.223
 

How will .223 perform on deer?

I used an ar a few years back It did the job. But you need the right hit though. Especially for a good size buck
I used a Hornady 75 grain boat tail hollow point for my rounds
Came out with a doe and a decent 8 pointer

I use 65gr sierra gameking bullets in my handloads and killing deer isnt a problem provided you do your part and make a good shot.

I heard that some poachers use .22lr on deer because it is quiet. Can .22lr really kill a deer if it gets hit directly in the heart?

Ya, they don't care about an ethical shot. Shoot till it dies or chase it tell it does. I've seen them do that

That's horrible.

Have also seen a snare that a doe got caught up in and twisted her leg off then died a couple feet away. Not a coyote because she left tracks. I have an idea who it was but can't accuse until catching them red handed.

I've read a 60 grain softpoint works good, or an all copper bullet. I haven't used a .223 on deer myself. The key is penetration when using a small caliber on larger game. Imo, borrow or buy a larger caliber if at all possible.

You should set up some trail cams to catch them in the act.

I am not the most experienced hunter, but I think it is very important for us to be ethical hunters. If you are not confident you can get a clean consistent kill with a 223, then get something you can be confident in.