.223 for whitetail deer?

[aerod1]

I just got back from a week of deer hunting. As some of you know, I had heart by-pass surgery about 6 weeks ago. My doctor allowed me to go provided I use a small caliber rifle. I used a .223 caliber NEF Handi-Rifle with a 55 grain V-Max bullet. It did the trick just fine. I harvested an 8 point buck and 1 doe. I hear many people say the .223 is to small for deer. I believe if you use good ammo and do your part (shot placement) the .223 rifle is great for whitetail deer.
Jim

[Zoff12]

Great job! I agree the .223 is more than adequate for whitetail. Unfortunatly, here in Virginia, the Game Commission doesn't see it that way. They state that the weapon must be of .23 caliber or larger.

[Steven Mace]

It would be illegal in Colorado too. Must be .24 caliber or larger.

Steve Mace

[Roman Knoll]

Congratulation Jim!

Great to hear that your're back in business.

I got fooled by your user name. Nice to see that old crowd is popping up.

Take care,

Roman

[Rew]

While I would suggest a bit more bullet, the .223 is fine for deer. I know the handi rifle has a 1-12 twist and 55 is as heavy as you are suppose to go, so I can see why you went with a 55 grn bullet. But as steve said the .223 is illegal in CO for deer.

Rew

[aerod1]

Thanks guys!
In texas we can use any centerfire cartridge.
Jim

[clearblue]

Aerod1,
You may not have seen my post about a month ago, but in the late 60's I killed deer for a research Org. ,shooting at night, with a Rem .222 using a spotlight.

The shot HAD to be a neck shot or animal was unusable for research.

I shot over 100 animals with that little .222 using a Redfield 4Xpost scope, soft point bullets, and never had (1), that's right not one,animal leave the spot where it was hit.

Occasionally they would kick when I opened the thorax and took blood straight from the heart with a needle.

Most shots where under 100 yards.

[cleetus6416]

Aerod1
don't know ya but I'm glad you made it thru by-pass ok.

I agree that the 223 is great for deer if the shooter does his part but a lot of hunters do not, thus making law makers dis-pleased with the little cartridge.

In NY we can use any centerfire cartridge and I use a 22-250 and a 223. I use a rest to shoot at deer that are standing or walking very slow. I never shoot at a running deer. I have shot 5 with the 22-250 and all were head shots. None went more than 3 feet before dropping.

My neighbor uses a 22 hornet and never has to track a deer either and he neck shoots em.....

congrats on your hunt

[clearblue]

This months American Rifleman(March 2002), has an excellent write up on the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire.
I would not hesitate for a minute using it on a deer standing still under 75 yards using a neck shot.