I’m sure it’s covered in the many pages, yes the 223 will kill deer.
Let’s say you have a 175 yard shot at that nice 10 pointer, not an ideal presentation. OBTW, the deer is 50 yards from the adjoining landowner’s line, who you don’t get along great with. I don’t think the 223 would be great in that scenario.
Another thing, say you book a hunt with a Kansas deer outfitter. When you talk guns you say you plan on bringing a 223. I’d think most would think of that as a little lite.
If you’re on the back 40 in the box blind, shooting semi-tame deer at 30-50 yards, yes the 223 is just fine. I agree it’s good for more than that, just saying, I think one can find instances where it comes up short.
One year we dealt with 5 deer that were dead or wounded from the neighbors hunting efforts. I realize on the forums everyone usually anchors their deer, one shot. Oh course none of the 5 deer mentioned were likely hit with a 223.
