(OT) But I know you guys can help

[atchman2]

Dick's has a Remington 700 ADL .223 in stock with the bull barrel. That is perfect for coyotes and prairie dogs.  My question is can I use it for deer?  Remember in TN about the longest shot you will take is a hundred yards.  I'd guess it the average is actually air gun range.

[longislandhunter]

Randy,,, I would first check with the hunting regs for your state and see if that caliber is in fact legal.  If it is then of course you could use it if you feel it's adequate for the job.  It's legal to use a .223 in NY for deer but I don't anyone who uses that caliber.  I do know a farmer upstate who has been using a .222 bolt action for deer as long as I can remember and he gets his deer every year.  I should add though that he's an exceptional shot with that rifle and can put the bullet right where he wants it even at long range.  My personal feeling is that it's a little "light" for deer but others may feel differently.  I'm sure others will chime in with their feelings.  

Jeff

[atchman2]

Any centerfire rifle is legal in TN.

[longislandhunter]

Well, then it's legal for sure    Just a matter now of deciding if you want to use it for deer.  I would imagine at the distances you're talking about the caliber should be capable of taking down a deer cleanly with a good shot, but then again I'm the first to admit I'm no ballistics expert.  My favorite rifle for deer hunting is chambered for .243 Winchester.  I use the the 100 grain  for deer and 80 grain for my varmint hunting.  The rifle is an awesome varmint caliber and does a fantastic job during deer season.  Anyway,  I'm sure one of the other members who have more knowledge on the topic will chime in.  

Jeff

[airiscool]

Alot of guys around here have either a .223 and 22-250 for Woodchucks and Coyotes, but I've yet to meet any that would use them for deer, even at close range.

When our country changed to allow rifle a number of years ago, I asked around about using my .223, but couldn't find anyone who would say it was a good way to go. All of them, like Jeff brought up, said shot placement with a bullet that small and light is too critical,.... and the deer don't always give you the optimum angle for critical shots.

Not sure how big your deer get, but Black Hills has a very good 60 gr soft point if your gonna try it.

Paul.

[strongbow88]

I have shot about ten deer with my mini 14 its a .223 all were clean kills, one thing is you have to shoot them behind the shoulder. If you hit them in the shoulder you will not get good penetration. Also If its a varmit rifle it will have around a 1 to 12 inch twist which stabilizes the light bullets but not the heavyer bullets you will need to shoot to hunt deer. Which require a 1 to 9 inch or faster.

[TCups]

Do you know the rate of twist for the Rem?  If 1:12, then you will want to stay with 60 grain or lighter -- which means you will be somewhat limited.  On the other hand, with twist rates of 1:9, you can easily stabilize heavier bullet weights up to 75 or 80 grains and have several bullet options that would be more appropriate for deer.  Do you plan to reload or shoot factory loads?  Not a deer hunter myself, but I wager I could bring down a deer with my CZ-527 Varmint (1:12) without too much trouble.  I would go with a 55gr BTHP or soft nose bullet rather than 55 gr FMJ, though.

[crackshot777]

theres alot of people in missouri that use 223 for deer hunting and in fact the 204 too.my buddies went to oklahoma this past weekend and were shooting hogs with 223 and 204.everyone came back with a hog or two.i dont see why it wouldnt work plus shells are cheaper.

[atchman2]

Looks like all Remington .223 are a 12 twist.

[strongbow88]

The tactical models have 1 in 9 inch twist.

[atchman2]

Didn't know that. I can't find that model on their website.  They say that they only run the ADLs for the box stores.

[Mryan21]

I know someone who has shot deer with the .223. Like was said before, shot placment is critcal. I think if you stick to shots you would only take with a bow, it would be just fine. Don't aim for bone. Of course you can shoot  farther. However, if you have something more suitable for deer i would use it. A .243 would be great. My granpda hunts with one when we go to the southern tier. Where i live it's shotgun or muzzleloader only. I would use a slug gun before a .223. My 20 gauge 870 dumps them.

[atchman2]

I'm thinking of going ahead and getting the .223.

I'm a salesman and I'm hoping for another 'home run" sale to get my deer gun.  I have a bow already so I can always use that.  My friend Jim has already told me I can use his 30-30.

[dw33]

A .223 is not legal in California to take deer, and probably not in most western states.  I think it is a little light for taking deer.  Can it take a deer?  Probably, within a certain range.  I would go with a .243 at the very least.

What other calibers are being offered in that model?

[airiscool]

Randy.
The Savage .223's are 1-9 twist, and known for being extreamly accurate right out of the box. If your not going to get into hand loading,  groups under an  inch at 100 yards with off the shelf ammo is the norm for a Savage.  If you do, they get scary accurate.

My model 11 doesn't have the newer, much better, two stage trigger and it will shoot 3/4 inch groups all day with Black Hills 50 grain V-max.  9/16 groups with Black Hills 60 gr Soft points and the Rem UMC 55 gr Soft points are easy to do. Savages have the twist to handle the  heavy bullets, but are still quite accurate with the lighter varmint bullets.  

And they leave more money in your pocket to put some realy good glass on it.


http://www.savagearms.com/

Paul.