparison. The 223 "can kill" an elephant of course. But it's not the proper tool for that job. The chances of wounding big game and the availability of proper calibers make it sort of silly to use a 223 for something it wasn't designed for.

[@benoutdoors]

@@66smithra it’s funny because my friend just killed 2 deer with a .22 lr.

[@66smithra]

@@benoutdoors Is he a poacher?

[@sharonw2475]

From sept 1965 to Mar 1966 I went through basic and AIT using the M-14. Until I reached Vietnam. On Mar 9th, 1966 I had not seen or heard of the M-16. My main concern of the .556 was why are we using a high velocity, light weight round that is easily deflected by the smallest foliage in a jungle scenario. My worries were short lived as 4 days later they issued an M-60 (used the same round as the M-14) for me to carry. I guess the thinking behind the .556 was to wound and not kill......with the M-14 ( bigger round, heavier, more energy) one hit, one kill, one enemy eliminated from the field. The .556 one hit, one wounded, 3 eliminated from the field. ( takes 2 to carry 1 wounded off the field) Marines used the M-14, the Army used the M-16 as far as I know.

[@johnwolfen4243]

Thanks again Ron: You're becoming a regular thing for me. People could start talking. :) The .223 Rem or 5.56mm is a good little cartridge. I wouldn't use it on anything more than 150 to 180 LBS. I own a Remington model 700 in .223 and love it for all manner of pest. I have heard of Northern Native Americans hunting moose with a .22 Hornet, but I can't say I'd ever try that. Those Natives up north kill to eat, and their shooting reflects that.

[@Th8tsMr.C2u]

You’ve earned a subscription sir. Fantastic video!

[@ed5042]

when hunting my buddies place , the longest shot maybe 100 yards, I use my T/C venture with Barnes 55 grain , dead accurate. I am quite confident with this rig

[@devinb3397]

Hey Ron love the vid. Would love to see some ballistic gel tests one day! Comparing varmint, bonded and mono projectiles. Too many people don’t realise how important projectiles are. At the end of they day that’s the only thing that touches the deer and is the most important. Using a varmint projectile on big game doesn’t end well!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

You're playing my song when you sing about bullet importance, John. That's the whole reason for the rifle, scope, case, primer, powder... Everything hinges on bullet performance.

[@richardpowell1664]

Yep, at the end of the day our rifles are bullet launchers.

[@johnshields9110]

@@richardpowell1664 Numerous people used to chide me and my favorite hunting buddy for 'shooting up your ammo'! We tested for bullet performance, as well a finding our rifles favorite loading. We'd shoot 10 rounds out of a box of 20 to make sure it was the right load, then try to kill the next 10 critters in a row, which we did on more than one occasion. We liked the spire point 50 grain 223 bullets better than HP's.

[@michaeljoyce3153]

I dropped a white tail at just under 400 yards with a 69gr bthp last year. Ran about 15-20 feet and took a dirt nap. As for hogs I can’t count how many I’ve dropped with my ruger American ranch in 5.56. My pops borrowed my rifle a few years ago and dropped a 288 pound hog at 719 yards. 223/556 is capable you just have to know how to use it. My old man is x military and doesn’t talk about his time over seas but put a 556 in his hands and he’s just as good with it as he is with his 308 and 300 win mag.

[@adamelam6385]

My CZ 527 in .223 is my favorite rifle. Probably taken 3 dozen groundhogs and a fox. It's a sweetheart. 130 yards is my common distance and 300 yards would be a long shot here so it's perfect for my needs.

[@NYstranger74]

Oldest brother shot a big white tailed doe with a .223. He used a good 55 grain soft point out of a 22" barrel. Broke both her shoulders and put her right down. Keep it within 120 yards, and it will be fine. Aim small, miss small.