Unlike everyone else I will vote against the 223 as a deer round. A 223 will do the job under the right conditions. The problem is that unless you have alot of experiance and self-control the right conditions will be few and far between. Do yourself a favor and use at least a 243. If you're concerned with recoil the 243 and 7mm-08 are proven performers and are still easy on the shoulder. The 308 is a great deer caliber. It's ALWAYS better to be overgunned.