223 for deer
 

I've gotta ruger mini 14 with a leupold 1-4-28 vx3 scope on it and I hardly ever use the gun but am thinking about carrying it on a doe day just to try it out. Am I crazy? I'd limit shots to 60 yards and perfec broadside only so what kinda ammo should I use? I got a box of 55gr Winchester powerpoints and a box of 55gr Remington corloks will they work or do I need better ammo. I've got better deer guns I just wanna use that rifle once at least all it dose is collect dust. Also do y'all think it's just too small for 120lb witetail doe? Thanks

if it gets your blood pumping, use it, id use it....right behind the shoulder and it will kill one easy....those winchesters or remingtons will work FINE

The mini 14 with 55gr corlok work great. I'v shot quite a few with a .223 always in the neck right behind the head, they fall instantly..

Got my biggest buck with one actually. Fell right down, never took a step.

Im going to be trying the same thing w/ my new AR-15 this gun season. I dont have enough confidence in it though, to use it on opening day, where I would want a greater range of shot opportunities, at a potential big buck or bear, but I think it should do fine at short range broadside shots on does. Im using 55 gr hornadys. they go through 2x3s so they should hold up if they hit a rib. Good luck.

I am sure a well placed shot would do the trick, but I would prefer a little more insurance of a bigger bullet. Nothing below .24 is legal in VA though.

My kids have used them in the past and they do the job. My complaint is lack of blood trail because of the small hole.

The 223 works well on deer. Go forth in confidence

A .223 will work on a 120-lb doe and it'll work on 230-lb buck if your in the boiler room. Good luck.

The 223 is great for long distance shots and in fact I can't think of a more accurate caliber used for hunting. I watched my great grandfather shoot a turkey in the head at well over 200 yds with one. Only negative I have about it is the lack of blood. But a 243 is the same way and its a very popular hunting caliber.

i used my stag model 6 to take 10 does last season via a pest permit. the shortest shot was 130 and she ran about 60 yards. but i shot does at 150, 205, 250, 275, 305, 395, 425 and two others further than that. not one went over 25-30 yards. mostly because they never saw me and at the shot dropped and either stayed down or ran 25-30 yards and collapsed. i have all the confidence using a .223 in the right place