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- Joined
- Feb 1, 2013
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The 6.8, 6.5, 300, (add most any other centerfire cartridge), etc, will effectively kill a deer. I think that we get way too anal about the God-like performance of our pet cartridge. Put a round in the center area of their chest and they will die (albeit some faster than others) but, they will die - contrary to some popular belief, that are not magic.
As to the OP’s question, I occasionally use my 6.8 AR to kill deer - it is easy - very little if any challenge (killing with that caliber that is). I also use a .308, 45-70, .45 Colt and .50 ML - they all kill deer effectively - I am sure that the 300 will do the same. In my mind, it is up to the skill of the shooter and a well placed shot, not the Godliness if the caliber used.
Couldn't agree more, I've never been one to embrace the magnum craze. There is a constant push towards more and more "performance" or "terminal effectiveness" in hunting. It gets out of hand fast. I have no doubt either of the cartridges the OP mentioned would do the job on deer sized game. My comments were more directed in the fact that I think the trajectory, projectiles available to the round and in the end performance bears out to the decision I would make. A .223 with a good bonded bullet in the 64-75gr weight would do fine on deer as well, if legal in the state (albeit that many on this board would find that prospect appalling).