.223 for deer?

[rshunter32]

Does anyone use a .223 for whitetails? I reload ammo for my .223 and was wondering if there is a bullet that would suffice for deer out to about say 200 yards? Thanks.

[goatbrother]

Speer 70 grain semi spitzer or Nosler 60 grain partition.

[sconnyhunter]

Really, another one, doesn't anybody research these things before they post. This question is asked about 8 times a year. Use the search function at the top of the page. But, in response to the question, get a bigger gun.
Keep the .223 for the range or hunting vermints.

[charlie brown]

I say no - the .223 was designed to wound people. It has taken a good following for the varmints - animals 1/4 the size of a deer and smaller.

Get a deer gun for deer hunting, leave the varmint gun for varmints.

Later,

Marcial

[Ridge Runner]

they'll work, get a good bullet and have at it, the guys who know it won't work never used them for deer with an acceptable bullet.
RR

[sconnyhunter]

RidgeRunner, some of us are sensible enough to start with a bigger caliber to begin with. You can kill a deer with a .22 rimfire if your careful about it. But that does not make it a sound choice for hunting deer with now does it. The OP is using the same caliber in a larger case. No difference, its not a sound choice for deer.

[doubleA]

Sure go for it. The bullet you choose could depend on your twist. Nosler makes a 60gr Partition which will shoot well in about any barrel. Barnes makes their TSX line in .224" from 45-70grs, with the 53 and 62gr being the best for deer. These bullets will give you penetration without the bullet blowing up. Of course shot placement is paramount.
Using .22 cal CF's here is legal for big game.We do hog eradication and doe culling with the 223 and it works fine.
I am in the middle of a 223 AI build, it's designed from the ground up to shoot 75-80gr VMaxes at appx 3000fps, it's going to be a hammer on paper,hogs and deer.

[Big Z]

I'm with RR......53 or 62gr TSX and enjoy.

[Ridge Runner]

Originally Posted by sconnyhunter

RidgeRunner, some of us are sensible enough to start with a bigger caliber to begin with. You can kill a deer with a .22 rimfire if your careful about it. But that does not make it a sound choice for hunting deer with now does it. The OP is using the same caliber in a larger case. No difference, its not a sound choice for deer.

how many deer ya took with a 223? I've taken somewhere over 100, I know they'll work, so save the bs.
RR

[sconnyhunter]

None, and I'm not going to start either. Good for you to take somewhere over 100 with a .223. I prefer a more sensible caliber that leaves less doubt as to the effectiveness of the kill.
You have your opinions, and I have mine, and they both smell to high heaven.