RE: .223 enough for deer?
This may be one of the most debated questions out there but I will jump in the fire anyway with my personal and professional opinion.
- Personally I do not feel that it is an ideal caliber for average white tail sized game but it is capable of making a humane kill.
- Professionally speaking as a marksman and instructor I will say that almost ANY caliber weapon in the right hands above a BB gun is capable of making a humane kill. On the same note, a hunter who has not at least practiced the art of marksmanship can make a .50 BMG not enough for a a deer.
SHOT PLACEMENT gents, I would concern myself with that above all else. Get out of the ballistic charts and out to the range.A large powerful caliber is no replacement for poor marksmanship. Be fair to the game you are tracking and practice good marksmanship and judgement.