As a practical matter, I’ve not hunted deer with a 223 Remington. My deer cartridge threshold is 243 Winchester. Do I have great anecdotal stories to support that personal policy? Not at all. Have I seen evidence to the contrary? Sure have. I’ve hunted for years with an experienced and skilled gunsmith who effectively hunted deer all over the Black Hills with a less powerful 222 Remington. On paper, the 223 Remington certainly has enough bullet mass and penetration to kill deer size game and more than enough for coyote and antelope.
More than a first rifle
The 223 Remington cartridge, in concert with a bolt action rifle, is a great place for a new shooter to begin. The combination typically provides a high degree of mechanical accuracy, well beyond most shooter’s capabilities. The combination has virtually no recoil and it is inexpensive to shoot. For old guys like me, who have been at this for a very long time, The 223 Remington and a bolt action rifle are a good fit. It’s enjoyable to have a rifle handy that is relaxing to shoot and not beating you profusely about the head and shoulders with every shot fired.
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Remington Model Seven |
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| Manufactured | Ilion, NY |
| Model | Model Seven Synthetic #85910 |
| Type | Bolt Action |
| Caliber | .223 Remington |
| Magazine Capacity | 5+1 |
| Barrel Length | 20″ |
| Rifling | 1:12″ |
| Weight | 6.50 Lbs |
| Overall Length | 39.25“ |
| Stock | Composite |
| Hardware | Blued Alloy + Anodized Alum |
| Length of Pull | 12.75″ |
| Drop at comb | 0.750″ |
| Drop at heel | 1.750″ |
| Rear Sight | Clean |
| Front Sight | Clean |
| Scope | D&T |
| Trigger Pull | 4.5 lbs. Adjustable |
| Safety | 2 Position Thumb |
| MSRP | $702 |
| Also in: .243 Win, 260 Rem, 7mm-08 Rem, and 308 Win. 243 Rem, 7mm-08 Rem available with 20″ & 18″ barrel | |
No overmolding
The Remington’s stock is substantially molded, no hollow drum sound, however it does not have a soft over molded or grip area inserts. The overall surface of the stock, however, is not slick in the least and the stippled grip areas provide a sure hold.
| Remington Core Lokt 55 Grain Factory Ammo | |||||||
| Range | 0 | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 |
| Velocity – fps | 3113 | 2886 | 2668 | 2462 | 2264 | 2077 | 1899 |
| Energy – ft.-lbs. | 1183 | 1017 | 870 | 740 | 626 | 527 | 441 |
| Momentum – lbs-sec | 0.76 | 0.70 | 0.65 | 0.60 | 0.55 | 0.51 | 0.46 |
| Path – in. | -1.5 | 1.1 | 2.6 | 2.9 | 1.8 | -1.0 | -5.9 |
On a maximum ordinate of +3″, point blank range is 273 yards with a 27 yard or 235 yard zero. Not too shabby for a compact firearm. Certainly flat shooting and hard hitting enough for varmint hunting at 300 yards.
If I were to hunt deer with the 223 Remington the range would have to be restricted to 100 yards to 150 yards. In Maine that wouldn’t be a problem because the area is so densely wooded that 50 yard shots are much more prevalent than anything longer. The thought of hunting with a 6.5 lb rifle in the cold and snow does offer an incentive to work with this combination. Even if deer is not on the list, there are still, bobcat, coyote and fox. Hunting out of the area, hog hunting would be a reasonable application.
Conclusion
About where I started. The little Model Seven is an excellent light rifle for both recent and experienced hunters and recreational shooters. After trying several premium factory loads and a few favorite handloads with consistent sub MOA 100 yard three shot group results, I know I wouldn’t be bored getting in practice at the range and I wouldn’t be disappointed when hunting. Maybe this is a good one for a grandson? Maybe a good one for me.
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