Thread: 223 on deer

I took my son out last night, first time I have been out in 6 months.
We parked the truck and walked 50 meters when we saw a hind grazing on the farmers sweeds, the hind was 200 meters away and facing front on, I scoped it up on the front of its chest and fired.
I heard a solid thud but the deer turned side on so I fired a quick follow up shot through the front shoulder and with that it went straight down.
I was just wondering if anyone can suggest a smaller calibre than the 223 to use on deer as the 223 appears to be way too much gun on deer.


200 meter shot using a 77gr TMK


1st shot through chest exiting behind the ribs then entering back leg blowing it to bits, also follow up shot through front shoulder.


Photo of follow up shot through front shoulder


Photo of damage to back leg


Photo of internal damage on front shoulder shot


This is what was left of the 77gr TMK on the front shoulder shot lodged againgst the spine

In summary the 223 has absolutely destroyed the hind and if anything has proved to be too much gun.