Thread: 223 on deer

This is one of those subjects that gets people a bit uppity.

You have to look at the different classes of shooting to get your head around what best practice is with a .224 cal bullet. Obviously the term “best practice” invites all sorts of criticism depending on your own definition of “best” is.

You’ll always hear that it is “unethical” to shoot deer with a .223 when obviously there are numerous “better” choices. But the simple fact is there are lots of professionals who shoot deer with a .223. Ground-based shooters and helicopter shooters, typically with a 62 or 64 grain bullet. I can’t speak for all of them but the ground-based professionals I’ve come across all head shoot deer. I too shoot dozens of deer every year with my .223 1:12” with the 50gr Z-Max. Head shots only. The fellas I hang with all shoot .223, all head shoot, the only exception is the Roar when the 308 or 270 comes out for some close up big boy action. These guys are either shepherds or landowners and all carry a rifle on the bike and most days they will shoot a deer or a goat or several. See them in action and they are machines.

This is just the way it’s done and there’s no point arguing it, especially if you’re only an occasional recreational shooter. I get the concern but it’s just the way it is.

Something to consider is the culling of kangaroos in Australia. The industry standard is the .223 Remington and by law you must head shoot the animal. Chest shots are only permitted for injured animals on the run. A couple of fellas have tried to convince me that a deer doesn’t behave the same way as a kangaroo but if you put some hours in on the hill you will know that a deer isn’t a rooting pig, for example, and there’s plenty of time to shoot it in the head. Just have to be patient and wait for the right moment.

so that’s what I would do @NewbieZAR. You’ll be a good enough shot for that no problem. If it’s not for you then use another cartridge with a wider, heavier bullet.