Thread: 223 on deer

Originally Posted by Lauries Hut

Perfect timing for a question/advice.
A mate is looking to buy his son his first hunting rifle.
He’s a fit 18 year old + 6’ and won’t have recoil fear, within reason.
He’s not a hunter (yet) been out after rabbits & goats once or twice.
Will probably do a lot on his own and with inexperienced mates.
Will not be hand loading.
Will be mostly hunting SI, Canterbury & central Otago.

They’ve asked me for advice, they’re thinking .223 - possibly read these 141 pages of commentary.

Would you start a young fella as described on a .223, or perhaps look for a bit more margin for error?

.243 would be great. Then he can down scale or up scale later depending on his taste. Although I'm a fan, .223 is not something you just pick up with a box of any old ammo and go hunting with. Takes a bit of thought.