These 223 discussions end up with the same arguments and rants every time they are posted. You've got one group who are convinced that the 223 is an acceptable cartridge for deer and the other camp that insist that it's unethical; eventually the thread evolves into a flame throwing contest. The facts, arguments and points of view are repeated at nauseum until tempers flare to the extent where the thread is closed.
If a hunter is willing to accept the fact that limitations are required when using a marginal cartridge then it can be used. If you limit distance and only take shots where broadside opportunities are presented, fine. The million dollar question is why use a marginal cartridge when there are so many others available on the market that produce better penetration and killing power.
Larger calibers such as a 6.5 284 or a 7x57 will allow you to take a frontal shot or a shoulder shot. They have the capability to cut through bone, penetrate and reach the vitals when a less than perfect shot presents itself.
There is no replacement for a well placed shot. A gut shot deer hit with a 300 mag is going to run just as far as a deer gut shot with a 223. Poor marksmanship cannot be compensated for. A larger caliber does however increase killing capacity when a broadside shot is not presented.
The biggest problem we have in the hunting community are the weekend warriors; they dust off rifles once a year and are satisfied if they manage to hit a paper target at fifty yards. The notion of spending a few weekends fine tuning your shooting skills and fine tuning your scope and rifle simply have no place in their busy lives. They are the same people who don't look for blood or evidence of a hit when the deer runs off instead of dropping at their feet. Like anything else in life, the time spent investing in practice and preparation usually makes the difference in the outcome.
For me, I'll stick with one of my 7x57's when hunting deer. It's proven itself time and again and confidence in what you are doing often goes a long way to achieving success.
If a hunter is willing to accept the fact that limitations are required when using a marginal cartridge then it can be used. If you limit distance and only take shots where broadside opportunities are presented, fine. The million dollar question is why use a marginal cartridge when there are so many others available on the market that produce better penetration and killing power.
Larger calibers such as a 6.5 284 or a 7x57 will allow you to take a frontal shot or a shoulder shot. They have the capability to cut through bone, penetrate and reach the vitals when a less than perfect shot presents itself.
There is no replacement for a well placed shot. A gut shot deer hit with a 300 mag is going to run just as far as a deer gut shot with a 223. Poor marksmanship cannot be compensated for. A larger caliber does however increase killing capacity when a broadside shot is not presented.
The biggest problem we have in the hunting community are the weekend warriors; they dust off rifles once a year and are satisfied if they manage to hit a paper target at fifty yards. The notion of spending a few weekends fine tuning your shooting skills and fine tuning your scope and rifle simply have no place in their busy lives. They are the same people who don't look for blood or evidence of a hit when the deer runs off instead of dropping at their feet. Like anything else in life, the time spent investing in practice and preparation usually makes the difference in the outcome.
For me, I'll stick with one of my 7x57's when hunting deer. It's proven itself time and again and confidence in what you are doing often goes a long way to achieving success.
