Thread: 222 vs 223 on deer

Originally Posted by whanahuia

Having owned both 222 and 223, and used 55gr projectiles in them. Thats really where their all round ability lies. I know heavier projectiles will allow more specialised use in todays world. But many people still just want a rifle That will take a deer if they are careful, but also happily shoot a few rabbits and hares with as well. Without the need for a pocket full of technology.
For me, if I want to use or feel I need a heavier projectile Ill grab a 243, if I think the distance will be longer. Or a grendel if the distance is likely to be under 250m

If you shoot a rabbit or hare with a .223 (or .222 if you could find one twisted appropriately) with a heavy bullet, it will die.

There's a lot to appreciate about the simplicity of having a single light recoiling quiet rifle that kills everything with no fuss - the .223 with 70-80gr bullets is definitely a simple "general purpose" option (as would the .222 be, if built with a 1:7 or 1:8 twist) for the handloader. There's no additional complexity to handloading a heavy bullet vs light.