I live, & hunt whitetail deer, in Texas. Our whitetails are smaller than their northern kin. Once I got past age 70, I started to use several .223s for deer (legal in TX). No recoil. If my shots are careful & broadside..... no problems. One shot kills from 50 to 175 yards. I have used 55 grain to 70 grain bullets by various manufacturers, and have developed a liking for GMX and TTX. Of course, you must match you bullet to your rifles rate of twist. A well placed shot has done the job every time so far.
