Gillster
Member
I don't want to start another debate over whether or not .223 is adequate for deer. I recently bought a Mini 14, it shoots well and is accurate enough for hunting. Where I hunt the average deer is 80-110lbs dressed-out and shots are under 100 yards, usually closer to 40-50 yards. I've been using a 686 with great results for the past 5 years but thought it might be fun to take the mini out once or twice this year. My question is has anyone tried either of the Federal Premium .223 loads, either the 60gr Nosler partition or the 55gr trophy bonded bear claw rounds? According to the federal web page they are for medium sized game. I handload for pistol calibers but doubt I will load for .223 as I mainly got it as a fun gun so does anyone know another factory load which might be good on smallish sized whitetails like we have around here? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks