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Deer w/ 223?

cbxjeffcbxjeff Member Posts: 17,599 ✭✭✭✭
edited March 2002 in Ask the Experts
Has anyone ever take a deer with a 223 rifle. No guys, I don't mean a M-16! A friend of mine in NE wants a new rifle. She is now shooting a 105 year old Savage! She has limited me by asking for a bolt action and short wood stock. I have found a Savage 10GY that fills the bill and I can afford but it is in 223.Thanks,
cbxjeffIt's too late for me, save yourself.
It's too late for me, save yourself.
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Comments

  • Dave GDave G Member Posts: 63 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Sure you can kill deer with a .223 under perfect conditions. Things are seldom perfect, so do everyone a favor including the deer and step her up to at least a .243. You should be able to find a light one she can handle with manageable recoil.
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Second Dave's post. you could also consider .257 Roberts or .260 Winchester. Avoid the .223; great cartridge, but not for deer.If the 105 year old Savage is working, there is no real reason not to stick with it. Of course, a new rifle is always in order![This message has been edited by He Dog (edited 03-11-2002).]
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  • rg666rg666 Member Posts: 395 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You also should be able to find a lever action 44 mag in Winchester model 98 or Marlin for a very reasonable price. It will kill deer with no problems and at the typical ranges deer are taken (50 to 125 yards) is a good rugged choice. RGPS: Your state may also not allow deer to be taken with a 22 cal rifle.
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  • Tailgunner1954Tailgunner1954 Member Posts: 7,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Bolt action Wood stock humm sounds like one of the youth models (like a Rem model 7)considering the recoil level she's used to I'd look into somthing in 7-08 or 308 chambering223 is just a tad light IMO (even if my neighbor has taken a raft of deer with a 22 Hornet) Heck I don't even like a 243 on deer (seen to many wounded / not recovered)
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  • Rafter-SRafter-S Member Posts: 2,173 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree with most everyone above. .223 caliber is not a good choice for deer or any other medium to large game you don't want to wound and not find. A lot of folks do hunt with that caliber...and there a lot of wounded deer lost as a result. If your friend's concern is recoil (assuming her rifle is 300 Savage caliber), handload some cartridges with a 110 grain or 125 grain spitzer bullet. They don't produce near the recoil of most factory 300 Savage loads.But if recoil is not the issue...and she just wants another rifle, look at the Remington Model Seven in any caliber other than .223. The Model Seven is an outstanding rifle for anyone, man or woman.
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  • cbxjeffcbxjeff Member Posts: 17,599 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks guys. I've only been here a year or so and sincerely appreciate all the help I get. I'm not even a hunter which is why I asked the question in the first place. Wounded animals isn't something I want to see. I'll give up on the 223. For another $100. I can get a Remington model 7 youth in 243 or 7mm. Which do I go for? She says that her 308 Savage doesn't kick, but it is probably a fairly heavy rifle. The Remington will not be that stout. Can I go for 243 or is 7mm a better choice? Once again,Thanks
    cbxjeffIt's too late for me, save yourself.
    It's too late for me, save yourself.
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  • robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Shoot, I never have to worry about losing my deer when shot by my .223, I've yet to see one get away after having 30 rds. put through it! Just kidding!
    SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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  • cbxjeffcbxjeff Member Posts: 17,599 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rob,Dude, I have 556 but would never give her that fo a hunt!
    cbxjeffIt's too late for me, save yourself.
    It's too late for me, save yourself.
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  • PiadeaPiadea Member Posts: 146 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If she doesn't mind a 308 in the savage she'd definetly be comfortable with the 7-08. Great cartridge for deer. Killed my last two with one shot each.
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