Bullet construction has improved greatly in the last 20 years. Before that, I would have been one of those folks who would condemn anyone even attempting to deer hunt with a .223. Now with copper and brass solids that hold together and expand well, there are many .223 bullets out there that are just fine for whitetail. High shoulder with one such as a Barns TTSX or just behind the shoulder tucking it into the boiler room will easily put meat on the table.