@@RonSpomerOutdoorsyou remind me of my grandfather who is no longer with us. When I was too young to appreciate it, he would tell me this kind of data about the different calibers and I’m pretty sure he had forgotten much more than I will ever learn lol. I love the videos and brings back some great memories
Growing up in eastern Montana, my dad owned a 30-06, a 30-30 and a 22-250. He bought the 22-250 for coyotes. But then he had 5 sons. Needless to say, the 22-250 put down a lot of deer...both whitetails and muleys. I don't ever remember doubting it either.
I am an old man now, in my 70s after having hunted deer for over 50 years. I have shot deer with 338 Win Mag, various 300 magnums, 30-06, 7MM Remington Mag, 270 Weatherby Mag, 270 Winchester, 264 Winchester Mag, 25-06 Remington, 243 Winchester and lastly a 45 Colt through a Marlin 1894 rifle. I have failed to observe any consistent relationship between caliber/cartridge and effect on lethality. All will kill equably well given good shot placement. Understand, I have never shot at any game in excess of 250 yards and do not regret that self imposed limitation. I wish I could say I have never lost a wounded deer but that would be untrue. I can say the loss had nothing to do with cartridge. I have just recently decided that if I continue to hunt deer, it will be with a 223 Remington as I am convinced it will be as lethal as any other cartridge given proper bullet selection and shot placement. We must remember that thousands of deer are killed with arrows every year.
I used my ar with hornady american whitetail this year and got a doe and buck the doe dropped where she stood the buck took about 5 steps and was expired
An Arrow is not the weanie weapon you seem to think it is. An Arrow weighs many more times than a bullet. It imparts shock as well as killing by hemorrhage. The shaft helps to hold the wound open to expedite bleeding. A broadhead, stuck in a deer continues to slice and chew at arteries and vital organs if the animal continues to move. The .223 was intended to be light weight ammo, that could be carried in greater quantity by soldiers. Because hollow points were outlawed by the Geneva Convention, The .223 bullet was designed, in conjunction with rate of twist, to be unstable and keyhole when it hit the target. This was referred to as the buzzsaw effect. It leaves a vicious wound. The problem is that the .223 can't be counted on to do that in every case. Meaning some hits will be seriously inadequate. Out of respect for the animal, Use enough gun. A good rule of thumb, .24 minumum bore.
@@Phuc_Socialist_You_Tube couldnt agree more, 223 is so I adequate for deer only a complete imbecile would take one. Must really be a lot of pussies out there worried about their shoulders getting hurt from a man's gun.
It seems like the 22-250 is an underrated cartridge... I've shot a many of deer with it before I started handloading and I always shot the Barnes factory ammo with the 55gr TSX for deer and I never lost one with it. I also had a 22-250AI built and I've shot up to an 80gr ELD-M out to 1000 yards with phenomenal accuracy and I've shot a few deer with the 75gr Gold Dots and 62gr TTSX at about 150ish yards and they just folded up like they were hit by lightning. So I think you hit the nail on the head with this one as always and great video brother keepem coming!!!
Had a neighbor growing up who used a Anschutz 153 in .222 Rem and took his Deer every year . Said he never lost one , and only had to shoot two a second time . Granted our Southwest Virginia Bucks were no monsters , but bullet placement and being able to shoot your rifle accurately are the most important part of the game .
Great video!!! Shot placement cures many ills...I went for prairie goats with an acquaintance equipped with a 300 rum and I a 22-250 with 55 partitions. Mine dropped so fast it disappeared from view. His 11 shots , the three hits on legs and a lucky head finisher. It's the rifleman not the cartridge..within reason
harvested a bison this weekend. 243 between the horns 1 shot. its the bullet more than the caliber!! shot placement and bullet choice are always #1 thanks again for another great video
For me it's not worth switching to an Ackley for 100 feet per second. I love the 22-250 with a 60 grain bullet also, the 25-06 with 100 grain, the 270 with 140 grain and the 30-06 with a 180 grain bullet. Everybody should have the .22lr, 12 gauge shotgun, 22-250 and one of the last three I mentioned 25, 270 or 30-06. If, I could only have ONE rifle I would choose the 22lr or 12 gauge shotgun (with 6shot, 8 shot and slugs).
@@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill I’ve got one better!!! Try finding 209 (shotgun) primers for a .50 caliber in-line muzzleloader??? I call my local gun store every so often…do dice for 14 months…nothing!!! Online…nothing anywhere!!! I’ve gotten sick of looking…
@@danielcurtis1434 I know your pain. fortunately I ran into some 209s awhile back, some I'm good for a little while. If you do find them, they are ridiculously marked up with any primers. Your best luck might be online.
Good for you for finding the lefty bolt action. As a lefty myself I gravitate to lever action and Remington 7600 which I love. But, last week I found a left hand bolt also in Savage Apex, .350 Legend for hunting with my grandsons who live in Ohio. Reloading is quirky with the Legend so for now it's factory loads.
My state Is .24 cal. and over, so yes it will, but giving the warden my truck and guns isn't on the top of my list. So . 243 and 25-06 is popular around here for people who want to do both. Thanks for the common sense content and info Ron👍. And happy and efficient hunting.
The best rifle for me to hunt white tails is a .243, I have shot more deer with .243 that the the .308, 30-06 rifles I also owned. I have shot tmen out to 350 yards successfully....Just my favorite rifle caliber....
You are the FIRST HUNTER/SHOOTER, since an Iowa rabbit and bird hunter told me in the 60's that you start behind, PULL THROUGH, and touch the trigger as the barrel passes running or flying game. I've practiced it myself, and have always had difficulty trying to detail the method to other shooters on some of these utube channels. But kudo's for mentioning an awesome procedure that few hunters know of. Awesome, just awesome! Hadn't heard it metioned by another man, since that early 60's moment, but, I never forgot it.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors The man who introduced me as a 12 to 14 year old, was a venerable wing shooter, using a Grand American Winchester, and everything they hunted in Iowa, on the ground or in the air, was movin' out fast. I can't tell you, how your comment resonated with me, as you covered the topic so quickly, but comprehensively, it was like the flick of a deer's ear in deep south brush...but I caught it. So few are aware of the concept, let alone the practice, and you are the only person to speak of this method, since that day long ago in early 60's that I've heard it mentioned. Wish you'd devote a video to the topic and see how it generates interest. Both you and I are aware, it works. The success, lies in the barrels "tracking" as the swing synch's with the game...I'll not give away the "break timing" in hopes of your taking it from here. Stuff of pros...it's what you do, and why we are here. Again, kudo's Sir.
Shot placement for the win! My first deer was taken with a 22-250 Rem in SW MO and I have been hunting deer here with 223 Rem ever since. My brother still loves his 22-250 for deer out to 300 yards.
@Jeremy Chapman And at the end of the day your shoulder has no pain and your eyes are not seeing double, lol. Anything bigger than .270 win is really overkill for deer size game.
@@donaldmartin4980 Not true because hunting also is in many types of terrain . In the Pacific NW we have Hugh canyons to shoot over so a 7 mm Rem mag - 300 win mag and the 300 Wby mag are Highly popular. At times we have shot deer or Rosevelt Elk so far you could only see the horns by using High powered optics. I watch a Rosevelt Elk shot by a 7 mm Rem mag so far away I was using 10x optics to see the horns. The game animals are untouchable by short range deer guns 30-06 !
@@Lure-Benson Lol, I have engaged targets with .30-06 at over a thousand yards, it is hardly a short range cartridge. The average hunter hasn’t got the tools ( military type scope with a mil dot reticle and repeatable accurate adjustments) couldn’t dope wind and bullet drift and drop , let alone shot angle adjustments . They simply don’t have a clue and shouldn’t be engaging living animals beyond 300 yards.
@@donaldmartin4980 WOW ! was that fun spouting allot of hot air BS ! Here in the Pacific NW we have Hugh canyons and often even when I used my 30-30 I like to shoot at rocks across the canyons to see if I could hit then as more often I could so it prove nothing of your spouting off BS
I had an uncle who was a trapper in Canada before WW II. Lost a few toes there to frostbite. He told me that, during the Great Depression, poachers would spotlight deer (at night, of course) and tap them between the eyes with a .22 Short. Why? Game Wardens couldn’t hear the little thing. I was a kid, so I never quite got around to asking him if HE had ever done that. Bet he did, though 😀
Hunters! This post is excellent and a lot of fun just to hear the hunting story!! I really enjoyed all of the wonky ballistic speak and it sounds like Ron has done homework and hunting and knows of that which he posts!!! Enjoy 🏹🦌🏹🦌🏹🦌🏹🦌
I love listening to Ron talk. I just started getting into guns for hunting and I've learned a lot from him. Still haven't chosen a rifle yet, but at least I can make a well informed decision.
I had open heart surgery about five years ago, only 3 weeks before the Idaho deer opener. My surgeon said "absolutely no shooting of rifles or shotguns. The recoil will rip open you sutures". So, do you really think I skipped deer season that year? Hell no! I simply toted my light-recoiling 22-250. Shooting 55 grain Noslers, I shot a small buck at 150 yards and dropped him in his tracks.
Got my first coyote while deer hunting in Upstate NY with a 130gr Barnes. Went so fast through him at 125 yards there was minimal damage pelt damage (both entry & exit) I know people who use 243 with varmint grenades and have no exit on larger yotes. Thanks for the content Ron! 👍
Great story about hunting in your youth. My Dad used the 60 grain Partition in his 220 Swift to shoot many, many deer and antelope back in the 70s and 80s in Eastern Montana.
Absolutely! But only if you really know your gun/cartridge and your game. I’ve taken more white tails with my Savage 223 and 52 grain hollow points (because it really likes them) than every other cartridge I have combined mainly because it’s always with me. I keep my shots within 200 yards and always take a heart shot just behind the shoulder. They drop like a rock.
Great story Ron. I believe in the ballistic research as well. While I'm not a fan of 22 cal for deer hunting, I have done my fair share of nuisance tags for does using an old Model 70 Varmiter in 225 Winchester. Using 53 gr x bullet around 3350 fps. Within 200 yards, I have to admit, it knocks them down and out. Keep in mind I'm on sandbags inside box blind. Typical shot straight up the leg, lower 1/3 chest cavity generally dropped them in their tracks. All the meat was either used by my family or donated to others. Point is, many combinations will work. It is up to the hunter to know his equipment and load limitations. The animals deserve nothing less than our best effort to harvest cleanly and humanely.
Excellent video Ron. Thank you for sharing that experience with us. Many years ago, a friend of mine shot the 22-250 from ground blinds at deer at 100yds. Neck shot them all. DRT.
A button will work on an outhouse door ,but they make better things. Use a gun that is made for deer if they are on the menu. It will also work on coyotes with no problem. The .22 calibers are not really deer cartridges even if people feel the need to use them. Just my opinion.
@@coinboss5818 I can’t argue with that choice, I have been using mine now for 45 years. Still keeps ‘‘em inside an inch all day if I do my part correctly.
Excellent video Ron and thank you for the knowledge I gained about bullet energy. We have been using Nosler partition bullets for deer hunting since I was a kid and we have always been very happy
Small caliber Nosler Partition bullets are the worst! So much meat ruined from 223 and 243 projectiles our family uses em for target practice. They were found to bounce around the chest cavity turning everything into a nasty mix, then exiting out a hind quarter. My mom’s buck had a 2” patch hide blown off the right rump. Going to try Barnes TTSX and see if there is any difference.
I had a similar experience. I was hunting for coyote and I heard what sounded like a bunch of horses running in my direction. Now I'm in Northern Georgia (US) and it's pretty thick where I'm set up. I had a friends AR-15 with only open sights and I'm in a pop-up blind. It was to my advantage as that's what I trained with in the military. So I see the first buck and it looked like a Midwest monster and 6 doe were following and in the rear was another big buck all in about 65 to 70 yards. One doe got turned around and bleated so the rear buck turned around and nudged her in the right direction so without much thought I made a "bleating noise" and he turned around again and I was lined up in the instant and as I squeezed the trigger he had turned back around so instead of a heart shot I clipped the inside of the rear spine. He wasn't going far so I got out of the blind and went ahead and finished him off. I had a friend not too far away who had come up as he heard the 3rd shot and if it weren't for him nobody would have believed my story of a 15 point buck with an AR. He was so heavy after being field dressed we had to get another friend to help us get it in the back of a little Ford ranger and it was a struggle. That is likely the best true deer story that I will ever have.
Great video Mr. Spomer, thanks for sharing your story. I always learn something from your videos, and cherish your wisdom. I saw your incredible interview with Backfire, and Mr. 45 and really enjoyed them.
Hey Ron, I have a similar story but with a 223. I was in my blind with plans of a 50 yard shot on a whitetail. As I was setting up on my deer a decent buck came running up. I shoot the round on yotes a lot , so I ended up making a 300 yard shot. Heart shot, dead deer. Problem is, the bullet was going so slow it was unable to expand and it passed clean through the deer. While it was a kill, it was an example of what not to do.
Yes, 300 yards is really stretching a 223 Rem. for deer. Even highly frangible bullets reach velocities at which they perform more like traditional cup-cores and even solids. I once engaged a running feral hog at about 125 yards, 150 yards max with a 221 Fireball. The little 50-gr. V-Max penetrated to the offside shoulder hide and looked like a classic cup-core mushroom. Such bullet performance, as you saw, requires a precise heart, perhaps lung hit to create sufficient hemorrhaging.
Thank you for sharing that Ron ! I can tell you what that cartridge's daddy, the 250 Savage does to the vitals with a traditional broadside shot, and it was messy. The larger of the 2 does walked about 25 feet and dropped, the other flipped on its back and DRT. No blood trail, none necessary. That was with a 87gr pill. I've also harvested with the 22 Savage Hi Power. Same shot. 70gr pill. Same results. As long as your POI is good, you shouldn't have to chase them too far.
GREAT VIDEO RON! I LOVE THE 22-50! I MISS THE FOLKS AT BROWNELLS, TURNS OUT THEY MISS ME TOO. SO, I START BACK NEXT WEEK! RETIREMENT IS FOR OLD PEOPLE! LOL... I WILL TELL THEM YOU SAID HELLO. I BRING YOUR NAME UP FREAQUENTLY TALKING WITH CUSTOMERS AND ALWAYS RECOMMEND YOUR CHANNEL. GOOD STUFF RON!
My Uncle had a 22-250 and I took a shot from hillside to hillside in West Virginia close to 35 years ago. It was a nice 5 Point buck. Everyone said it was around a quarter mile shot. I am not sure. Just put the cross hair on the top and shot. Around 2 hours later is what it took to get to the deer 🦌. It opened up its lungs fast. Not sure I think it was a 60 grain bullet. The biggest deer I have killed was with a 22 long rifle Henry. We just needed the meat.
I think legally in Nebraska, you have to be shooting a rifle/cartridge combo capable of at least 900 ft/lbs at 100 yards. In some states, .243 is the smallest caliber allowed to take a whitetail. I’ve always been taught, at least 1,000 ft/lbs, but I know guys who hunt with their .223 AR’s (which I just wouldn’t be comfortable doing), which drops below that threshold at just over 100 yards. As always, shot placement is the most important part of the equation.
Excellent video Ron. As usual. I love 22-250 for deer. I love 60 gr Nosler Partitions. Never shot one over couple hundred yards. Like neck shots. Flat quick shooting and you can see the hit in the scope. Fun. I don’t have or use a chronograph. I just shoot at 100, 200, 300 and 400 to test actual drop of actual load in actual rifle. I make a small table on Excel. I then laminate it. I then tape it to my scope. Now I know my hit zones at each yardage. I never hunt by adjusting my scope elevation. Max I will do is hold horizontal reticle at top of back. 22-250 on deer is a pole ax.
Hi Ron, great video again 👍, you always amazed me with your stories. I am just like you, I remember a lot of details from my hunts and like to chair them. My experience with the 22.250 is a medium buck on the run and it glued him on the spot.
This is one of the reasons I like the .243 Winchester. I would run lighter handloads for coyotes and make darn sure I would keep a couple 100 grain loads on me, especially if I were out there where I could see a deer from a distance. Either that or maybe a .257 Roberts.
Excellent video Ron! If that pic near the end was that buck from the story.....................that was one nice buck! Congrats (even though it appeared to be several years back).
I shot my first whitetail with a 10 inch Thompson Contender in 222 Remington, 50 grain soft point factory ammo, a little under gunned but at 50 yards it worked, I have shot another 20n 0r so whitetails with a 55 grain soft point out of a Remington 788 in 22-250, pretty incredible kill shots most of the time. Last year I took a large 10 point whitetail with a 22-250 AI with a 62 grain Barnes TTSX at 65 yards, frontal quartering shot that entered the chest and came out the flank, he ran about 60-70myards and folded up. I have also shot feral pigs both with a standard 22-250 with 55 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips and the 22-250-AI with Barnes TSX, both work well with behind the head/neck shots or broadside chest shots at 100 yards or less is DRT.
Love the hunting stories with photos. Please do more of them. Your description of the bullet performance is why the Partition was and is a worldwide standard. I start at 30-30 in power level and go up from there, but i do have a Savage Edge in 223 i could use. It all depends. My big interest right now is a 6.5 PRC, followed by 25-06. But i need to actually hunt something. Lol
Years ago, the county I live in only allowed .22 caliber center fire for deer hunting. Some used .223 but most hunted with the .22-250, and it did the job quite well. Now when you are restricted in such ways, the ballistic information of every grain weight of every loading is the most important information you can have. Back then, in the mid 1990's, there wasn't a whole lot of choices when it came to .22-250 ammo. So the ballistics were my best resource when it came to distance shooting.
The 250 Savage works really well on deer with a 100 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip- I also shoot a 250 Ackley Improved with 80 grain Barnes TTSX that is deadly on deer, antelope and hogs, I prefer skeletal hits with the Barnes bullets. My 2 cents
@@paulblake4634 I’m shootings those same billets from my 257wby but about 500fps faster than the 250 savage will shoot them. I’ve got the gun off being reblued and stock refinished. I look forward to playing with it once it’s back
My daughter uses a Thompson Center Encore 24” 223 Remington rifle barrel with a 1 in 12” rifling twist rate. I handload Nosler’s 60 grain Partition bullets with H4895 powder . I keep her shots under 100 yards and every deer she shoots only needs one shot. Excellent tough little deer bullet.
I completely agree. I took my first 2 deer with the. 222 Remington with stouter made bullets in 55 gr. Both didn't go 40 yds. Proper bullet, energy, distance and bullet placement.
Try a .224 Valkyrie with 90 gr. bullets. Flat shooting and a legitimate 500 yard cartridge. On varmints much longer. Like to see a comparison of high speed 22’s. My 22-250 was re-barreled with a 1-8 twist and it likes bullets up to 77 grains. That really extends the range.
Frank, were you the guy grabbing that shirt I was about to pick off the pile? Fortunately I found another hidden under the blue ones. Cozy shirts, but you've got to watch the shrinking during the wash/dry.
I moved to Montana 20 years ago and it's been bang flop 1 shot kills with 7mm08 308 and 3006 except for one cow elk that needed two. Then I thought I'd take me 6mm Rem out and sure enough I shoot a big mulie like I've done for 19 years and he went down feet in the air. But as I was getting my gear he jumps up and runs off. 100 gr Sierra two hundred yards chip shot. Since being in Montana I've heard of about 8 times of the 243 failing. We have big deer so use something 6.5 and up.
🤠 Ronbo (Montana Mountain Man) - Yep! 😉 We do have BIG deer (Big Elk, Moose, and Buffalo, etc.. too) here in Montana! 🦌 And, that is why I use a 270 Winchester! 😁
Here in Arizona our whitetail get a hundred pounds for a big one . A good hunting buddy always used a 22 250. He never lost a one,shot placement an a decent range.
Like I always say, bullet construction is everything. I learned form experience the very first time hunting deer with a .223 that varmint bullets are not deer bullets. As a matter of fact, high velocity cartridges can turn plain FMJ bullets into very effective projectiles due to their penetration and tumbling. However if you’re going to use any .22 caliber cartridge to hunt deer, stick with monolithic expanding copper projectiles such as Barnes and Hornady GMX. Penetration to reach vital organs is everything.
Yeah, assuming a double lung shot and full penetration, I don’t know that there’s enough difference between a .223 and a 300 win mag to say so. Both animals are going to experience rapid circulatory collapse in something like 10-15 seconds, maybe just a few seconds faster with the bigger and higher energy bullet. The big difference is when external factors affect shot placement. from just plain poor marksmanship to taking a shot at a weird angle that affects penetration. Or shooting farther than you should because you get a poke at the animal of a lifetime. People do all those things, and when the rifle in play is only sufficient for the ideal, and it’s suddenly tasked with real world work, it might not be up to the task.
Love the story! Awesome that you use a 22-250AI. My go to is a Remington 600 Mohawk in 250 Savage with a an 80 gr TTSX. I considered AI-ing it but to me the efficiency of the Savage cartridge design makes it perfect. I also don't want to lose that extra cartridge in the magazine. I've even used it on black bear 🐻. One shot DRT.
Not many still using the 250 Savage, Fabulous. Congrats to you. But I'm not understanding how going to AI would compromise magazine capacity. Cartridge width and length don't change. What am I missing?
@@RonSpomerOutdoors well because of the staggered feed in the blind magazine of my 600 Mohawk, and the tapered angle of the cartridge you gain 1 round. You see the spring and base plate are designed in such a way that the front of the base plate will not compress as much as the rear of the base plate. This is partly what pushes the front of the cartridge upward during the clambering/forward motion of the bolt. You see; when you load a magazine with straight wall cartridges, the spring and base plate don't max out at the rim end of the shell, it maxes out at the shoulder first. So because the diameter of the sholder is smaller the stagger becomes wider and less deep, therefor you can fit more rounds in the same space. So my gun was a 308 which has a 3 round magazine, but it fits 4 Savage cartridges due to that slight taper. Try it with your magazine. Load it with 22-250AI rounds, then empty it then load it with regular 22-250 ammo and see if you would get an extra shot. The issue for me with the AI or the Creedmoor, or the 243, is with the straight wall you use 20-35% more powder, and only gain 2-8% more energy, but lose 25-33% magazine capacity.
🤠 Ronbo (Montana Mountain Man) - If Ron isn't up for that, let me know! We will see if he is paying attention today? 😉 What do you hunt there??? 🐃🦓🦁🐯🦏🐘🦄😁
🤠 Oh, that would be fun! 😁 But as for me, I am working on my house right now and getting ready to sell it while the market is good! 😓 Just no time to play right now! 😭 But, a man has to have his priorities straight! 🤑
I too love the 6.5 Grendel. I have a Howa. I have been shooting 6.5x55 SE since the 1960's. It is my favorite caliber. I am an "Old Guy" and will never have the opportunity to hunt an Alaskan Brown Bear but am certain a 160 gr. Solid Copper PSP BT would harvest one of those huge bears. Of course shot placement is important. My Husky Swedish Mauser is still a pristine tack driver but these days I carry my Howa 6.5 Grendel in the woods. It's a truly great whitetail harvester.
Great story and education. I often use the 1/4 second rule for most of my hunting. The Distance with Time of Flight of 1/4 second is about as far as I will shoot in unsupported field conditions. Once again, that requires a good understanding of the external ballistics of whatever you are carrying.
Funny in that question came up last night on a live chat. Someone was asking about a calibure good for deer and coyote that will not destroy the pelt. Several suggested the .243 and I mentioned the 6mm Remington. I did see some say the 22-250 and I stated a .223 Remington works well too. This was for close range of 150 yards or less. I mentioned that I had shot several coyotes with my .270 and the person that originally posted the question was really inquiring about the .270 and damage to pelt. I told him damage was small as I wasn't shooting the shoulder so the exit wound was not very big. Of course my coyote shots with the .270 were not for pelts either. Personally I'd use the .223 Remington or the 6mm Remington for both deer and coyotes in his situation. Thanks as always Ron for the information!
I’ve posted these comments before, but I’ve taken a number of pronghorn now with a 223 70 grain tsx. One shot kills. The farthest was certainly less than 150 yards, maybe 135. All pass through shots; I’ve never recovered a bullet. I’ve also killed a couple hogs with it, and coyotes. Working on setting up a bolt action for it now.
A friend has used 22-250 to harvest California Blacktail deer on land his dad owns right in the middle of busy Southern California, and has done so for well over 40 years. Our deer are far smaller than the midwestern whitetail, but deer be deer, and my buddy always has some venison. Great video as always, Ron, I just noticed that I've been enjoying them for many months thinking I was subscribed, but wasn't. D'Oh! Old age ain't pretty, lol!
I think a 6mm of some sort is the perfect dual purpose deer/antelope/coyote rifle...a light 70gr smk for coyote if you want to be fur friendly and say a 100gr partition for deer/antelope...
@@TheREALLibertyOrDeath or 6 creed...both have varmint loads and deer loads available factory if your not a reloader...I'd say just about every gun safe has a 243 of some sort...100gr factory soft point loads are plenty for deer in most situations
First deer I took was while coyote hunting. 6mm rem loaded with 70gr v-max. Big 13pt comes out and stops at 150 yards. Deer season was in and was on my own property. Definitely had some reservations about taking the shot not knowing how the v-max would act on larger animal (usually detonates on coyotes). Moral of the story is shot placement accounts for 90%. Put one right in the boiler room, he took one step, looked at me (I’m thinking how could I have missed) and falls over stone dead.
No doubt. What those "varmint" bullets do to a coyote's thoracic cavity they can do to a deer's if you put them behind the shoulder and through the rib cage. We routinely discourage hunters from trying this because too many of them can't be trusted to hit the right spot. That's why frangible varmint bullets are, I believe, illegal for deer hunting in some jurisdictions.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors Indiana’s deer laws have been really weird for the last 10 years. Seems they can’t decide for sure what they want to make legal or illegal so they change it every year or two. That year it was legal, like I said, I definitely had some hesitation about taking a shot but was just too good of buck to pass up and range was definitely not an issue, perfect broadside shot. Thanks for the reply, love your channel!!!!
For that particular hunt you have decribed and told us about here, i would actually have taken the .243win instead of the 22-250AI ;) But the 22-250 will work on animals like this size regardless. Of course if you are within the appropriate distances and use the correct bullets
Hanging on every word of that deer hunting yarn. You friend are the Garrison Keillor of camp storytelling. Any promos on your channel offering to win a hunt with you? If not, take my advice and look into it. I know it would be a major win/win!👏🏿👏🏿
I am building myself a .22-.243 here shortly for target shooting and the occasional feral animal. 1:8 twist to that will top me out at 80grn projis I beleive, I think it will perform much to my liking. Just a 22-250 with even a little more oomph. In a 26" barrel mind you. Gread Video Ron.
Those limitations are put in place to give the avg fudd a better chance at bagging the animal they are shooting at. Those limitations are faulty though. On deer I would definitely prefer to be able to use a 22-250 and 75gr bullet over a 9mm pistol cartridge.
@@NorthRiverGuide it would be legal to use a PCC 9mm here. I want too say there Is a minimum foot lbs for pistol hunting. But I agree, the rules are silly in a way. A 223 72 gr is a no go but 10mm pistol is fine
I don't have a .22-250 but I do have a .225 Winchester (ballistically very similar) that I've taken out a few times, though I've never had the opportunity to take a shot.
That Partition is probably about the best .224 deer bullet. Maybe the 70gr AccuBond but I've never seen any in stock. I have some 90gr Accubonds to load in my .243 Win that I expect will be a great deer bullet.
Try the Barnes TTSX, LRX, or TSX. All copper expanding bullets that are accurate, penetrate deeeeep, and retain 100% of their weight. Partition may only retain 60% of their weight.
Nowhere else can you get such a perfect blend of ballistics and beautiful story telling on such a consistent basis
@Justin Mochi I agree
Thank you kindly, Justin.
@@RonSpomerOutdoorsyou remind me of my grandfather who is no longer with us. When I was too young to appreciate it, he would tell me this kind of data about the different calibers and I’m pretty sure he had forgotten much more than I will ever learn lol.
I love the videos and brings back some great memories
Growing up in eastern Montana, my dad owned a 30-06, a 30-30 and a 22-250. He bought the 22-250 for coyotes. But then he had 5 sons. Needless to say, the 22-250 put down a lot of deer...both whitetails and muleys. I don't ever remember doubting it either.
7mm08 has become my favorite caliber.
I am an old man now, in my 70s after having hunted deer for over 50 years. I have shot deer with 338 Win Mag, various 300 magnums, 30-06, 7MM Remington Mag, 270 Weatherby Mag, 270 Winchester, 264 Winchester Mag, 25-06 Remington, 243 Winchester and lastly a 45 Colt through a Marlin 1894 rifle. I have failed to observe any consistent relationship between caliber/cartridge and effect on lethality. All will kill equably well given good shot placement. Understand, I have never shot at any game in excess of 250 yards and do not regret that self imposed limitation. I wish I could say I have never lost a wounded deer but that would be untrue. I can say the loss had nothing to do with cartridge. I have just recently decided that if I continue to hunt deer, it will be with a 223 Remington as I am convinced it will be as lethal as any other cartridge given proper bullet selection and shot placement. We must remember that thousands of deer are killed with arrows every year.
My niece uses a .223 WSSM for deer and drops them dead. I'm a fan of bigger bullets, but the little ones do the job if you do yours.
Well said!
I used my ar with hornady american whitetail this year and got a doe and buck the doe dropped where she stood the buck took about 5 steps and was expired
An Arrow is not the weanie weapon you seem to think it is. An Arrow weighs many more times than a bullet. It imparts shock as well as killing by hemorrhage. The shaft helps to hold the wound open to expedite bleeding. A broadhead, stuck in a deer continues to slice and chew at arteries and vital organs if the animal continues to move. The .223 was intended to be light weight ammo, that could be carried in greater quantity by soldiers. Because hollow points were outlawed by the Geneva Convention, The .223 bullet was designed, in conjunction with rate of twist, to be unstable and keyhole when it hit the target. This was referred to as the buzzsaw effect. It leaves a vicious wound. The problem is that the .223 can't be counted on to do that in every case. Meaning some hits will be seriously inadequate. Out of respect for the animal, Use enough gun. A good rule of thumb, .24 minumum bore.
@@Phuc_Socialist_You_Tube couldnt agree more, 223 is so I adequate for deer only a complete imbecile would take one. Must really be a lot of pussies out there worried about their shoulders getting hurt from a man's gun.
"Hunt honest & shoot straight" ... a great theme!!!
It seems like the 22-250 is an underrated cartridge... I've shot a many of deer with it before I started handloading and I always shot the Barnes factory ammo with the 55gr TSX for deer and I never lost one with it. I also had a 22-250AI built and I've shot up to an 80gr ELD-M out to 1000 yards with phenomenal accuracy and I've shot a few deer with the 75gr Gold Dots and 62gr TTSX at about 150ish yards and they just folded up like they were hit by lightning. So I think you hit the nail on the head with this one as always and great video brother keepem coming!!!
Had a neighbor growing up who used a Anschutz 153 in .222 Rem and took his Deer every year . Said he never lost one , and only had to shoot two a second time .
Granted our Southwest Virginia Bucks were no monsters , but bullet placement and being able to shoot your rifle accurately are the most important part of the game .
Another classic from Ron. It also speaks volumes to that partition bullet! Definitely my favorite hunting channel!
Mine too, I’d like Ron to start long range target gear
Do you mean like reviewing precision rifle stuff? Like for target shooting etc?
Great video!!! Shot placement cures many ills...I went for prairie goats with an acquaintance equipped with a 300 rum and I a 22-250 with 55 partitions. Mine dropped so fast it disappeared from view. His 11 shots , the three hits on legs and a lucky head finisher. It's the rifleman not the cartridge..within reason
Ouch!! 11 shots, someone needs some more practice, gentle trigger squeeze and and no flinching
@@Steven_Bresky yes on all accounts!
11 shots on an antelope. Was there anything left?
@@wesadrian6981 sorry 7 were misses
11 shots, wow. I usually don't even carry that much ammo haha.
harvested a bison this weekend. 243 between the horns 1 shot.
its the bullet more than the caliber!! shot placement and bullet choice are always #1
thanks again for another great video
For me it's not worth switching to an Ackley for 100 feet per second. I love the 22-250 with a 60 grain bullet also, the 25-06 with 100 grain, the 270 with 140 grain and the 30-06 with a 180 grain bullet.
Everybody should have the .22lr, 12 gauge shotgun, 22-250 and one of the last three I mentioned 25, 270 or 30-06. If, I could only have ONE rifle I would choose the 22lr or 12 gauge shotgun (with 6shot, 8 shot and slugs).
I’m so excited! I got a Savage 110 Apex in 6.5 Cm, and it’ll be the first I’ve ever used with a lefty bolt! Thanks for the videos Ron!
Good luck finding 6.5 CM ammo, the real hunt begins there.
@@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill I’ve got one better!!! Try finding 209 (shotgun) primers for a .50 caliber in-line muzzleloader???
I call my local gun store every so often…do dice for 14 months…nothing!!! Online…nothing anywhere!!! I’ve gotten sick of looking…
@@danielcurtis1434 I know your pain. fortunately I ran into some 209s awhile back, some I'm good for a little while. If you do find them, they are ridiculously marked up with any primers. Your best luck might be online.
Good for you for finding the lefty bolt action. As a lefty myself I gravitate to lever action and Remington 7600 which I love. But, last week I found a left hand bolt also in Savage Apex, .350 Legend for hunting with my grandsons who live in Ohio. Reloading is quirky with the Legend so for now it's factory loads.
22-250 22-250 ackley favorite loads are 75 swift sirrocco and 77 lrx from barnes works very well
If I was able to meet one person in the hunting community it would be Ron. Just love listening to him.
My state Is .24 cal. and over, so yes it will, but giving the warden my truck and guns isn't on the top of my list. So . 243 and 25-06 is popular around here for people who want to do both. Thanks for the common sense content and info Ron👍. And happy and efficient hunting.
What state?
@@thenauticalhunter7388 NC
Nothing beats the good ole .30/06.....
The best rifle for me to hunt white tails is a .243, I have shot more deer with .243 that the the .308, 30-06 rifles I also owned. I have shot tmen out to 350 yards successfully....Just my favorite rifle caliber....
Good old 243 Win and 6mm Rem. are a couple of my favorites, too.
You are the FIRST HUNTER/SHOOTER, since an Iowa rabbit and bird hunter told me in the 60's that you start behind, PULL THROUGH, and touch the trigger as the barrel passes running or flying game.
I've practiced it myself, and have always had difficulty trying to detail the method to other shooters on some of these utube channels.
But kudo's for mentioning an awesome procedure that few hunters know of.
Awesome, just awesome! Hadn't heard it metioned by another man, since that early 60's moment, but, I never forgot it.
That pull through system works beautifully for pass shooting birds, too, from doves to geese.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors
The man who introduced me as a 12 to 14 year old, was a venerable wing shooter, using a Grand American Winchester, and everything they hunted in Iowa, on the ground or in the air, was movin' out fast.
I can't tell you, how your comment resonated with me, as you covered the topic so quickly, but comprehensively, it was like the flick of a deer's ear in deep south brush...but I caught it.
So few are aware of the concept, let alone the practice, and you are the only person to speak of this method, since that day long ago in early 60's that I've heard it mentioned.
Wish you'd devote a video to the topic and see how it generates interest. Both you and I are aware, it works. The success, lies in the barrels "tracking" as the swing synch's with the game...I'll not give away the "break timing" in hopes of your taking it from here.
Stuff of pros...it's what you do, and why we are here.
Again, kudo's Sir.
Shot placement for the win! My first deer was taken with a 22-250 Rem in SW MO and I have been hunting deer here with 223 Rem ever since. My brother still loves his 22-250 for deer out to 300 yards.
Back in the 1980s-90s. Missouri had .25 cal and above for whitetails. They have since changed it to any centerfire rifle cartridge , I believe..
@Jeremy Chapman And at the end of the day your shoulder has no pain and your eyes are not seeing double, lol. Anything bigger than .270 win is really overkill for deer size game.
@@donaldmartin4980 Not true because hunting also is in many types of terrain .
In the Pacific NW we have Hugh canyons to shoot over so a 7 mm Rem mag - 300 win mag and the 300 Wby mag are Highly popular.
At times we have shot deer or Rosevelt Elk so far you could only see the horns by using High powered optics.
I watch a Rosevelt Elk shot by a 7 mm Rem mag so far away I was using 10x optics to see the horns.
The game animals are untouchable by short range deer guns 30-06 !
@@Lure-Benson Lol, I have engaged targets with .30-06 at over a thousand yards, it is hardly a short range cartridge. The average hunter hasn’t got the tools ( military type scope with a mil dot reticle and repeatable accurate adjustments) couldn’t dope wind and bullet drift and drop , let alone shot angle adjustments . They simply don’t have a clue and shouldn’t be engaging living animals beyond 300 yards.
@@donaldmartin4980 WOW ! was that fun spouting allot of hot air BS !
Here in the Pacific NW we have Hugh canyons and often even when I used my 30-30 I like to shoot at rocks across the canyons to see if I could hit then as more often I could so it prove nothing of your spouting off BS
Great video. I probably would have taken the 243 in this situation but as you said… knowing what you have and how to use it is paramount. Thank you.
I had an uncle who was a trapper in Canada before WW II. Lost a few toes there to frostbite. He told me that, during the Great Depression, poachers would spotlight deer (at night, of course) and tap them between the eyes with a .22 Short. Why? Game Wardens couldn’t hear the little thing. I was a kid, so I never quite got around to asking him if HE had ever done that. Bet he did, though 😀
Hunters!
This post is excellent and a lot of fun just to hear the hunting story!! I really enjoyed all of the wonky ballistic speak and it sounds like Ron has done homework and hunting and knows of that which he posts!!! Enjoy 🏹🦌🏹🦌🏹🦌🏹🦌
I love listening to Ron talk. I just started getting into guns for hunting and I've learned a lot from him. Still haven't chosen a rifle yet, but at least I can make a well informed decision.
I had open heart surgery about five years ago, only 3 weeks before the Idaho deer opener. My surgeon said "absolutely no shooting of rifles or shotguns. The recoil will rip open you sutures".
So, do you really think I skipped deer season that year? Hell no! I simply toted my light-recoiling 22-250. Shooting 55 grain Noslers, I shot a small buck at 150 yards and dropped him in his tracks.
Got my first coyote while deer hunting in Upstate NY with a 130gr Barnes. Went so fast through him at 125 yards there was minimal damage pelt damage (both entry & exit) I know people who use 243 with varmint grenades and have no exit on larger yotes. Thanks for the content Ron! 👍
Great story about hunting in your youth. My Dad used the 60 grain Partition in his 220 Swift to shoot many, many deer and antelope back in the 70s and 80s in Eastern Montana.
Absolutely! But only if you really know your gun/cartridge and your game. I’ve taken more white tails with my Savage 223 and 52 grain hollow points (because it really likes them) than every other cartridge I have combined mainly because it’s always with me. I keep my shots within 200 yards and always take a heart shot just behind the shoulder. They drop like a rock.
Ken I have a savage 223 as well is that a handload or factory load if factory what brand? Not sure I've ever seen a factory loaded 52 grain.
Fantastic video Ron. My grandad always hunted with a 22-250. He always dropped em dead in there tracks every time.
Love these hunting stories!! Great bullet tips as well. A lot of people here use .223 and .22-250’s for caribou actually.
Great story Ron. I believe in the ballistic research as well. While I'm not a fan of 22 cal for deer hunting, I have done my fair share of nuisance tags for does using an old Model 70 Varmiter in 225 Winchester. Using 53 gr x bullet around 3350 fps. Within 200 yards, I have to admit, it knocks them down and out. Keep in mind I'm on sandbags inside box blind. Typical shot straight up the leg, lower 1/3 chest cavity generally dropped them in their tracks. All the meat was either used by my family or donated to others. Point is, many combinations will work. It is up
to the hunter to know his equipment and load limitations. The animals deserve nothing less than our best effort to harvest cleanly and humanely.
Understand your bullet, shot placement and practice practice practice. Love the video!
Excellent video Ron. Thank you for sharing that experience with us. Many years ago, a friend of mine shot the 22-250 from ground blinds at deer at 100yds. Neck shot them all. DRT.
Ron I’ve taken deer and kangaroo with .22lr many occasions. Just last Saturday night I took 3 Roos
Shot placement is key
Ronbo (Montana Mountain Man) - "Rambo", I like your style! 😁🤭😂🤣
@@ronlowney4700 legend I like yiur style mate
Always wanted fast twist 22-250AI. Have 243 9 twist so I guess I'll be ok. Lol. Enjoy your channel slot. Thank you sir.
I enjoyed video and the story. Thanks Ron!
Glad you enjoyed it
A 243 seems like a good compromise for both coyotes and deer with proper bullet construction designed for each purpose.
My REM 700 BDL .243, has been keeping my freezer full since 1977…..elk are the only critter I hunt that requires me to break out my .30-06.
A button will work on an outhouse door ,but they make better things. Use a gun that is made for deer if they are on the menu. It will also work on coyotes with no problem. The .22 calibers are not really deer cartridges even if people feel the need to use them. Just my opinion.
The .243 is the most popular deer cartridge in the UK. Duals as a fox blaster as well.
@@coinboss5818 I can’t argue with that choice, I have been using mine now for 45 years. Still keeps ‘‘em inside an inch all day if I do my part correctly.
It's what I started with for whitetails. Never had a problem with it. Put them down just fine.
After 23 years hunting in Alberta I saw your story unfold many times. Nice buck.
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Excellent video Ron and thank you for the knowledge I gained about bullet energy. We have been using Nosler partition bullets for deer hunting since I was a kid and we have always been very happy
Small caliber Nosler Partition bullets are the worst! So much meat ruined from 223 and 243 projectiles our family uses em for target practice. They were found to bounce around the chest cavity turning everything into a nasty mix, then exiting out a hind quarter. My mom’s buck had a 2” patch hide blown off the right rump. Going to try Barnes TTSX and see if there is any difference.
Nice follow up Ron. Amazing what a good bullet and velocity can do. Thank you for sharing and stay well. God Bless.
Great advice and you have wonderful stories to share
Loved the Hunting Story, thanks.
I had a similar experience. I was hunting for coyote and I heard what sounded like a bunch of horses running in my direction. Now I'm in Northern Georgia (US) and it's pretty thick where I'm set up. I had a friends AR-15 with only open sights and I'm in a pop-up blind. It was to my advantage as that's what I trained with in the military. So I see the first buck and it looked like a Midwest monster and 6 doe were following and in the rear was another big buck all in about 65 to 70 yards. One doe got turned around and bleated so the rear buck turned around and nudged her in the right direction so without much thought I made a "bleating noise" and he turned around again and I was lined up in the instant and as I squeezed the trigger he had turned back around so instead of a heart shot I clipped the inside of the rear spine. He wasn't going far so I got out of the blind and went ahead and finished him off. I had a friend not too far away who had come up as he heard the 3rd shot and if it weren't for him nobody would have believed my story of a 15 point buck with an AR. He was so heavy after being field dressed we had to get another friend to help us get it in the back of a little Ford ranger and it was a struggle. That is likely the best true deer story that I will ever have.
Great video Mr. Spomer, thanks for sharing your story. I always learn something from your videos, and cherish your wisdom. I saw your incredible interview with Backfire, and Mr. 45 and really enjoyed them.
Hey Ron, I have a similar story but with a 223. I was in my blind with plans of a 50 yard shot on a whitetail. As I was setting up on my deer a decent buck came running up. I shoot the round on yotes a lot , so I ended up making a 300 yard shot. Heart shot, dead deer. Problem is, the bullet was going so slow it was unable to expand and it passed clean through the deer. While it was a kill, it was an example of what not to do.
Yes, 300 yards is really stretching a 223 Rem. for deer. Even highly frangible bullets reach velocities at which they perform more like traditional cup-cores and even solids. I once engaged a running feral hog at about 125 yards, 150 yards max with a 221 Fireball. The little 50-gr. V-Max penetrated to the offside shoulder hide and looked like a classic cup-core mushroom. Such bullet performance, as you saw, requires a precise heart, perhaps lung hit to create sufficient hemorrhaging.
Thank you for sharing that Ron !
I can tell you what that cartridge's daddy, the 250 Savage does to the vitals with a traditional broadside shot, and it was messy.
The larger of the 2 does walked about 25 feet and dropped, the other flipped on its back and DRT.
No blood trail, none necessary.
That was with a 87gr pill.
I've also harvested with the 22 Savage Hi Power. Same shot. 70gr pill. Same results.
As long as your POI is good, you shouldn't have to chase them too far.
My first deer I ever shot was a doe with my 222 Remington.
GREAT VIDEO RON! I LOVE THE 22-50! I MISS THE FOLKS AT BROWNELLS, TURNS OUT THEY MISS ME TOO. SO, I START BACK NEXT WEEK! RETIREMENT IS FOR OLD PEOPLE! LOL... I WILL TELL THEM YOU SAID HELLO. I BRING YOUR NAME UP FREAQUENTLY TALKING WITH CUSTOMERS AND ALWAYS RECOMMEND YOUR CHANNEL. GOOD STUFF RON!
Congrats on getting back to work at Brownells. Great company with every tool we need.
My Uncle had a 22-250 and I took a shot from hillside to hillside in West Virginia close to 35 years ago. It was a nice 5 Point buck. Everyone said it was around a quarter mile shot. I am not sure. Just put the cross hair on the top and shot. Around 2 hours later is what it took to get to the deer 🦌. It opened up its lungs fast. Not sure I think it was a 60 grain bullet. The biggest deer I have killed was with a 22 long rifle Henry. We just needed the meat.
I think legally in Nebraska, you have to be shooting a rifle/cartridge combo capable of at least 900 ft/lbs at 100 yards. In some states, .243 is the smallest caliber allowed to take a whitetail. I’ve always been taught, at least 1,000 ft/lbs, but I know guys who hunt with their .223 AR’s (which I just wouldn’t be comfortable doing), which drops below that threshold at just over 100 yards. As always, shot placement is the most important part of the equation.
Excellent video Ron. As usual. I love 22-250 for deer. I love 60 gr Nosler Partitions. Never shot one over couple hundred yards. Like neck shots. Flat quick shooting and you can see the hit in the scope. Fun. I don’t have or use a chronograph. I just shoot at 100, 200, 300 and 400 to test actual drop of actual load in actual rifle. I make a small table on Excel. I then laminate it. I then tape it to my scope. Now I know my hit zones at each yardage. I never hunt by adjusting my scope elevation. Max I will do is hold horizontal reticle at top of back. 22-250 on deer is a pole ax.
Sounds like you have your system honed to perfection, Armedmariner. Well done.
Hi Ron, great video again 👍, you always amazed me with your stories. I am just like you, I remember a lot of details from my hunts and like to chair them.
My experience with the 22.250 is a medium buck on the run and it glued him on the spot.
This is one of the reasons I like the .243 Winchester. I would run lighter handloads for coyotes and make darn sure I would keep a couple 100 grain loads on me, especially if I were out there where I could see a deer from a distance. Either that or maybe a .257 Roberts.
Here in South Africa the harvesters use the 223 and 22-250 to cull eland.
Never stop learning. Thanks for sharing sir.
Greets, T.
You bet!
Excellent video Ron! If that pic near the end was that buck from the story.....................that was one nice buck! Congrats (even though it appeared to be several years back).
Yes it was
I shot my first whitetail with a 10 inch Thompson Contender in 222 Remington, 50 grain soft point factory ammo, a little under gunned but at 50 yards it worked, I have shot another 20n 0r so whitetails with a 55 grain soft point out of a Remington 788 in 22-250, pretty incredible kill shots most of the time. Last year I took a large 10 point whitetail with a 22-250 AI with a 62 grain Barnes TTSX at 65 yards, frontal quartering shot that entered the chest and came out the flank, he ran about 60-70myards and folded up. I have also shot feral pigs both with a standard 22-250 with 55 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips and the 22-250-AI with Barnes TSX, both work well with behind the head/neck shots or broadside chest shots at 100 yards or less is DRT.
Love the hunting stories with photos. Please do more of them. Your description of the bullet performance is why the Partition was and is a worldwide standard. I start at 30-30 in power level and go up from there, but i do have a Savage Edge in 223 i could use. It all depends. My big interest right now is a 6.5 PRC, followed by 25-06. But i need to actually hunt something. Lol
Years ago, the county I live in only allowed .22 caliber center fire for deer hunting. Some used .223 but most hunted with the .22-250, and it did the job quite well. Now when you are restricted in such ways, the ballistic information of every grain weight of every loading is the most important information you can have. Back then, in the mid 1990's, there wasn't a whole lot of choices when it came to .22-250 ammo. So the ballistics were my best resource when it came to distance shooting.
I love hearing you tell your hunting stories.
Is 250 savage considered a deer cartridge?
PA does still I believe. Buddy of mine uses his every year successfully.
I recently found one in a pawn shop and plan on having it in the woods next year. I have some 100gr ttsx and 100gr partition on deck to be loaded.
A very good one.
The 250 Savage works really well on deer with a 100 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip- I also shoot a 250 Ackley Improved with 80 grain Barnes TTSX that is deadly on deer, antelope and hogs, I prefer skeletal hits with the Barnes bullets. My 2 cents
@@paulblake4634 I’m shootings those same billets from my 257wby but about 500fps faster than the 250 savage will shoot them. I’ve got the gun off being reblued and stock refinished. I look forward to playing with it once it’s back
My daughter uses a Thompson Center Encore 24” 223 Remington rifle barrel with a 1 in 12” rifling twist rate. I handload Nosler’s 60 grain Partition bullets with H4895 powder . I keep her shots under 100 yards and every deer she shoots only needs one shot. Excellent tough little deer bullet.
I completely agree. I took my first 2 deer with the. 222 Remington with stouter made bullets in 55 gr. Both didn't go 40 yds. Proper bullet, energy, distance and bullet placement.
Try a .224 Valkyrie with 90 gr. bullets. Flat shooting and a legitimate 500 yard cartridge. On varmints much longer. Like to see a comparison of high speed 22’s. My 22-250 was re-barreled with a 1-8 twist and it likes bullets up to 77 grains. That really extends the range.
I always love listening to your stories, particularly when you’re talking about one of my favourites in the .22-250
Thanks Ron!
Glad you like them!
I like the 55 grain fusions in my 22-250 because I have put them through both shoulders completely passing through busting both.
Ron love your stories. Nosler partitions are my favorite bullets.
I have that same shirt. I bought it at Costco. I love the pockets!!!
Frank, were you the guy grabbing that shirt I was about to pick off the pile? Fortunately I found another hidden under the blue ones. Cozy shirts, but you've got to watch the shrinking during the wash/dry.
I moved to Montana 20 years ago and it's been bang flop 1 shot kills with 7mm08 308 and 3006 except for one cow elk that needed two. Then I thought I'd take me 6mm Rem out and sure enough I shoot a big mulie like I've done for 19 years and he went down feet in the air. But as I was getting my gear he jumps up and runs off. 100 gr Sierra two hundred yards chip shot. Since being in Montana I've heard of about 8 times of the 243 failing. We have big deer so use something 6.5 and up.
🤠 Ronbo (Montana Mountain Man) - Yep! 😉 We do have BIG deer (Big Elk, Moose, and Buffalo, etc.. too) here in Montana! 🦌 And, that is why I use a 270 Winchester! 😁
Here in Arizona our whitetail get a hundred pounds for a big one . A good hunting buddy always used a 22 250. He never lost a one,shot placement an a decent range.
Like I always say, bullet construction is everything. I learned form experience the very first time hunting deer with a .223 that varmint bullets are not deer bullets. As a matter of fact, high velocity cartridges can turn plain FMJ bullets into very effective projectiles due to their penetration and tumbling. However if you’re going to use any .22 caliber cartridge to hunt deer, stick with monolithic expanding copper projectiles such as Barnes and Hornady GMX. Penetration to reach vital organs is everything.
Yeah, assuming a double lung shot and full penetration, I don’t know that there’s enough difference between a .223 and a 300 win mag to say so. Both animals are going to experience rapid circulatory collapse in something like 10-15 seconds, maybe just a few seconds faster with the bigger and higher energy bullet.
The big difference is when external factors affect shot placement. from just plain poor marksmanship to taking a shot at a weird angle that affects penetration. Or shooting farther than you should because you get a poke at the animal of a lifetime. People do all those things, and when the rifle in play is only sufficient for the ideal, and it’s suddenly tasked with real world work, it might not be up to the task.
I 100% agree with solid copper expanding bullets, why would I want to use a Nosler Partition if it may only retain 60% of its weight.
I like a 30 30 for brush hunting. Model 94
Love the story! Awesome that you use a 22-250AI. My go to is a Remington 600 Mohawk in 250 Savage with a an 80 gr TTSX. I considered AI-ing it but to me the efficiency of the Savage cartridge design makes it perfect. I also don't want to lose that extra cartridge in the magazine.
I've even used it on black bear 🐻. One shot DRT.
Not many still using the 250 Savage, Fabulous. Congrats to you. But I'm not understanding how going to AI would compromise magazine capacity. Cartridge width and length don't change. What am I missing?
@@RonSpomerOutdoors well because of the staggered feed in the blind magazine of my 600 Mohawk, and the tapered angle of the cartridge you gain 1 round. You see the spring and base plate are designed in such a way that the front of the base plate will not compress as much as the rear of the base plate. This is partly what pushes the front of the cartridge upward during the clambering/forward motion of the bolt. You see; when you load a magazine with straight wall cartridges, the spring and base plate don't max out at the rim end of the shell, it maxes out at the shoulder first. So because the diameter of the sholder is smaller the stagger becomes wider and less deep, therefor you can fit more rounds in the same space.
So my gun was a 308 which has a 3 round magazine, but it fits 4 Savage cartridges due to that slight taper. Try it with your magazine. Load it with 22-250AI rounds, then empty it then load it with regular 22-250 ammo and see if you would get an extra shot.
The issue for me with the AI or the Creedmoor, or the 243, is with the straight wall you use 20-35% more powder, and only gain 2-8% more energy, but lose 25-33% magazine capacity.
@@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080 Interesting analysis, focusing on efficiency !!!!
I lived in South Africa in the 80’s, but never hunted…only worked
I want to go with Ron to hunt there !
I’d pay the whole bill !!
🤠 Ronbo (Montana Mountain Man) - If Ron isn't up for that, let me know! We will see if he is paying attention today? 😉 What do you hunt there??? 🐃🦓🦁🐯🦏🐘🦄😁
Break out your credit card and let's go, flyonbyya! I know some great outfitters there.
🤠 Oh, that would be fun! 😁 But as for me, I am working on my house right now and getting ready to sell it while the market is good! 😓 Just no time to play right now! 😭 But, a man has to have his priorities straight! 🤑
25-06 is the best for everything in that area
Another consideration Mr ron is the velocity working range of a particular bullet no matter what caliber
I've seen several deer taken with cartridges from .222- 243
Another great video. Keep them coming. Lots of great info.
Great Show. Nosler Partitions are the best.
The ballistics just make me appreciate the 6.5 Grendel even more! I wish it had published "bolt only" loads with "approved" rifles like with the ARC.
I too love the 6.5 Grendel. I have a Howa. I have been shooting 6.5x55 SE since the 1960's. It is my favorite caliber. I am an "Old Guy" and will never have the opportunity to hunt an Alaskan Brown Bear but am certain a 160 gr. Solid Copper PSP BT would harvest one of those huge bears. Of course shot placement is important. My Husky Swedish Mauser is still a pristine tack driver but these days I carry my Howa 6.5 Grendel in the woods. It's a truly great whitetail harvester.
Great story and education. I often use the 1/4 second rule for most of my hunting. The Distance with Time of Flight of 1/4 second is about as far as I will shoot in unsupported field conditions. Once again, that requires a good understanding of the external ballistics of whatever you are carrying.
Great story Ron.
Glad you enjoyed it
Funny in that question came up last night on a live chat. Someone was asking about a calibure good for deer and coyote that will not destroy the pelt. Several suggested the .243 and I mentioned the 6mm Remington. I did see some say the 22-250 and I stated a .223 Remington works well too. This was for close range of 150 yards or less. I mentioned that I had shot several coyotes with my .270 and the person that originally posted the question was really inquiring about the .270 and damage to pelt. I told him damage was small as I wasn't shooting the shoulder so the exit wound was not very big. Of course my coyote shots with the .270 were not for pelts either. Personally I'd use the .223 Remington or the 6mm Remington for both deer and coyotes in his situation. Thanks as always Ron for the information!
@emskirchner Oger Good point. FMJ will delivery the energy and shock to kill, but result in little damage to the pelt. Thanks.
I’ve posted these comments before, but I’ve taken a number of pronghorn now with a 223 70 grain tsx. One shot kills. The farthest was certainly less than 150 yards, maybe 135. All pass through shots; I’ve never recovered a bullet. I’ve also killed a couple hogs with it, and coyotes. Working on setting up a bolt action for it now.
This is fast becoming my favourite channel 👍🦌💥
Glad you enjoy it!
My dad took mule deer and pronghorn antelope for years with his 22-250.
A friend has used 22-250 to harvest California Blacktail deer on land his dad owns right in the middle of busy Southern California, and has done so for well over 40 years. Our deer are far smaller than the midwestern whitetail, but deer be deer, and my buddy always has some venison. Great video as always, Ron, I just noticed that I've been enjoying them for many months thinking I was subscribed, but wasn't. D'Oh! Old age ain't pretty, lol!
I think a 6mm of some sort is the perfect dual purpose deer/antelope/coyote rifle...a light 70gr smk for coyote if you want to be fur friendly and say a 100gr partition for deer/antelope...
243 win
@@TheREALLibertyOrDeath or 6 creed...both have varmint loads and deer loads available factory if your not a reloader...I'd say just about every gun safe has a 243 of some sort...100gr factory soft point loads are plenty for deer in most situations
First deer I took was while coyote hunting. 6mm rem loaded with 70gr v-max. Big 13pt comes out and stops at 150 yards. Deer season was in and was on my own property. Definitely had some reservations about taking the shot not knowing how the v-max would act on larger animal (usually detonates on coyotes). Moral of the story is shot placement accounts for 90%. Put one right in the boiler room, he took one step, looked at me (I’m thinking how could I have missed) and falls over stone dead.
No doubt. What those "varmint" bullets do to a coyote's thoracic cavity they can do to a deer's if you put them behind the shoulder and through the rib cage. We routinely discourage hunters from trying this because too many of them can't be trusted to hit the right spot. That's why frangible varmint bullets are, I believe, illegal for deer hunting in some jurisdictions.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors Indiana’s deer laws have been really weird for the last 10 years. Seems they can’t decide for sure what they want to make legal or illegal so they change it every year or two. That year it was legal, like I said, I definitely had some hesitation about taking a shot but was just too good of buck to pass up and range was definitely not an issue, perfect broadside shot. Thanks for the reply, love your channel!!!!
Interesting. Son used a 60 partition on his first deer(doe,) in an ar-15. Pretty effective. Not my choice but can work.
For that particular hunt you have decribed and told us about here, i would actually have taken the .243win instead of the 22-250AI ;) But the 22-250 will work on animals like this size regardless. Of course if you are within the appropriate distances and use the correct bullets
Can’t stop watching Ron, great information. Maybe you could cover the .22 High Power sometime?
Hanging on every word of that deer hunting yarn. You friend are the Garrison Keillor of camp storytelling. Any promos on your channel offering to win a hunt with you? If not, take my advice and look into it. I know it would be a major win/win!👏🏿👏🏿
🤠 I like your idea!👍👏👏😤
🤠 Hunting with Ron and "blowing smoke"(B.S.) around the campfire! 😂
I am building myself a .22-.243 here shortly for target shooting and the occasional feral animal. 1:8 twist to that will top me out at 80grn projis I beleive, I think it will perform much to my liking. Just a 22-250 with even a little more oomph. In a 26" barrel mind you. Gread Video Ron.
Its like a miniature .257 Weatherby shooting 100Gr. Speed kills!!
My fav round Ron of all time is 6.5prc taking it out to a mile just can't find ammo..
I live in a state you're not allowed to use anything under . 23 caliber Hearing what other people can do with light calibers is always interesting
Me too. I'm using 165 grain 30_06. It will do the job on anything legal for me to shoot, within the limits of my practice.
@@GunFunZS I use 180 grain 30 06...works for Me
Those limitations are put in place to give the avg fudd a better chance at bagging the animal they are shooting at. Those limitations are faulty though. On deer I would definitely prefer to be able to use a 22-250 and 75gr bullet over a 9mm pistol cartridge.
@@NorthRiverGuide it would be legal to use a PCC 9mm here. I want too say there Is a minimum foot lbs for pistol hunting. But I agree, the rules are silly in a way. A 223 72 gr is a no go but 10mm pistol is fine
Good video from a veteran Hunter. Thanks Ron !!
I don't have a .22-250 but I do have a .225 Winchester (ballistically very similar) that I've taken out a few times, though I've never had the opportunity to take a shot.
That Partition is probably about the best .224 deer bullet. Maybe the 70gr AccuBond but I've never seen any in stock. I have some 90gr Accubonds to load in my .243 Win that I expect will be a great deer bullet.
Try the Barnes TTSX, LRX, or TSX. All copper expanding bullets that are accurate, penetrate deeeeep, and retain 100% of their weight. Partition may only retain 60% of their weight.