Speer 70 grain Semi Pointed /223?

07 June 2003, 04:11

B17G

Has anyone here tried this bullet on deer in states where the deer are not that big and a 223 is just fine to take them with?

I have had real good luck with this combo, in a Winchester featherweight in 223.

The 70 grain Speer is definitely not a varmint bullet ( ie: fragile).

28 grains of H380 give me about 3100 fps out of a 22 inch barrel, with mag primers and 3,000 with Rem 7 1/2 primers.

07 June 2003, 05:06

TXPO

I tried those bullets in my .224 TTH (.224-6mm) and found out they don't like to be driven fast...about half blew up! I'll have to try them in my 223.

07 June 2003, 11:44

BR5555

SEAFIRE, I USED THE .223 A GREAT DEAL FOR DEER ABOUT 25YRS AGO AND TOOK AT LEAST 20-25 DEER WITH THEM. I TRIED SEVERAL BULLETS FROM 55 TO 70 GRAINS, AND THE 70GR SPEER WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITES. I ALSO REALLY LIKED THE 63GR.SIERRA SEMIPOINTED BULLET. I USED A COUPLE OF THE 60GR. SLUGS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM KILLING DEER WITH ANY OF THEM. THEY SEEMED TO GO DOWN ABOUT AS FAST AS WHEN SHOT WITH ANYTHING ELSE. TO KEEP THE BULLET ENERGY UP SHOTS NEED TO BE KEPT TO NOT MUCH OVER 200YDS.

07 June 2003, 15:01

olarmy

I've taken a few doe with the 70 gr Speer in a 22-250 at about 3100 fps. They worked fine, good expansion and complete penetration with broadside shots. Would be reluctant to try them for serious trophy hunting(larger deer, potential angling shots). Shot a coyote with a 70 gr Speer from a 225 Win...little expansion and the yote ran quite a ways. It's not a good varmit bullet. Jim

08 June 2003, 04:53

B17G

Olarmy:

I agree, the 70 gr Speer is not a varmint bullet, as the animal does not offer enough mass for the bullet to mushroom. It is a hard bullet.

It was designed for Deer ( my speculation) but is not marketed that way, because of those that freak out when you use a 22 caliber for deer.

I use it in a 223, ( not the only caliber I carry mind you, usually I throw a load into the truck, in case I come across a deer while out hunting something else with the 223). I did try it in a 22/250, but as you show your velocity at 3100 fps, that is about all I got except with H414. In the 223, I get between 3000 and 3050.

I also agree the 63 SSP from Sierra is my second choice. Never carried the Winchester 64 grain SPs but I expect that would be a good performer.

It is funny how these bullets don't work for people who read gun magazines, but works just fine for farmers and country people who don't read those magazines, don't ya think?? [Confused]

08 June 2003, 10:31

olarmy

seafire: yep, it's not too hard to kill a deer....especially under ideal conditions (such as standing broadside at <100 yds). Come to think of it, I wouldn't want anyone shooting at ME with a 223 loaded with 70 gr Speers! Jim

14 June 2003, 12:48

Johnly

quote:
Originally posted by seafire:
Olarmy:

I agree, the 70 gr Speer is not a varmint bullet, as the animal does not offer enough mass for the bullet to mushroom. It is a hard bullet.

It was designed for Deer ( my speculation) but is not marketed that way, because of those that freak out when you use a 22 caliber for deer.

I use it in a 223, ( not the only caliber I carry mind you, usually I throw a load into the truck, in case I come across a deer while out hunting something else with the 223). I did try it in a 22/250, but as you show your velocity at 3100 fps, that is about all I got except with H414. In the 223, I get between 3000 and 3050.

I also agree the 63 SSP from Sierra is my second choice. Never carried the Winchester 64 grain SPs but I expect that would be a good performer.

It is funny how these bullets don't work for people who read gun magazines, but works just fine for farmers and country people who don't read those magazines, don't ya think??

I've shot a couple of deer with the 70 Speer with good results. I shot a few more with the old 60 gr. Nosler solid base bullet. I recently picked up a box of 60 gr. Nosler partition bullets and think they'll be the best choice if they shoot well through my Kimber.