223 caliber hunting rifles which one to choose

May 11, 2019
Weapons and ammunition
Natali Michaelis

One of the most famous varieties of 5.56 military ammunition is the 223 Remington, which was specifically created for hunting purposes. This cartridge can rightfully be considered universal, since it is ideal for hunting roe deer, small fur-bearing animals and even ducks. However, such a fishery has, of course, certain features. In our article we will talk about what kind of game the 223 REM caliber can be used for, how to do it correctly, and so on.

Specifications

Before you understand who you can hunt with the 223 REM caliber, you need to find out its tactical and technical characteristics. This information often allows you to draw analytical conclusions based on certain data, after which all that remains is to confirm your thoughts in practice. So, the characteristics of caliber 223 REM are as follows:

The civilian modification is intended exclusively for hunting, but, if necessary, can be used for combat operations. In America, this type of ammunition is also actively used for sports and training purposes, since it is considered one of the cheapest.

The fundamental difference between the 223 REM caliber and the 222 is that the civilian version uses a lighter bullet, as well as a relatively small amount of gunpowder. This results in a change in ballistic properties because hunters don't want the trophy value of their prey to drop too much.

History of the modification

During combat operations in North Korea, the Pentagon leadership came to the conclusion that the American army needed fundamentally new types of weapons, as well as cartridges for them. At that time, the cartridge in service was the 30-06, which made too much noise when used with automatic weapons, and also had excessive recoil. That is why it was necessary to develop a new ammunition that would take into account all the shortcomings of the previous model, and also make significant changes to its design.

The development was entrusted to the then famous weapons company Remington Arms, which developed not only new types of weapons, but also ammunition for them. This is how the first 223 caliber cartridge was created, which over time became the main ammunition for weapons in NATO. However, its various modifications have found application in the civilian sphere of activity, including hunting.

Benefits of 223 REM Ammo

This type of ammunition has a whole list of positive aspects and significant advantages over analogues. The main one is high accuracy at a distance of up to 200 meters. Considering that hunting for the main species of animals will be carried out precisely from this distance, such a plus is very useful for both beginners and professional hunters.

Caliber 223 REM in mm is only 5.56. Because of this, recoil remains almost minimal even in combat versions of this cartridge. What can we say about the civilian modification, which uses a smaller amount of gunpowder.

It is also impossible not to note the relatively low cost of 223 REM cartridges. However, this does not apply to all varieties. For example, ammunition marked Win is a little more expensive, but its technical characteristics are noticeably higher. Of course, you can purchase cheaper domestic analogues, but this does not make imported versions of cartridges any less in demand.

Russian systems chambered for .223 Remington

On the Russian market, the largest number of weapons chambered for this caliber is produced by , (Vyatsko-Polyansk). The company produces 4 carbines:

Vepr-223 - produced since 1998;
Vepr-223 Pioneer - produced since 1999;
Vepr Super 223 - produced since 2000;
Vepr-1V - produced since 2001.

The design of all these carbines is based on the time-tested design of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. Carbines use many of its components, components, technologies, etc. This is justified by the fact that we have been producing this machine for a long time. That is why they have a lot in common: the automatic operation is powered by a gas engine, the locking system is implemented by turning the shutter, the magazine is detachable, box-shaped - and much more.

Using a cartridge for hunting

However, to successfully shoot a large animal, you will first have to study its anatomical features, since if you do not kill the predator with one shot, this can lead to tragic consequences. For most wild animals, the weak spots are the head and chest, so aim there. By the way, almost all 223 REM caliber carbines have an excellent optical sight, which allows you not only to make a well-aimed shot from a long distance, but also to use optics for reconnaissance of the area.

Vepr-1V REM(SOK-1V)

Production of the Vepr-1V REM carbine began in 2001. The model received the index “SOK-1B”.

The weapon turned out to be very specific. If we talk about it in a nutshell, it is simply a Kalashnikov light machine gun, adapted for .223 Remington cartridges. There is a bipod, a folding buttstock, a slotted flash suppressor, a pencil case with various attributes in the buttstock, a cleaning rod under the barrel and a rear sight with an adjustment mechanism - everything is like on the above-mentioned military weapons. Although, of course, the trigger mechanism of the carbine allows firing exclusively with single shots.

This weapon is an excellent choice for true connoisseurs of the military style. The low prevalence of this modification is due to the lack of shooting ranges in Russia.

The main feature of this carbine is the drum magazine, the capacity of which is severely limited by current legislation: the shooter can place no more than 10 charges in it. You can also use box magazines with 5 or 10 rounds. The body of the carbine has a rail for installing an optical sight.

Model specifications:

The cartridges used for shooting are .223 Remington;
The magazine holds up to 10 ammunition;
The most effective shooting with good accuracy is achieved at a distance of up to 300 meters;
The weight of the unloaded gun is 5,200 grams;
The length of the gun barrel is 590 millimeters;
The total length of the gun is 1,065 millimeters;
Working resource reserve – 4000 shots.

Is it possible to hunt birds?

While figuring out what you can hunt with the 223 REM, you can't help but answer the fairly common question of whether this type of ammunition can be used when hunting ducks or geese. This is what novice hunters most often think about, for whom hunting for birds represents the classic shooting of flying birds with a double-barreled shotgun loaded with shot. However, hunting from hidden areas or along the coast is far from the only way to obtain dietary poultry meat.

Features of hunting a predatory animal

Some of the best rifles for hunting are the 223 REM CZ carbines. For example, the 550 model is ideal for a beginner; it already comes with an optical sight that does not require a lot of setup. You can also use the domestic analog “Bars-4-1” in caliber 223 REM, which has slightly reduced combat characteristics, but is relatively inexpensive. In general, you can find quite a few models for this type of ammunition, but you should choose only those carbines that have been tested by time, and not buy cheap analogues from unknown manufacturers.

Design of the Vepr-223(SOK-97) carbine

This weapon is the base model of the complex and is designated “Sok-97”. The model has been produced since 1998. Its design is made in the style of the first “Boars”, which the company produced for .308 Winchester charges. This modification of the weapon is the most versatile in the .223 Remington complex and at the same time has the lowest price tag.

The forend of the carbine is made of walnut wood and has a U-shape. The sighting mechanism is identical to machine gun ones: there is a limitation on digitizing ranges, the base of the front sight has been made more convenient, which in the forest clings less to branches. It is possible to install an optical sight.

There are different versions of this gun: with a barrel length of 420, 520 and 590 millimeters, the kit may include an optical sight, a convenient case with a belt, as well as a special mixture for cleaning and lubricating the gun. The main feature of the Vepr-223 REM carbine is its low cost. And if you also use domestic cartridges, then the gun will be an ideal option for training, recreational shooting and hunting small animals. It is worth noting that there are not yet enough specialized training grounds and shooting ranges for recreational shooting in our country.

Technical characteristics of Vepr-223 REM:

For shooting, .223 Remington caliber cartridges are used;
The magazine holds 5 rounds;
The optimal range for effective shooting is 300 meters;
The weight of the unloaded gun is 4,200 grams;
The barrel length is 420/520/590 millimeters;
The total length of the gun is 910/1010/1080 millimeters;
The width of the gun is 75 millimeters;
The height of the gun is 200 millimeters.

How to avoid damaging the fur of fur-bearing game?

The best time of year for hunting fur-bearing animals is winter, when foxes and hares grow beautiful and thick fur. It can also be quite simple to identify the animal by tracks and trails that are clearly visible on the white snow. To increase your chances of a successful hunt, you can use a four-legged assistant who can quickly pick up the scent. However, hunting should be carried out from the approach, and not from the drive. If you constantly run after the dog, you will become very exhausted, which is why you will not be able to make a well-aimed shot, since the aiming bar in the optics will shake a lot.

Night hunt

Well, since we’re talking about night hunting, we can’t help but mention wild boars, since wild boars also fall into the category of animals that can be hunted with 223 REM. It will be very dangerous to hunt this animal from the approach alone, so it is best to use storage sheds and bait. If you decide to go wild boar hunting with a partner, then you will need to give him a car headlight and battery, the light of which will strongly dazzle the animal and give you visibility. Shoot the beast in the head to kill it in one shot.

Weapon Selection

Now you know who you can hunt with 223 REM. However, the success of such an event often depends on a correctly selected carbine, which will become your reliable companion for many years. Foreign manufacturers, as well as domestic ones, offer a fairly wide range of rifles of this caliber, which are ideal for hunting. For example, one of the best examples is the Adar-2-15 carbine of 223 rem caliber, which is used not only in Russia, but also in foreign countries.

223 caliber hunting rifles which one to choose

I’m mainly interested in the hog, I’ve been thinking for a long time about what caliber to go with, I decided on 223, but if someone corrects it, I’ll be grateful

PS also thought about a combined option, but still didn’t understand whether I needed it.

thanks, and in what version? The website has a large selection of modifications in this caliber, both varmint and hunter.

quote: Muzzle thread. Idk what is this, something with the barrel

Apparently you can screw something in there.

quote: Brown makes good rifles, but X level Tiki, no Saki! X has a worse magazine, no sights, Sako 85 is all iron, better and more beautiful, in the USA the price is about $2000 and that’s worth a lot. Amer never raises prices. When you pick up Saku 85 you will see the perfect quality of everything, even inside under the tree. It’s a pity, but they are not in stores and will not be until this government:

Tikki has no plastic on the shutter for several years now. Yes, and on the old ones it takes a few seconds to change it. All that's left are the plastic magazine and triggerguard. The Sako is a really high-quality rifle, but if for hunting then the Tikki is enough.

quote: Originally posted by wildhinter: what difference will there be in the price between Takka and Sako?

I can’t speak for Russia, but here on average it’s one and a half times.

quote: Originally posted by wildhinter: serious difference. I haven’t yet found a price on the Internet for either this or that, everything is made to order.

Have you heard anything about sanctions?

quote: Please recommend a carbine in 223 caliber in 8 twist

and so, in my opinion, the combo is also interesting, and 12 gauge is at hand and rifled

USA, Germany, Finland. Incl. from imports CZ or Italians. Or Orsis. You can also buy Lobaevskaya