In Louisiana, any centerfire larger than .22 caliber is legal. So a .223 is a legal deer round. I took a 6 point with mine last year. I didn't take it out for deer this year, but I did get a coyote with it. I like to use all the weapons in my locker if I can, I don't like "safe queen" rifles. If it's in there, I'm putting it to work. Other than that, I don't really have a reason to take the .223 out for deer. Didn't think I needed one.