I tend to agree with DJ on the 223. From what we have seen axis tend to be a little tougher than the whitetails. They are normally larger and their hides are thicker. My personal opinion is the .243 is the starting point if you plan to take anything other than pure broadside shoots. Don't get me wrong I shoot deer and LOTS of feral hogs with my 223 and I would use it on an Axis if I was carrying it. If I was going on a hunt where Axis was the dedicated game I'd pull out something .243 or larger. I really like my .270 on axis

Just my personal opinion

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