Small Caliber Rifle Ammo for Deer

[Nanuk]

It’s all in the title, taking boys down to NC in couple weeks , One is shooting a .243 with Hornady Ammo & the other , a 22-250 Barrel (thanx Slayer) attached to a TC . We’ve used Remington 55grain PSP without loosing any game but wanted something with a little more powerful , so there is less of a margin for error. I looked at Hornady 50 grain Varmint Max but , I didn’t how they would be on Deer .

[MikeStaten]

Varmint bullets are going to blow up and offer virtually no penetration. For 22-250 speeds, I'd look at a Barnes TTSX or Nosler Partition type bullet, something that will hold together. Even with those, I'd only take broadside lung/heart shots.

[Bill from NJ]

Too much fragmentation.

 

But, if you like extra copper, and lead in your diet...... Go for it.

[Bucndoe]

Go to a larger caliber and used managed recoil ammo

[not on the rug]

I know you "can" kill deer with something like that, but why would you even want to try?

 

When I shoot a deer with a gun I want it to die instantly.  35 Remington.  30.06.  30-30.  270.  308.  243 is a little on the light side, but typically adequate.  I wouldn't feel comfortable with any 22-250 load on a deer unless I was taking a headshot.  And I would never take a headshot. 

 

Also, those loads are so damn light, and deflect very easily.  I'd be wary of any shot that wasn't in a wide open field.  

 

Just my opinion though, take it for what it is

[Nanuk]

VDep hit me up with these ...

 

 

 

 

 

Then offered me his .243 which is the route I’ll take

[Gobblengrunt]

22-250 Barnes tsx bullet will drop a deer in its tracks every time if put in its boiler room without hitting shoulder bone

[Lunatic]

I know you "can" kill deer with something like that, but why would you even want to try?

 

When I shoot a deer with a gun I want it to die instantly.  35 Remington.  30.06.  30-30.  270.  308.  243 is a little on the light side, but typically adequate.  I wouldn't feel comfortable with any 22-250 load on a deer unless I was taking a headshot.  And I would never take a headshot. 

 

Also, those loads are so damn light, and deflect very easily.  I'd be wary of any shot that wasn't in a wide open field.  

 

Just my opinion though, take it for what it is

 

 

22-250 drops them down in place. Great round.

[51smd]

You also need to make sure your rate of twist of your barrel will stabilize your heavier bullets.... 

[mattg1500]

I would use 95gr federal prems with nosler ballistic tip in the 243. 22 250 i have no idea as i pers wouldnt use on deer