...But would you use .223 for deer?
This is a theoretical question. Assume that it's legal in your state.
This is a theoretical question. Assume that it's legal in your state.
pajasonc
Favorite Answer
Yes, I have and have taken two does with it. Winchester 64 grain power points. I wouldn't use it before I got my buck though. With does I could care less about passing up a shot because of poor shot angle. I will just wait for the next one. But I wouldn't want to see a buck of a lifetime while carrying a 223. To be %99 effective the 223 requires that you make smart choices in shot selection. Nothing past 100 to 125 yards and nothing but broadside shots. No bad angle shots. If you follow these guidelines the 223 works perfectly fine. However I wouldn't want one as my only deer rifle because those guidelines are pretty strict when compared to say a 308winchester.
Anonymous
No, I would not use a .223 for deer, nor would I use a .243. I know a lot of people do it and get away with it. The only deer I ever lost I shot with a .243, and after that I traded the rifle for a .25-06. My minimum whitetail deer cartridge is .257 Roberts.
C T M
The most consistently accurate centerfire rifle that I own is a bolt action .223. I know this rifle inside and out and know exactly where it hits at various distances. It's a Savage Model 25 LVT.
All that being said, and it's legal to do so where I live in NC, I will not use that rifle or caliber for deer.
Just because something is allowed doesn't mean you should do it.
august
It depends upon the situation. I would do it if I knew that the range would be limited, say 50 yards or so. Around where I live, that's a fairly normal range for taking a deer. I'd almost rather use buckshot at those ranges.
Even then, I'd only take a shot if I knew I could connect and get a clean vitals hit.
The only extenuating circumstance that would get me to take a longer or more risky shot would be if my family was starving.
Mr.357
It is illegal to use anything less than .23 caliber for deer in the state that I live in. If it were legal, I would use my AR-15 for doe hunting. Deer are like vermin around here. I would probably continue to carry my .357 Mag revolver or .243 Win for buck season.