Is .223 big enough for deer?

[muledeerarea33?]

I think you are asking for trouble hunting deer with a 223. The round is very capable with perfect shot, perfect bullet, etc.

what zone? How close can you get are all important questions. A wounded deer is a much worse experience for a new Hunter than no shot at all.

good points and what you say should not be overlooked. The potential is there with almost all rounds to be tracking a wounded animal. A good shot with a 338 at 250 yards is the same as a good shot with a 223 at 250. Don't try to push an uncomfortable shot and it should work out good.

[Flatlander]

This site is awesome.

[Guest wdenike]

80whunt247,

 

 

Put your hardhat and flame retardant suit on. You are about to get torched by the caliber, and ethical police. Pay no mind. Keep the little girl in the range where she can keep them within 4'' and shoot away. Than enjoy the venison. But take every ones advice as to the heaviest bonded bullet ya can get. :D

 

 

 

Take care, Willie

[muledeerarea33?]

80whunt247,

 

 

Put your hardhat and flame retardant suit on. You are about to get torched by the caliber, and ethical police. Pay no mind. Keep the little girl in the range where she can keep them within 4'' and shoot away. Than enjoy the venison. But take every ones advice as to the heaviest bonded bullet ya can get. :D

 

 

 

Take care, Willie

Willie, so far no one has condemned the .223. Of course there are better options and the original poster know that. The best option for his kids hunt is, at the moment, a .223. And so far no argument has been made about it. If it were my only option I would use it in a heart beat. Yes the heavier, more solid bullet (as mentioned) will be best.

[8OWHUNT247]

Lance has been a sport and let me try out a box of rounds. If they fly out of rifle true, we're in business. She's a shooter and is very familiar with her rifle. The hunt is in 20a which I am very familiar with and am confident the the shot opportunities will be within 100 yards.

Thanks all for offering up the .243's, I know this would be a more suitable round but we will make due with what we have.

 

I love this site. The generosity from you guys is unbelievable.

 

Hopefully I can do my part and get her into the game. I remember going through this same feeling with my son only he wasn't nearly as cute!! LOL

Thanks again and a big thanks to Lance... hope you enjo the red stag!!

[1uglydude]

We are taking six kids up on the 12aw doe hunt next week. At least one of them will be shooting the 70gr ttsx out of my 20" AR. I don't have any worries about the bullet or cartridges capabities. Either puts it in the boiler room, or you have a long tracking job....same result regardless of the rifle used.

[trphyhntr]

Unrelated but I was kinda lol'ing when I was watching Yukon men or one of those shows the other day. Dudes cruising down the river for moose with an ar-15.

[8OWHUNT247]

I saw that.. I thought it was a AR-10 though... Or maybe I was just hoping it was. If it was a .223, Then my worries are gone!!! LOL

[trphyhntr]

well in the one where theyre going down the rive I think it was an ar15, I saw a preview for another episode and they could of had an ar-10. or im dead wrong on both accounts lol.

[naturebob]

My dad used a 222 for 40 years and 20+ deer. But that was in PA. LOt closer shots..Good luck!..................BOB!

[jhedg]

Shot placement of course is the key. Not like your hunting a 250lb Alberta deer my dog weighs more then most Coues.

[1uglydude]

This is what a 70gr tsx fired from a 20" AR15 looks like when a kid shoots a doe right through the ham and square in the hip at 75 yards. Bullet recovered on the far side after traversing the width of the deer and weaving in and out of the pelvic bone.