223 for deer?
 

Hello All,

I've pondered getting a 223 for just plinking around, general target shooting kinda stuff.

My question is: If I happen to be in the field with this gun and run across a deer, would it give me a clean kill out to 100-150 yds. with a premium heavy bullet and a shot into the heart/lungs?

Anyone ever shot a deer with a 223? What were the results?

Thanks,
ths78

RE: 223 for deer?
 

Here we go again... Bottom line is if you want to shoot a deer use the right cartridge and any of the .22's just aren't the right cartridge.

RE: 223 for deer?
 

Frizz is right. Been there, done that.

RE: 223 for deer?
 

Pass.

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EKM

RE: 223 for deer?
 

Although we can hunt with the 223 around here because it’s a center fire I personally would not use it.

RE: 223 for deer?
 

Right bullet, it will drop them like a hammer. You use a partition 60gr or a 53gr TSX bullet, you won't have any problem. I have shot them a long time ago with a 223. I had 100% success. I don't know how you argue with that logic. I don't anymore. When I gun hunt, I am so agitated at the deer from playing games with me all year long staying 40 yards away with the bow, I want to cause serious harm to them. So I use my 308, 06, 270, slug gun and on occasion use a 300RUM for snickers and grins.

The 223 is not ideal, but works. I think alot of people think deer are these impossible animals to take down. Or maybe they have bad luck hunting. Or maybe they are bad shots. And think they need a magnum to knock down a deer. But it ain't so.

RE: 223 for deer?
 

EKM

Didn't you say once that a STick is all you need to knock down a deer?:D

RE: 223 for deer?
 

A 223 given the circumstances you listed will work fine. Just make sure you use a premium bullet and put it in the heart or lungs if you do you will have a dead deer guaranteed. I know everyone says that any gun in the 22 centerfire line is to small to kill a deer. Lets go out in the field and shoot a deer it cant tell the difference if it's hit with a 7mm magnum or a 223. I know the 223 is not a ideal deer caliber but that doesnt mean that it cant be used under certain circumstances. Just restrict your shots to broadside shots and 150yds or closer and the 223 wont let you down no matter what anyone says. Mine never has.

RE: 223 for deer?
 

I heard him too oldelk. :D:D

RE: 223 for deer?
 

where im from it is illegal to shoot a big game with any thing less then a 243