i've been casting about looking for a .223 solid to use on deer/coyote. I'm traveling and just going to take the .223. It shoots 68 gr bthp really well and that's probably ok if I choose my shot but I'd like to try some solids if anyone loads them. No, it won't group 55, or 60, or 64. Only 50 gr ballistic tip or the 68's. The reason I ask is that the exits on fox or coyotes is awesome with those two bullets and I wanted to see if I could tone it down a bit.
As has been stated, FMJ does not perform well on game and will result in more crippled animals than a hunting bullet, such as the NBT's which shoot well in your rifle. I am assuming that the "ballistic tips" you refer to are Noslers.
I've done ADC on several large ranches for past 15 years and the 55 gr. NBT is my bullet of choice for coyotes. Landowners have asked me to cull whitetail does and help w/hog control on several occasions while focusing on coyotes, resulting in many "shots with whatcha got", the 223 AR. While I don't recommend the .223 as the best caliber for the job of deer or hog hunting, it is perfectly adequate for the task with
careful shot placement and a well constructed bullet.
When specifically targeting deer or hogs, I carried a .308, but if I only had the AR I would switch to 60 grain Nosler Partition, if time permitted. If not, the .55 gr. NBT was up to the task.
One exception: Do not try full frontal shot between the eyes on a hog with the NBT's as the bullet will splash and ricochet, not penetrating the skull.
Never tried it, but suspect the NP would also ricochet due to the flat angle of the nose.
While the .55 gr. NBT is probably adequate for a good double lung shot on a mature hog at reasonable range, I never tried it on larger hogs. Broadside head shots between eye and ear produce DRT results on hogs. The white spot on neck of a deer or junction of spine @ skull works on deer.
Unfortunately, there just isn't one
best bullet for every application. Fur friendly bullets will fall short on larger game and vice versa, but FMJ bullets are most effective @ punching paper.
Regards,
hps