Efective killing range with .223
- Thread starter PeteC
- Start date
U want them bang flop or just dead? Bang flop about 350 from what I have seen. That's with bullets from 60-65. I feel like you could kill one from better than twice that distance. At that range, I'd prefer a good game bullet, like the 65 SGK. I shot one several years ago with that bullet at a hair under 600. The hit was a bit far back, but he went down in about 80 yards.
Talking coyotes here not many wolves in my neck of the woods.
I shoot 6mm bullets now. I prefer them for predators.
Talking coyotes here not many wolves in my neck of the woods.
I shoot 6mm bullets now. I prefer them for predators.
Varminterror
New member
Depends how heavy of bullet you're running, and how long of tube you're pushing them out of.
There's a big difference between a 55grn pill and a 69 or 75grn pill. There's also a big difference between a 16" barrel and a 26" or 28" barrel.
As an example: I have my wife set up with 75grn A-max's running a smidge over 2900fps out of a 26" tube in her Savage 12, she's only hit a couple of coyotes out past 500yrds with it, but it's a pretty similar response as hitting dogs with a 50grn V-max at ~300yrds out of one of my 16" AR's that come out of the gate somewhere around 3000fps - they're going nowhere in a hurry.
Wolves are a lot larger animal, and frankly, I wouldn't put a lot of effort or money into setting up a 223rem for long range wolves. A large case 22cal would be my minimum, a 243win would be preferable in my book. I've killed a bunch of hogs with 223rem that have been heavier than wolves would go, but typically at shorter ranges, 250yrds or less - for which the Nosler 60grn Partition is a beautiful piece of killing equipment.
There's a big difference between a 55grn pill and a 69 or 75grn pill. There's also a big difference between a 16" barrel and a 26" or 28" barrel.
As an example: I have my wife set up with 75grn A-max's running a smidge over 2900fps out of a 26" tube in her Savage 12, she's only hit a couple of coyotes out past 500yrds with it, but it's a pretty similar response as hitting dogs with a 50grn V-max at ~300yrds out of one of my 16" AR's that come out of the gate somewhere around 3000fps - they're going nowhere in a hurry.
Wolves are a lot larger animal, and frankly, I wouldn't put a lot of effort or money into setting up a 223rem for long range wolves. A large case 22cal would be my minimum, a 243win would be preferable in my book. I've killed a bunch of hogs with 223rem that have been heavier than wolves would go, but typically at shorter ranges, 250yrds or less - for which the Nosler 60grn Partition is a beautiful piece of killing equipment.
tripod3
New member
No first hand experience with wolves but to me they are not in the same category as coyotes.
My standard range for coyotes with a .223 50 gr is 300 yds. I have killed them over this many times.
Coyotes get pretty small fast after that.
The .22-250 has more authority after 300.
As fur prices have been lower most guys go for the larger calibers and just kill the coyotes with no concern about damage.
My standard range for coyotes with a .223 50 gr is 300 yds. I have killed them over this many times.
Coyotes get pretty small fast after that.
The .22-250 has more authority after 300.
As fur prices have been lower most guys go for the larger calibers and just kill the coyotes with no concern about damage.
justin10mm
New member
300 yards is really pushing it in my opinion for coyotes. For a wolf, maybe 200 at most.
There is a difference between simply killing an animal and putting it down with authority on the spot.
There is a difference between simply killing an animal and putting it down with authority on the spot.
Hidalgo
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: justin10mm
There is a difference between simply killing an animal and putting it down with authority on the spot.
EXACTLY. I don't want to chase and seek after an animal that I have shot. Not to mention what it does to the animal during that time. My opinion on the .223/5.56 is that it is a superb round when used within it's capabilities. And also when used within the shooter's capabilities. If you can put a bullet in the kill zone at 300 yards, then it will kill a coyote at that range humanely. If you can't do that, then the rifle should be dialed back to the distances that you can reliably place the shot.
Rifles in .223/5.56 calibers are used daily by people who can handle the caliber responsibly .... and some who can't. Your decision should be based upon your personal abilities when you start talking about 300+ yard kills.
As for the wolf question, I can't say that I would recommend a .223 for a wolf rifle under any circumstances. Yes, there have been numerous wolves taken by .223 and lesser calibers, but if you are going to own only 1 rifle for these 2 species, I'd urge you to buy something larger in the 6mm category.
There is a difference between simply killing an animal and putting it down with authority on the spot.
EXACTLY. I don't want to chase and seek after an animal that I have shot. Not to mention what it does to the animal during that time. My opinion on the .223/5.56 is that it is a superb round when used within it's capabilities. And also when used within the shooter's capabilities. If you can put a bullet in the kill zone at 300 yards, then it will kill a coyote at that range humanely. If you can't do that, then the rifle should be dialed back to the distances that you can reliably place the shot.
Rifles in .223/5.56 calibers are used daily by people who can handle the caliber responsibly .... and some who can't. Your decision should be based upon your personal abilities when you start talking about 300+ yard kills.
As for the wolf question, I can't say that I would recommend a .223 for a wolf rifle under any circumstances. Yes, there have been numerous wolves taken by .223 and lesser calibers, but if you are going to own only 1 rifle for these 2 species, I'd urge you to buy something larger in the 6mm category.
calling4life
New member
80gr with a .4bc at 2700 rings 200ft/lbs at 1,000 yds, over 300ft/lbs at 700yds which beats a 22mag at point blank.
Now if you're looking to reach 700+ odds are you're running a bigger rig, so you're probably pushing the bullet a bit quicker and depending upon the 77, 80, or 90gr bullet you may be over .4bc and I believe the 90gr Berger is .551. Meaning those numbers above are low at best.
If you are running a 16" rem sps tactical, well, odds are you aren't looking to or capable of anywhere near consistent sub moa precision at 600+, so you're limiting yourself.
So, 223 running the .551bc 90gr Berger out of your 26" custom rig that allows you consistent half moa, 1,000yds, 800 would be plenty safe.
Now if you're looking to reach 700+ odds are you're running a bigger rig, so you're probably pushing the bullet a bit quicker and depending upon the 77, 80, or 90gr bullet you may be over .4bc and I believe the 90gr Berger is .551. Meaning those numbers above are low at best.
If you are running a 16" rem sps tactical, well, odds are you aren't looking to or capable of anywhere near consistent sub moa precision at 600+, so you're limiting yourself.
So, 223 running the .551bc 90gr Berger out of your 26" custom rig that allows you consistent half moa, 1,000yds, 800 would be plenty safe.
Ive been shooting the 65gr GK all this summer and by the way its hitting/ringing the steel at 400yds, Id say its good up till there. Ive only taken these rounds out to 550 and at that range you can REALLY tell the difference for sure.
I hear the new 69gr TMK have been a pretty good rounds for yotes so far. Wont know till next year about those though.
I hear the new 69gr TMK have been a pretty good rounds for yotes so far. Wont know till next year about those though.