.243Heartshot

Hey guys, what is the smallest caliber you would use for deer hunting these are mine, .22 at 20 yards or less, .222, .223, .22-50, .243. I have not and will not use anything bigger than a .243, personally I have been out with a .22 when money is tight so did all my uncles. father , grandma, etc. Remember in Tennessee where we live it was legal at the time and during hunting season. But we were all very good shots being able to hit a nickel at 50 yards with open sights.

J The Deer Slayer

I've killed a doe with a 22. mag before. head shot. Not something I'm proud of.

Slapout_hunter1202

.223 is the smallest I would go.

I personally have never shot a deer with one, but my buddy shot one for years.
I wouldn't suggest shooting a good size deer in the shoulder. I would shoot most any deer in the neck with the .223

Shaun_300

In general I wouldn't go any smaller than a .243, but if I was hunting in a spot where I know I wouldn't be shooting any further than 25-30 yards, I'd take the .22-250 and be comfortable with it.

salukipv1

Personally .243Win.

I'm sure with a .220 swift or .22-250 loaded heavy and fairly close range, could probably do the job, but why push how light you can go....

.243 win, or .270win, no kick, plenty of power to get the job done, even those cartridges can lose deer with good shots etc...ad with less than perfect shots why risk wounding anything.

kingofspring

For average ranges ( 20-100 yds), just about any of the centerfire .22's is plenty of gun, provided the shooter can put a bullet where he means to, and knows where to put it. Most of us, myself included, use something a little larger.

.243Heartshot

If money is very low since we own crops and stuff we use the .22 mostly because it works every time you just have to know your range and how far the deer is. I have the same rifle my great grandpa used to shoot management deer and to feed our family, and guess what it is a .22, and I will continue to use until they peel it off my dead body. he reason I use is because it is totally legal, Because the warden knows our family and gave us the go ahead. Bottom line is don't use the .22 if you don't know how it shoots our family is very familiar with the gun and we shoot very good.

Rory/MO

I normally use a .177 caliber pellet gun. Shoots real nice.

tyleryeags

lightess i would go is a .243 thats what i use

timbercruiser

.243