223 for deer?
09-10-2004, 05:26 AM
#94
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 6
RE: 223 for deer?
I would have to agree with BIG COUNRY a well placed round from a .223 with the right bullet will do the job, although I would not want to go pas 150 yards. I spent 6 years in the Canadian Infantry and the C7 which is the personal weapon for the Canadian Military is a 5.56mm or .223 and that is one fast deadly round...
09-10-2004, 05:50 AM
#95
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Lethbridge, Alberta
Posts: 1,118
RE: 223 for deer?
Is this still here? Oh man, I can just imagine what it'll look like when I get back. Remember, giant, prehistoric sized squirrels are now running rampant. That whole .458 thing might not do it. Bring a .577 T-rex and call it good. If that isn't enough, a good old 4-bore ought to do it!
09-10-2004, 10:11 PM
#97
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Posts: 1,964
RE: 223 for deer?
fireblade,
I'm sure there are a multitude of "whys"....
** In many cases I'm betting it is the only centerfire rifle in the closet....
** In other cases, in some parts of the country, white tails are the size of large dogs so it takes "less stick" to whack'em
** In some cases people just like a challenge (and hopefully have the skill to play).
In many parts of the country, deer are little more than vermin. They have endured mankind for centuries and appear to be thriving, so "why not?" gotta thin them out some how. More than I ever realized, it appears that deer hunting (especially white tails) is largely an "anything goes" sport.
All you can do is stand back, watch it go by, and nod your head at some of the methods and shake your head at others. Don't get too "wrapped up" about it, or think you are going to change anything, it won't do any good.
And so it goes,
EKM
I'm sure there are a multitude of "whys"....
** In many cases I'm betting it is the only centerfire rifle in the closet....
** In other cases, in some parts of the country, white tails are the size of large dogs so it takes "less stick" to whack'em
** In some cases people just like a challenge (and hopefully have the skill to play).
In many parts of the country, deer are little more than vermin. They have endured mankind for centuries and appear to be thriving, so "why not?" gotta thin them out some how. More than I ever realized, it appears that deer hunting (especially white tails) is largely an "anything goes" sport.
All you can do is stand back, watch it go by, and nod your head at some of the methods and shake your head at others. Don't get too "wrapped up" about it, or think you are going to change anything, it won't do any good.
And so it goes,
EKM
09-13-2004, 12:22 PM
#98
Fork Horn
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location:
Posts: 264
RE: 223 for deer?
I would not hessitate to shoot anything up to a muledeer with my 22-250, but that's because I know my rifle and I know what it can and can't do. However, I have never shot a deer in the chest with my 22-250. I only take the shot while the animal's head is up and I have a good square shot on the neck. Not quartering to or away. Only if the animal is broad side or, best case scenario, the animal if facing directly towards me. It doesn't matter what you are shooting if you break the neck the animal will not live. Period.
You guys can stand behind your opinion about the 22 calibers being "too small" for deer and continue to blast them with large bore rifles. That's fine with me.
Your arguments do not change the fact that just as many deer, if not more, are wounded and not recovered with large bore rifles because people tend to "see fur and pull the trigger".
Should everybody should shoot a 22 caliber rifle at deer? Without a doubt, no! That statement is as irresponsible as saying that every hunter shooting deer with a 22 caliber rifle is unethical.
Bottom line is that it has more to do with the shooter than the rifle. You can own the fastest race car in the world, but if you don't know how to drive it then you aren't going to win many races.
I personally like the low recoil of the small caliber rifles, and I like the fact that if I want to shoot 100 rounds in one day out of my 22-250, my shoulder can take it. If I am shooting my .270 I shoot is as little as I need to because of the recoil.
And that's my personal choice. And I stand behind that choice 100%.
You guys can stand behind your opinion about the 22 calibers being "too small" for deer and continue to blast them with large bore rifles. That's fine with me.
Your arguments do not change the fact that just as many deer, if not more, are wounded and not recovered with large bore rifles because people tend to "see fur and pull the trigger".
Should everybody should shoot a 22 caliber rifle at deer? Without a doubt, no! That statement is as irresponsible as saying that every hunter shooting deer with a 22 caliber rifle is unethical.
Bottom line is that it has more to do with the shooter than the rifle. You can own the fastest race car in the world, but if you don't know how to drive it then you aren't going to win many races.
I personally like the low recoil of the small caliber rifles, and I like the fact that if I want to shoot 100 rounds in one day out of my 22-250, my shoulder can take it. If I am shooting my .270 I shoot is as little as I need to because of the recoil.
And that's my personal choice. And I stand behind that choice 100%.
09-13-2004, 10:59 PM
#99
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wall SD USA & Jamestown ND
Posts: 11,474
RE: 223 for deer?
I repeat my earlier post and answer why would anyone use a 223 for deer. Well it may be the only rifle they have. They might be hunting varmits or out checking cattle when they see a deer they want. These guys know how far they can shoot and what to expect form thier gun and ammo. It is legal in many states and a good hit will kill the biggest Mule deer out there. I would not prefer to use a 223 but it every bit as good for me as a 243. Therefore I will stick to my 25 caliber minimum for mule deer which is what we have where I hunt. Big Mule deer at that. My wife shoots a 250-3000. Thats about as small as I would use PERSONALLY. For those who want to use a 223 or 22-250 and its legal in thier state and they can make clean kills then go for it. I know two guys very well one a rancher on whos land I hunt and the other my wifes brother. Both use a 22-250 every year for deer. Most always a one shot kill. If you are used to hitting prarie dogs in the chest then its no trick to hit a deer in the head and certainly the neck or heart.
09-14-2004, 07:40 AM
#100
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: 223 for deer?
James B, I know as far as I am concerned, it was availability for the 223. For avid 223 hunters I know, I feel its alot about a challenge, bragging rights, proving to others that they need to take thier time on shots and get the right shot, a multitude of reasons. Good and bad. But these guys are dad gone good. For me, I love my Quartering to me shoulder thru the heart shot with a 308 or 270 below 100 yards. Devastating. I have more choices now.