Its legal in SD. Many ranchers carry 223 and 22-250's in thier trucks for Varmits and many use the same rifle for deer. They are used to shooting prairie dogs and stuff with them and have no trouble head shooting a deer with them either. I have used the 22-250 with the Speer Trophy bonded Bear Claws. I don't take it if I am hunting just deer but if I am varmit hunting during deer season and a good oppertunity comes along I wouldn't hesitate to take the shot. Head shot or clean miss. Its never failed me yet. I would not recommend it for a first time buyer for a deer rifle. The Barnes bullets work great too. I have shot more that a few deer with the old 222 as well. It to was legal where I lived.