RE: is 223 safe for deer
First of all check your states regulations. Probably a 223 is not legal for deer.Most states if not all have a min.caliber size. The 223 would do it with a experience hunter. Do I recommend it? No.I think a 243 is light for deer but many do use them.For the small game you mentioned the 223 would be fine.For deer do them a favor and use a caliber suited for deer size game. I like the 270 Win for whitetails.The main thing is shot placement no matter what caliber you use.You owe to the game to make the most humane kills possible.
Ruger Redhawk