Penetration, penetration , penetration. Placement, placement, placement.
Some how the penetration thing doesen't come up enough at this site.
People take Deer with Bow and Arrow. If you can get Deer that close and you and your gun can shoot MOA. A .22LR is more then up to the task. Heck it can take down a 1/2 ton cow.
If you are looking for a deer and you only have one day. Go with a .25 and up. Because shot placement is everything and with a .25 and up you have alot more places you can place your shot for a quick and humane kill.
When that Deer of a life time is quartering away at 175yds and about to inter the thick woods. A .223 is buy no means a deer round.
All of the rounds mentioned above will get complete penetration of a paper target and are more then adequate for the job. For busting through a scapula, a rib and penetrating a lung at 200yds. Well the .22s just don't give me that warm cozy feeling.
