But I was told that AR-15s would blow deer completely apart

Is an AR-15 good for hunting? Between the people saying that the wussy .223 Remington cartridge is only good for shooting poodles and those saying that “assault weapons” would blow the deer completely apart, I don’t know what to think. Fortunately The Backwoods Engineer is on the case.

Ol’ Backwoods hears all kinda tales about what does and does not work in hunting cartridges. Some folks say a 16″ AR firing .223 is inadequate for deer, while others say with the right bullets and loads, it can be done. Of course, the mainstream media is all over the place, from claiming “an AR-15 cannot be used to hunt deer” to ‘deer would explode from being hit with the high-caliber bullet of a Bushmaster assault rifle’. Yeah, buddy.

I’ve met Backwoods Engineer. He came to the Appleseed shoot I went to wearing the Gunwalker T-Shirt I sold him. In my mind, you can’t get any cooler than that.

 I might have to work a trade or something with him. I’ll have to see if I can get in on the “roll your own AR hunting ammo” thing. I know how to reload already, and I’ll bet I can find a few people who’d be willing to let me shoot a hog or six.

4 Responses to But I was told that AR-15s would blow deer completely apart

  1. Once I load some of these up, you’re welcome to try them.
    Thanks for posting this.

  2. One more thing: these would be awesome in your Templar Custom. You have a 20″ or longer barrel, you will get much closer to Hornady’s test velocity.

  3. Mine’s a 16″ w/ a 1 in 8 twist.

  4. Sounds like a plan to me. I’ve been looking at trying my hand at hog and/or coyote hunting.