can i kill a buck with a .223??

[Sinixstar]

Hunting is one of those areas where from time to time the question isn't "can I?" - but rather "should I?"

Yes, at the end of the day - we're killing wildlife - but I think we have a bit of a moral responsibility to do so humanely. In that light - I wouldn't choose a .223 for anything other than varmint.

Bullet energy at 100yds from a .223 (50gr at 3000 ft/sec) is roughly 909ft pounds.
Go out to 200, and you're only at about 674ft pounds. 300 it drops to under 500 ft pounds. The energy just isn't there for a reliably clean kill.

Now a lot of people ask "how can you really claim a 243 is so much better, when it's not much bigger" - again, look at the energy. (100gr @ 3100 ft/sec)
@ 100yds : 1788 ft lbs.
@ 200yds : 1486 ft lbs.
@ 300yds : 1228 ft lbs.
@ 400yds : 1009 ft lbs.

The difference in energy is pretty clear. You've got more energy from a .243 @ 400 yards, than you do from the .223 @ 100 yards. The .223 - while it *can* work with excellent shot placement, again just doesn't have the energy for a consistent reliable kill.

 

[Ankeny]

That way if you miss, you miss.

Or shoot it in the snot locker, blow off a jaw, smack it in the wind pipe...

There is a reason the .223 is not legal in Wyoming...and the reason isn't ignorance on the part of the Game and Fish.

 

[ishredinmysleep]

with a good shot yes ive killed a deer with a .22 before lol

 

[d2wing]

On Nov 8, I shot a 240 lb buck with one shot to the lungs. Ammo .223 Black Hills pointed soft point.

 

[Grassman]

What about a 22-250? Much more energy there.

 

[Davek1977]

The .223 is far from an ideal deer round, but will certainly do the trick. That being said, with other, better, options, I don't understand why you'd want to use an "iffy" caliber. You named two other rifles you own that are both heads and tails above the .223 when it comes to performance on deer-sized game. Above all else, if you INSIST on using the .223, use quality bullets, and don't even DREAM of taking a 300 yrd plus shot with it, let alone a 600 yd one!!! Given the fact you have other rifles that are moire suitable though, I'd suggest using them rather than run the risk of losing/wounding an animal instead of making a clean kill. I doubt you'll find anyone who will tell you the .223 is BETTER on deer sized game than the .243 or the .308

 

[d2wing]

I'd say the .223 works pretty well. I have used several others from .243 to to 7mm. At reasonable range and shot placement it works and brought this big boy down as quick as any. Quicker than the .243 in my experience although I certainly did not expect that result.

 

[KINGMAX]

YES - of course!

I do not recommend a .223, but yes it will. Keep shots at 100 yards or less, with a good head or neck shot. I have chosen a REMINGTON 700 ADL in .270 w a Remington EXPRESS CORE-LOKT cartridge w/150 gr bullet. I am not bragging, but since I have stuck with this set up, it has been one shot, one kill every time. Last year I took a nice 3x3 Whitetail at 177 paces using this same scenario. It was a clean spine shot, the deer feel over right where it was shot.

 

[d2wing]

I recommend lung or heart shots depending on angle. Neck and head shots
give you too much area that is not lethal. A high velocity .223 will do the job
but I avoid shooting the shoulder.

 

[jpatterson]

Not in Kansas.