It’s time to bring some answers to an ongoing internet debate. Can the .223 be used for deer hunting? Well here we go…..

The short and easy answer is yes it can kill a deer. Is it the best round for deer hunting? Probly not, but that doesn’t mean it can’t or shouldn’t be used. The people arguing that a .223 shouldn’t be used for deer hunting are concerned that it won’t give the deer a quick clean kill. However, the majority of the people arguing this point have never used a .223 for deer hunting. Most of the hunters that do use a .223 think its completely fine. When it comes to clean kills, shot placement is much more important than caliber.

The next question would be weather or not it’s legal in your state. I’ve hunted with a .223 in Hawaii and in California legally so I’d assume it’s ok for the majority of the states but of course you should double check. To hunt with a .223 in California you have to use a grain that shoots with high enough foot pounds. Plus, several companies are now producing rounds specifically for deer hunting for the .223.

So the answer is Yes, a .223 can be used for deer hunting and can cleanly take it down if you put it in the right spot. If you’re buying a rifle specifically for deer hunting then I’d suggest a 300wsm or a 30-06. But if you want a fun gun for cheap target shooting that you can still use for hunting then a .223 will work.

Welcome to the forum...

I definitely wouldn't buy a .223 for deer hunting. You can kill a deer with a 76 Ford pickup also, but I wouldn't buy one of them for hunting deer either. There are just better choices IMHO.

After reading such an expert post, I for one feel a lot better about using my .223 for deer. Now if I could just get some wolf FMJ ammo for my .17HMR and google a shot placement chart I would have the perfect Bigfoot Yeti hunting rifle and expert knowledge to go with it.

I guess you could... but it wouldn't my first choice...

"223 for deer" now there's a 100 page google search topic for ya

also try:
-30-06 or 270
-870 or 500
-rage broadheads
-tiffany lakowsky is hot

Interesting responses to the OP are sure to come

It's legal in something like 38 of the 43 states that allow deer hunting with rifles. It'll work if you use the right bullet, and wait for the right shot. But, there are much better choices out there. I like my .243 or my 7mm-08...

If you like arming yourself with what would be considered the minimum and only when everything goes right, knock yourself out.

Could you catch a shark on 2lb test? I'm sure it's possible.......

Will it kill a deer, yes, but with so many better choices available why bother.