Here in Minnesota a new regulation takes affect this year changing the minumum caliber for deer hunting from .243 to .223. I'm not sure what to think about that one for the fact thatbucks in this statecan get very large. Just last year I shot a 260 pound buck at 60 yards with a .30-06 Federal 'Powershock' 150gr. bullet. I shot the buck at the base of the neck and the bullet did not even exit, just exploded in the upper chest cavity. The bulletdid it's job as the buck dropped dead on the spot. This buck was solid muscle with hugh shoulders. I would just be concerned that a .223 bullet (even a good quality premium one) would be able to penetrate the bone on a shoulder shot. I thought the Military's intent for this round was to injureover killing. See attached photo of buck.

Just wanted to get your opinions, as I have no experience with the .223.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/huntingthenorth/DSCN3878.jpg