.223 is ok for deer if you pick your shot and can shoot. If not Id go with more gun at least the .243. As for 30-06 7-08 .270 as over kill awhole lot of hurters use these and the 30-06 is probly the most used caliber in the US. As for .223 going away ROFL the US military is still using it strong so dont think for a min that it will go away anytime soon.

3DNWV

The 223 Rem is not a deer cartridge and should not be used as one. It is a varmint cartridge at best and most bullets do not hold up well on deer sized game.

I agree with those who say the .223 is not a deer caliber! Any shot that is less than perfect will be a lost deer. I consider the .243/6MM to be the minimum for deer. The .243 is light on the shoulder and will handle any whitetail around! If you can handle more gun, then go for something like a 7MM/08 or larger, there is no such thing as overkill! It just can't be "too dead!"
But with the .223 class calibers there is such a thing as "not dead enough!" With the good low recoil, hard hitters on the market today, there is just no good reason to use a varmint gun on deer. It is just plain inhumane!

You can kill a fly with a teaspoon or with a fry-pan. But a fly swatter works a lot better. I don't know much about the deer or the hunting conditions in Florida. If you are willing and able to only take standing broadside shots at undesturbed deer at less than 100 yds. Or if you are hunting with hounds(that will find your shot deer) and you have a semi auto and shots are at running deer at 50 yds. and less. Maybe the 223 will do. I would tend to say it is not the best deer round.
I live in Alberta where bucks can be really big and not all that plentiful. Sometimes a monster steps out on a powerline 300 yds. away and you have to take a shot as he walks away from you or not see him again. Then I want a good heavy slug traveling at warp speed in an accurate rifle. I shoot 140 grin bullets from a .264 win. mag. in a win. model 70 bolt gun.

Robin

a .223 will kill deer but so will a .38spl. now i use a .357mag but my shots are less than 25yards and i have some hot loads in it. id rather use my .357 than a .223.

propmahn
save the world, reload your brass

A 30-30 would do everything you ever needed for deer/hog hunting in Florida, and you should be able to get a used one in excellent condition for less than $250.

To answer you question, no. None of those calibers would be an overkill. They would all be wiser choices than a 223 when shooting at that once in a lifetime buck.

all of those gun are good even the 30/30 iv taken a lot of deer with that but look at it frome this pont of vew the 3006 has more diferint laods than any ather and every stor you go to has ammo for it but the most inportin thing is shoot plays mint thats number 1