coyote61hunter

whats more powerful a .44 rifle or a .223 rifle for deer hunting

second question you've answered my quetion about the .44 being a good gun where could i buy one that is bolt action?

Topgun 3006

The 44 is a caliber most consider as a short range "brush type" caliber for use out to about 150 yards with a 180 grain bullet. The 223 would be a little longer range, but even with the biggest 80 grain A-Max bullet it is only at 2900 fps and 1494 ft./lbs. of energy at the muzzle, so you probably should keep shots under 200 yards with it. Most don't consider them a deer rifle, but rather a varmint caliber up to possibly pronghorns at a reasonable distance.

JagMagMan

You are comparing apples to oranges here! The .44 is a great handgun caliber and out of a rifle you'd get a little more range. The .223 is a marginal deer caliber at best!

fastetti

Very Well Said! You'll get people who will say that a .223 is suitable for deer and many more who will say it isn't. Personally, I'd never use one of Midwest Corn fed deer but south Texas you probably could get away with it but not recommended.

hossdaniels

For southern deer, a 223 with a stout bullet is good to at least 200 yards. Some of those 300+lbs up north, maybe not...

I hunt with a 44 handgun, I limit my shots to 50 yds but only because of my lack of shooting ability. I am confident the gun would kill clean to past twice that distance.

SecondChance

I 100% agree!!!!! A friend of mine is a meatcutter just outside a Military base in our area and he takes in over 25 deer every year with .223 Ball rounds in their bodies. They are shot by the MP's that patrol the runways and shoot the deer that enter the restricted area. We don't know how many deer end up in the dump pile, but many end up in his shop. He uses a metal detector to find the slugs before he begins processing them when he knows they come from that area.

deer toe

A 223 is a little light for deer a 44 would be better in my mind although I never shot one I believe you can at least go 200 yards if the gun is a rifle

coyote61hunter

ok you answered my question about the .44 now where could i buy one that is bolt action?

Topgun 3006

Personally, I probably wouldn't go with a bolt action in 44 magnum. I'd go with a traditional lever action for that caliber as the accuracy will be there even with open sights at the distances you'll be using it and followup shots will be easier. The best bolt action IMHO if you go that route is the Ruger carbine. Here is the link to take a look at it:

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-77-44.htm

sconnyhunter

You could probably order one through any reputable gun shop, or big box retailer of guns (Cabelas, Bass Pro shops, Gander MT.).