Deer hunting with AR question

[gregintenn]

I can find no mention of rifle magazine capacity in the TWRA hunting guide. If I want to shoot a deer with an AR, do I need to purchase a small magazine, or is there no size limit?

 

While we're here, will a 55 grain soft point do the deed, or do I really need some specialty whiz-bang bullet?

Edited November 15, 2015 by gregintenn

[rugerla1]

No mag restrictions but 20 rounder would be less likely to grab on gear or stand. I bought 62 gr Federal Fusion ammo for my daughter to use when she goes with me

[gregintenn]

Thanks. I have some 20 rounders. I'm handloading. I usually load 55 grain fmj, but have some 55 grain soft points on hand. I'll have to go to a store and look for some specialty hunting bullets if they are needed.

 

I think I also have some 55 gr Ballistic Tip Varmints, and some 60 grain Sierra HPs. I doubt either of them would be ideal for deer.

[rugerla1]

Thanks. I have some 20 rounders. I'm handloading. I usually load 55 grain fmj, but have some 55 grain soft points on hand. I'll have to go to a store and look for some specialty hunting bullets if they are needed.

 

I think I also have some 55 gr Ballistic Tip Varmints, and some 60 grain Sierra HPs. I doubt either of them would be ideal for deer.

 

I'm no ballistics expert but out of those choices I agree with you. I'd definitely use the 55 gr soft points over the ballistic tips. The 60 Sierra's may actually be okay to use, I've never looked up any info on them but they are a great bullet. I did research reviews on the Fusion which is why I decided to go with them. I don't think my daughter would give me a nice look if I handed her my .308, she's only 11 :lol:

[roverboy]

Thanks. I have some 20 rounders. I'm handloading. I usually load 55 grain fmj, but have some 55 grain soft points on hand. I'll have to go to a store and look for some specialty hunting bullets if they are needed.

 

I think I also have some 55 gr Ballistic Tip Varmints, and some 60 grain Sierra HPs. I doubt either of them would be ideal for deer.

 I killed a buck that weighed 90 lbs. dressed out. I used a Sierra 55 gr. spritzer loaded with 26.5 gr. Win. 748. I shot him through the ribs and got both lungs. He ran about 30 yards. I don't think personally I'd try a shot in the shoulder. The 60 gr. Sierra bullets might be ok but, you might try Gamaliel Shooter Supply. That's shouldn't be a real long drive for you. They might have something better. Winchester makes a 64 gr. soft point that is designed for deer sized game. Some of the .224 bullets designed for deer are expensive, like the Nosler Partition and so on. Let us know if you find anything or just use what you got.

Edited November 15, 2015 by roverboy

[Rightwinger]

My son took his first buck with a .223 Rossi Single shot using 55 gr soft points.  Works just fine.  Shot placement as always. 

 

Personally, I used a .458 Socom on the AR platform for deer. 

[gjohnsoniv]

No mag restrictions in TN on rifles? I learned something new today because I always thought it was 5 rounds.

[Garufa]

No mag restrictions in TN on rifles? I learned something new today because I always thought it was 5 rounds.

 

The only mag restriction is one limiting waterfowl hunters to three rounds.

Edited November 15, 2015 by Garufa

[10-Ring]

The only mag restriction is one limiting waterfowl hunters to three rounds.

That restriction applies to all migratory birds.

[peejman]

No mag restrictions in TN on rifles? I learned something new today because I always thought it was 5 rounds.

They removed the mag capacity restriction a few years ago.

[teecro]

No mag restrictions in TN on rifles? I learned something new today because I always thought it was 5 rounds.

 

Not being a active hunter this is something I did not know either....

[KKing]

No magazine restriction is correct. I've read up quite a bit on the subject since I hunt with an AR occasionally myself. I am limited to factory loads so I use the federal fusion 62gr soft point. It's worked well for me. Were I using an 18 or 20 inch barrel I would use a heavier bullet, but since I use my 14.5" I like the light and fast stuff.


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[gregintenn]

Thanks guys. I loaded and shot some loads today. They shoot to the same point of impact as my plinking loads, and are very accurate. That's nice, as I wouldn't need to adjust my scope. I may give it a try. Not sure yet, as I have plenty of dedicated deer rifles in proven calibers.

[Jonnin]

watch the soft in the AR .. some types don't do well in some guns, making it a single shot no matter what you have...

sounds like you found one that works, if so, go with it.  

Edited November 16, 2015 by Jonnin

[10-Ring]

Thanks guys. I loaded and shot some loads today. They shoot to the same point of impact as my plinking loads, and are very accurate. That's nice, as I wouldn't need to adjust my scope. I may give it a try. Not sure yet, as I have plenty of dedicated deer rifles in proven calibers.

I know I'll get flamed for this but I don't care.  I have made a personal choice not to hunt deer with .223.  At one time I desired to do it because I thought that it would be a challenge.  A friend who is a long time hunter had done it the year before and wasn't impressed with the results.  If a person were limited to this caliber I may entertain it but as long as I have other calibers that are proven I will not use it.  I absolutely hate tracking or even worse losing deer.

[Lumber_Jack]

I use 10 round mags on my .300Blk. Simply to save weight. I can carry spare mags more comfortably but in reality have never shot more than 3 times at any one deer and that was a scope issue.

[gregintenn]

I know I'll get flamed for this but I don't care.  I have made a personal choice not to hunt deer with .223.  At one time I desired to do it because I thought that it would be a challenge.  A friend who is a long time hunter had done it the year before and wasn't impressed with the results.  If a person were limited to this caliber I may entertain it but as long as I have other calibers that are proven I will not use it.  I absolutely hate tracking or even worse losing deer.

So far, I haven't done it either. You've outlined the reason quite well. Tracking a well hit deer for a long distance was the cheif reason I got out of bow hunting. Thanks for your opinion. I may shelf the idea for now.

[maroonandwhite]

So far, I haven't done it either. You've outlined the reason quite well. Tracking a well hit deer for a long distance was the cheif reason I got out of bow hunting. Thanks for your opinion. I may shelf the idea for now.

Just a note you can get a .300Blk upper for pretty cheap for hunting purposes. Won't be top of the line or anything but if you want to go that route check out radical firearms. I'm totally happy with mine.

[raildog]

I have used a AR the last few years chambered in .223-5.56 shooting Hornady American white tail I think its 68gn with great success. The longest i have had to walk was 30 yards from where the deer was standing when I shoot it. I use a 10 round magazine and a spare in my pocket. This year i put a new Rifle together in 25-45 Sharps shooting 87gn Hotcor will still be useing 10 round magazines

[gregintenn]

Just a note you can get a .300Blk upper for pretty cheap for hunting purposes. Won't be top of the line or anything but if you want to go that route check out radical firearms. I'm totally happy with mine.

That's a good consideration. I am well stocked with dedicated deer rifles, however, and don't have any desire for an AR chambered for anything other than .556.

[Bad_Bowtie]

Plan on taking out my 6.8 SPCII this year on a doe hunt. Looks impressive on hogs and deer from what I've read on 68forums.

[deafdogdief]

Plan on taking out my 6.8 SPCII this year on a doe hunt. Looks impressive on hogs and deer from what I've read on 68forums.

Have a friend that uses this and has knocked over a lot of deer with it out of an AR platform.

[Handsome Rob]

I loaned out my (now no longer my) AR last year to a friend wanting to take his 10 year old on his first hunt.
I have him my handloads of 62gn Gamekings & the wee bastard went & dropped a really nice 8pt at 150yds.
I want to say he had about a 20yd recovery.
I butchered the deer & the near side shoulder was pretty much inedible. I was honestly shocked how much damage it did! Anthony told me that it was like gutting a waterballoon.

[Handsome Rob]

I know that if I had no other, better option, I wouldn't hesitate to take my .223 GSR.

[runco]

I have traditional hunting rifles, but I just might try my AR.