223 cal for Deer
 

Is this a good choice. I have heard different opinoins? What is your's?

RE: 223 cal for Deer
 

Im fine using one for deer but wouldnt recommend purchasing one ifsomeone waslooking fora new gun for deer hunting. Ihave an O-U Savage in 223 and 12 Gauge and have shot 2 deer with the 223 both using 55grn Hollow Points.

I think most people would agree that at least a 243 would be the caliber of choice, some will prob say thats not enough.

RE: 223 cal for Deer
 

It will kill deer, but it is less than ideal. I've got a .223 and love it, and I've even shot and killed hogs with it, but if I'm hunting something bigger than coyotes, I prefer to carry a larger caliber rifle.

RE: 223 cal for Deer
 

Same here. It works with perfect shot placment but does not offer much when less than ideal shots are tried. I prefer 25 caliber as minimum.

RE: 223 cal for Deer
 

Alot of younger hunters in Texas kill many deer with the .223....Shot placement, shot placement, shot placement....

RE: 223 cal for Deer
 

Sure, I knowfriends who swear by em. I don't. One long time 22-250 user I know however couldn't find a trophy this year. He has taken dozens with it. Mostly doe. But now he is all bent and said he's going to use a 30-06 next year. Anyway it goes with a gun, you are a significant advantage to deer. But when the moment of truth comes to take a fine animal, you don't want any excuses.

RE: 223 cal for Deer
 

It will work but it is not recommended. You really should use a bigger caliber. If for no other reason than out of respect for the deer.

RE: 223 cal for Deer
 

I guess you could kill a deer with a sling shot if you hit it just right ... but does that make it right? I would never use a .22cal for deer ... if you can handle the recoil of a .22cal centerfire, you could just as easily handle a .243 (which is marginal to me anyway). Far better would be the light kicking .30-30 or something similar.

RE: 223 cal for Deer
 

.223 is plenty for whitetail. Put the shot in the right place, instead of depending on the sheer size of the bullet to compensate for marginal shot placement.

RE: 223 cal for Deer
 

Amen brother Amen