Do you consider heads @ 300 to be "small targets at distance"?
The military doesn't.
It's pretty well established since the days of the Krag that 300 is short range, i.e. head-shooting distance. It's not until you get to 500yds, i.e. mid range, that the rifleman transitions to body shots.
300 is the max effective range for the 223 imo. 500 is beyond it. After 3 seasons using a 20 inch ar with a variety of bullets loaded as strong as I can run them. The 223 is weak even on coyotes.
Yeah, LOL, might want to try it rather than believe what you hear...
I've killed and will continue to, deer out to 600 with the 223... its not a big deal. Shot placement is the key. As it is with any cartridge. Heck the 22LR is enough for deer to 100 pretty easy all day long too.
