I never would have even considered using a 223 on deer before I discovered this forum. I think there is plenty of evidence that the smaller bores with good bullets get the job done. I'll be giving it a go myself. That said, I don't find 30-06/7 Mag recoil to be a problem so if it works well for you, why change a good thing other than just to try something different. I also believe that the AR platform being the hottest seller along with the less powerful chamberings has had a major impact on what is the cartridge hunters use.
