.223 vs deer?

Major Sights

Major Sights

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My PAL is (hopefully) showing up this week, and I have already a plan for the firearms I am hoping to buy over the next year or so. So far, in order of planned purchase.

1.SR-22
2.Russian SKS
3.Tactical Shotgun (either the KelTeK KSG if its declared non-res or a Remington 887 Nitro Mag)
4.Bolt action .22,.22WMR, or .17 (leaning towards a savage 93R17 TRR-SR)
5.and for a hopeful small to medium game gun (deer as the largest for this one)
a Ruger Mini 14 Tactical Rifle IF has the capability to take down a deer.
6.Lee Enfield No.4 MK I

So I ask the higher authorities, is .223 an acceptable choice for our midrange Ontario deer? Also, please don't flame me if its not, I don't know, and I am simply asking for some advice.
 
Use a heavy bullet, like a 62 grainer, put it in the Heart/Lungs......dead deer!

That said, I would prefer beginners to use a little stouter cartridge for deer, something that will give you more room for error. Like say .243, .270, 6.5x55 class cartridge! IMHO
 
Not sure if its legal in Ontario, it is here in New Brunswick and while I will use mine it is not a cartridge for those new to the sport to use. The SKS loaded with some Soft point amunition would be a better choice. The Mini 14 is not known for stellar accuracy and while there are many exceptions.
Another thing to consider is the fact that there are many zones in Ontario that are shotgun only for deer. So where you plan on hunting may restrict your options.
Much like a bow hunter I will only take a broadside shot and on deer my personal range limit with the .223 is 100 yards the deer has to be calm and only then will I take the shot. But 90% of my deer hunting is done with my .32 special, my .30-06 or a 12 or 20 guage shotgun.
 
I'm in Peterborough too. You're gonna need a slug gun around here in WMU 73, 74 etc. 60 is rifle but I'd advise something a little bigger than a 223 for deer. Maybe a mini 30 in 7.62x39? Also skip the nitro mag and go for a tried and true 870 Super Mag.
 
I am no stranger to dropping a deer with my dad's 30-30, and I realize a lot of the MNU's are shotgun only, but not where our camp is. I live in Peterborough, but the "ranch" is up north of Stony Lake (rifles ok there) I am a decent shot, I just really like the tactical look of the Mini-14. No shot I would be taking would be hitting the 100yd mark, I always try to get closer, as I hate tracking down a wounded one. So general opinion is its ok, IF I use proper hunting ethics and common sense.
 
Major Sights said:
I am no stranger to dropping a deer with my dad's 30-30, and I realize a lot of the MNU's are shotgun only, but not where our camp is. I live in Peterborough, but the "ranch" is up north of Stony Lake (rifles ok there) I am a decent shot, I just really like the tactical look of the Mini-14. No shot I would be taking would be hitting the 100yd mark, I always try to get closer, as I hate tracking down a wounded one. So general opinion is its ok, IF I use proper hunting ethics and common sense.
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If you dont like tracking, then dont use a .223.

And Mini-14s arent exactly known for their incredible accuracy. If you follow your list, the SKS or the 12g are both much better options. Too much potential to go very wrong. Hunting is not about "looking cool" its about taking the animal as quickly and humanely as possible.

Or you could always just bump the 303 up the list and be more then adequately gunned. They arent exactly expensive.
 
Major Sights said:
I am no stranger to dropping a deer with my dad's 30-30, and I realize a lot of the MNU's are shotgun only, but not where our camp is. I live in Peterborough, but the "ranch" is up north of Stony Lake (rifles ok there) I am a decent shot, I just really like the tactical look of the Mini-14. No shot I would be taking would be hitting the 100yd mark, I always try to get closer, as I hate tracking down a wounded one. So general opinion is its ok, IF I use proper hunting ethics and common sense.
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Its "Ok" yes but not ideal, if you're wondering there is probably some doubt in your mind. Personally I'd go with something a bit bigger, believe me I'm not one to say you need a 50 cal to drop a deer, but think about something a bit bigger.
 
If you are going to use a .223 then you should use a premium bullet and keep shots close, and be sure of shot placement. The SMLE will easily kill a deer.
 
It's also probably best no to give advice on something you've never did yourself or witnessed first hand.There isn't a deer on earth that can survive a .223/55gr SP through the lungs under 200 yards.I've never shot one twice or lost one.............JM experiences.............Harold NATO allows there use on 200lb humans must be humane?
 
mbogo3 said:
It's also probably best no to give advice on something you've never did yourself or witnessed first hand.There isn't a deer on earth that can survive a .223/55gr SP through the lungs under 200 yards.I've never shot one twice or lost one.............JM experiences.............Harold NATO allows there use on 200lb humans must be humane?
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And what if it hits a rib, or shoulder, or other bone, and deflects causing a bad wound but no immediate kill? Thats one reason we use bigger cals, because they have the power to easily break through those bones.

A .223 is far from an ideal gun to use on large game, especially when he plans on having other, better, alternatives, and his reason for using it is not because hes good with it, but because it looks cool.
 
Very well, I shall use a bigger caliber for deer. Still want that ruger though.... maybe I'll get into coyote/wolf hunting. Thanks for all the input and helpful advice. (YAY, first time I asked a question on the forum, and didn't get flamed for being "ignorant".) Just made me want to come back again and again now. Thanks CGN'ers

-Also blasted saber- Just to assure you, I am an adult, not a "kid". I wouldn't just buy the gun on the friday and start stalking deer with it saturday... I would practice and put a couple hundred rounds (at least) and get to know the gun first. yes, I like the looks of the gun. So what? From what I have seen, everyone here likes that. Some people love the grain and color of the wood on their super sweet bolt guns. But me, I like clean, tactical black. I am not a "mall ninja" I just like that style. Also I have never even seen let alone shot .223, thats why I ask, I don't know much about that caliber so I thought I would ask others who would. I hate taking poor shots and tracking deer, I would rather not take a shot on a dream buck then have to let it wander around the woods suffering because I got too greedy and shot poorly or too far away. Besides ;D I would have to clear out alot of trees to even get a good spot there with a 100yd line of sight! :lol:
 
in Sask. we aren't allowed to use a .223 for deer,so make sure to check in your area before investing in a new bang stick.Shot placement matters more than anything but bigger calibers are good when you don't get ideal shot angles,especially if you need to take a quick follow up shot.

I am a big fan of .270 win. for deer because they are easy to shoot,shoot pretty straight and a lot cheaper than some of the magnums popular today.

I don't care much about fancy wood either and feel bad if i scratch a pretty gun.Have you considered something like a Winchester 70 or savage with a synthetic stock? If you like the "tactical look" you can always put a bi-pod on if you expect to be shooting some distance.
 
Of the guns mentioned, the only ones suitable for ethically hunting deer is the 12 ga. with slugs or buckshot for real close range and the .303 br........I don't understand however why someone would say the Mini-14 is not known to be very accurate and then recommend a SKS?????
 
Cause the groups I shot with both rifles shooting what I felt was ammo appropriate for deer shot slightly better through the sks, only slightly and with a bigger bullet and more umph at close range I feel that could be the difference between dead right there and a long tracking job. That said both rifles are very often capable of acceptable hunting groups and I'd hunt deer with either.

Ben I gotta ask have you ever shot a deer with a modern .223 and modern bullets designed to get the job done? Cause I assure you if your capable of hitting the vitals it will get the job very ethically. Are there better choices yes and I believe all of us recomended he look into them but the .223 is certainly as ethical a deer round as Buckshot.
 
Major Sights said:
Very well, I shall use a bigger caliber for deer. Still want that ruger though.... maybe I'll get into coyote/wolf hunting. Thanks for all the input and helpful advice. (YAY, first time I asked a question on the forum, and didn't get flamed for being "ignorant".) Just made me want to come back again and again now. Thanks CGN'ers

-Also blasted saber- Just to assure you, I am an adult, not a "kid". I wouldn't just buy the gun on the friday and start stalking deer with it saturday... I would practice and put a couple hundred rounds (at least) and get to know the gun first. yes, I like the looks of the gun. So what? From what I have seen, everyone here likes that. Some people love the grain and color of the wood on their super sweet bolt guns. But me, I like clean, tactical black. I am not a "mall ninja" I just like that style. Also I have never even seen let alone shot .223, thats why I ask, I don't know much about that caliber so I thought I would ask others who would. I hate taking poor shots and tracking deer, I would rather not take a shot on a dream buck then have to let it wander around the woods suffering because I got too greedy and shot poorly or too far away. Besides ;D I would have to clear out alot of trees to even get a good spot there with a 100yd line of sight! :lol:
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Sorry if I came off a bit hard, but you did say you wanted to hunt with because you like the tactical look. I have utmost respect for the animals I hunt and dont ever even consider using calibres which could be considered marginal at best (which I believe this thread is proving about .223).

I think when you get the gun, and compare the cartridge size to that of 7.62x39 or 303 you will see why I dont think its a good idea.
 
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