In the recent months I have read on many forums people critizing the 223 as a effective deer round, (they are supposedly only effective on small deer at close range), so I made it a point to shoot my deer this year with My Ruger 77 MKII 223 to show people that they are indeed a effective deer cartridge when using the right bullet and making good shot judgement.
The rifle.
The buck.
I used a Nosler 60gr. Partition, I ranged and shot the deer at 186 yards, I took out the top of the heart and both lungs, the deer went 25 yards and dropped. I would say the 223 did its job, now this isnt a little southern deer, the buck weighed well over 200lbs. Notice it didnt ruin alot of meat, that is what is nice about the 223, had I shot it with my 280 it would have bloodshot a ton of meat, I would have probably lost both shoulders and beleive it or not, the 280 would not have killed it any deader or quicker.