I have no doubt that a 223 will kill any white tail. But for reasons of chance if I mess up and place the bullet wrong I may not be able to recover the animal. Again that's where I hunt. It's thick. If hunting a wide open field area where I could see for ever into the distance I'd feel more confident with a 22 center fire.
I'd prefer a 6mm or a 25 as a minimum for myself. If someone wants to use a a 223 I see no reason to judge them. I've seen what 50gr gmx bullets do to bone. No doubt it will work