.223 for deer?

[kroberts2131]

Anyone ever use an AR-15 for whitetail? I’ll probably still take my bow this weekend, but part of me wants to take my AR instead.

If so what rounds are you using? I was thinking maybe go up to a 77grain round instead of just a good ole green tip.

I know @dennishoddy has mentioned using one but wondering if anyone else does

 

[Toothpick]

Not an AR but all of my boys and even a boy or two with youth group killed their first deer with my Savage bolt action .223.
Used 55gr ballistic tips and zombie apocalypse

 

[kirk1978]

My kid hunts with a 6.5 Grendel AR, Haven't used .223 for deer though.

 

[Shadowrider]

It’s illegal to use a non-expanding bullet. I keep some Fusion on hand for deer. One thing about hunting with an AR. If it’s evens bit chilly you’ll cuss yourself if you forget your gloves.

 

[rj ︈]

Use whatever you're most comfortable with to shoot. 77gr is great for whitetails and most people shoot better with their ARs that they shoot all year over the deer rifle that comes out once a year.

 

[undeg01]

My daughter took this buck at 178 yds with an AR in 223 using Winchester Ranger Law Enforcement 64 gr power points. We watched him run about 60-70 yds then somersault. This is the daughter that I have mentioned before as being a crack shot. She can outshoot many adults so her shot placement is always spot on. That’s critical with the smaller calibers.

 

[retrieverman]

Both my boys killed their first deer with NEF 223 using Winchester 64 gr Power Points.
As long as you can put the grease where the squeak is, you should be fine with a 223.

 

[Ready_fire_aim]

All about shot placement. .223 will do it, many many deer have fallen to the .223. That being said I’d use a bit more oomph personally. I like them to drop fast, even with not perfect placement. Love the ole 30.06!

 

[PanhandleGlocker]

I like .30cal for big game. Just my choice though.

Rj had a good point. Most people shoot their AR’s more so in theory should be more comfortable with them on shooting and shot placement than the deer rifle they drag out for a few hunts a year.

 

[dennishoddy]

Recoil with the .223 is mild and great for kids. I hate seeing someone think a 30-06 is the minimum caliber to take a white tail force their kid to shoot that caliber. They get a flinch that's hard to break years after.
That being said, I'm a 30-06 fan boy.