Which Rifle?

[TeeBugg]

I'd plan on using the .223 in close ranges up to 100 yards, and not beyond. Also choice of ammo is important here, as you'll want a round that will unload most of its energy inside the animal rather than outside. I'd probably aim for the heart/lungs rather than shoulder with the .223 and stage in a field where you can allow the deer to run a ways and still be able to track and recover. If the gun was shooting sub-MOA, and you can do your part under pressure, I'd advise for a headshot, but you'll hear a lot of folks are against those shots here.

The Rem 700 does sound like a better shooter, and .308 isn't overkill, especially 150-200+ yards away. A shoulder shot would definitely put the deer in its tracks.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

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Did i read that right? Actually saying a headshot is a good idea? Ummm no its not. I dont care who you are or what kind of sniper you wish you were...advising people to take head shots is just dumb.

[YFKI1983]

Oh boy... One of my first posts on this site was if anyone tries headshots. Let's just say I learned real quick to watch what I post here..

[shawnhu]

Did i read that right? Actually saying a headshot is a good idea? Ummm no its not. I dont care who you are or what kind of sniper you wish you were...advising people to take head shots is just dumb.

The OP should know his own limitations and skills to know what shots to take and what shots not to take. He asked a question, and I answered from my point of view and stated as such.

If you're going to call my advice dumb, at least offer some advice of your own before you trash on mine.

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[shawnhu]

Oh boy... One of my first posts on this site was if anyone tries headshots. Let's just say I learned real quick to watch what I post here..

I have no problems with posting how I feel.

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[TeeBugg]

The OP should know his own limitations and skills to know what shots to take and what shots not to take. He asked a question, and I answered from my point of view and stated as such.

If you're going to call my advice dumb, at least offer some advice of your own before you trash on mine.

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My advice....dont shoot deer in the head.

[TeeBugg]

As far as a rifle choice....id say the 308. Yes you can take deer with a 223, but if your shots are under 100 i personally shoot the 20ga over the 223. A 308 is probably a better all around weapon IMO

[pawle76]

Tell us how you really feel. Just because you can't do it don't mean others can't. Typical hater. You're one of those that also advises against 50 yard shots from a bow right?

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I don't want to do it. Never crossed my mind to do it. Not a hater just know what's ethical and what's not. You obviously have issues with that so that's on you. Shoot them anyway you want I could care less. 

[WNYBuckHunter]

But it ruins a LOT of good shoulder roast.  I've only ever lost one deer that I know I shot in the vitals with my -06, and it was because I tracked it too quickly.  First deer, first buck, first 8-pt, I got excited and tracked right after the shot.  Other than that one, I've never had to track more than 100 yards to get a vital-shot deer with my rifle, since I've learned to wait to track.

 

I have no problem ruining a few lbs of meat that you have to pick the damn silverskin out of anyhow. I would never use the front shoulders as roasts, I dont enjoy biting into layer after layer of silverskin.

[shawnhu]

I have no problem ruining a few lbs of meat that you have to pick the damn silverskin out of anyhow. I would never use the front shoulders as roasts, I dont enjoy biting into layer after layer of silverskin.

Careful, Belo the meat police might see this thread and bite your balls off for such comments. You. Must. Eat. Everything!

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[shawnhu]

I don't want to do it. Never crossed my mind to do it. Not a hater just know what's ethical and what's not. You obviously have issues with that so that's on you. Shoot them anyway you want I could care less.

That's your call, not mine. Don't hate on those that can pull it off.

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[NYbuck50]

.308 all day

[WNYBuckHunter]

Careful, Belo the meat police might see this thread and bite your balls off for such comments. You. Must. Eat. Everything!

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Yeah maybe I said that wrong. My point is, Id rather anchor the deer and ruin some meat than track one all day and pick silverskin out of my teeth lol.

[ants]

.308 all the way. a .223 will kill any deer,but the 308 will put them down much faster and leave a much better blood trail.

[steve863]

.308 is the better deer cartridge, period.  I personally would never even consider the .223.  I find it funny how in recent years the .223 has all of a sudden become a deer round.  I'm pretty sure it's the AR rifle craze that has led to this.  Go back 20, 30 years or more and you NEVER heard anyone put the .223 in an adequate deer rifle cartridge category.  The argument from the .223 side goes something like "But yeah, it could kill deer".  Sure it can.  A mallet over a deers head could kill it too, but do I want to use one under all the different circumstances one comes across while hunting deer??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Doc]

Did i read that right? Actually saying a headshot is a good idea? Ummm no its not. I dont care who you are or what kind of sniper you wish you were...advising people to take head shots is just dumb.

The good ol' head-shots are exactly what came to mind when I saw that picture in another thread of a deer wandering around with an arrow stuck through it's head. They blew a big old broadhead right through the head of that critter and never touched anything that would directly kill it. Pretty close to that tiny brain target, but not quite git'n-er-done. Nasty result. There is a lot of stuff in the head and neck that is just plain non-lethal (at least not immediately lethal).

[steve863]

There is a lot of stuff in the head and neck that is just plain non-lethal (at least not immediately lethal).

 

I think if we use this argument, we could also say that someone would have even a greater chance of making a non-lethal hit on a deer, with the same poor aim, by aiming at the vitals.  If you aim at the head with the same poor aim, you will most likely miss the deer completely.  Not advocating head shots here, just trying to make a point.  I will be honest and admit to several head shots.   The head was the only part of the deer I saw, and was pretty sure that would be the only clear, non-running shot I'd get at it.  I aimed and the deer fell instantly in all instances.  Again, not advocating head shots, only saying that it could be done, by even an average good shot in the right circumstances.

[Fehyd643]

Regarding the headshot:

 

Why?  Is it the challenge? If I want to challenge myself, I hit the range and try to plug plates at 500+.  If I'm shooting/hunting, whether it's for meat, trophy, defense, or pest control (personally, my goal is meat), I just want the highest chance possible to put the target down as quick as possible. 

 

It's your tags, do what you want, but I just dont get it.

 

I shoot by three rules: Aim small, miss small; Shoot center mass; You own the bullet once it leaves the gun.

 

Joshua

[Fehyd643]

I think if we use this argument, we could also say that someone would have even a greater chance of making a non-lethal hit on a deer, with the same poor aim, by aiming at the vitals.  If you aim at the head with the same poor aim, you will most likely miss the deer completely.  Not advocating head shots here, just trying to make a point.  I will be honest and admit to several head shots.   The head was the only part of the deer I saw, and was pretty sure that would be the only clear, non-running shot I'd get at it.  I aimed and the deer fell instantly in all instances.  Again, not advocating head shots, only saying that it could be done, by even an average good shot in the right circumstances.

 

Ok, that makes sense to me.  If it's your only shot, and you are confident in the chances, I am all for it.  I may not take it, but I dont begrudge the guy that can. I just dont understand choosing it if you had a choice.

[steve863]

Regarding the headshot:

 

Why?  Is it the challenge? 

 

 

No, not the challenge.  In my case I don't see very many deer where I hunt.  The ones you do see, you'd better make sure you find a way to put down, or you may not get to see another one in the remaining time you have left to hunt.  In my case, the deer was within a reasonable distance to make a shot like that, I felt comfortable in making it, and I took it.  End result was what I hoped for.   Really no different than anyone else taking any other sort of shot.  Hell, we've read enough stories so far this Fall of shots that hunters thought were slam dunks, yet didn't turn out that way.  

[Elmo]

Ok, that makes sense to me.  If it's your only shot, and you are confident in the chances, I am all for it.  I may not take it, but I dont begrudge the guy that can. I just dont understand choosing it if you had a choice.

 

I agree.

 

I give myself more leeway by shooting a higher caliber and go for center mass myself as well.  I like to challenge myself at the range but I won't play shooting games with an animal's life.  That said, I've challenge myself enough at the range that if the head shot is all I got, I am confident enough to take (within my limitations).  I think the real problem is when hunters become arrogant and think they can make shots that they really can't.  I have no problems with those that do it and can do it.  I just have a problem with those who don't put in the practice but think they can do it.

[TeeBugg]

That's your call, not mine. Don't hate on those that can pull it off.

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How many have you shot in the head with a 223? Just wondering... sub moa and all that range talk is great when your shooting targets that dont breathe or move....

Edited November 7, 2013 by TeeBugg

[shawnhu]

How many have you shot in the head with a 223? Just wondering... sub moa and all that range talk is great when your shooting targets that dont breathe or move....

If you really want to know, you can PM me. If this is some sort of questioning of my ability, need not reply.

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[TeeBugg]

Just a simple question was all. I know my ability and could make that a cake shot everyday. Just wouldnt advise to head shots. Can you do it...sure. should you do it? No. But to each his own

[Doewhacker]

That would make a hell of a mess with the 7mm.

[shawnhu]

Just a simple question was all. I know my ability and could make that a cake shot everyday. Just wouldnt advise to head shots. Can you do it...sure. should you do it? No. But to each his own

Well, there's the difference between you and I. I tell others what I would do, not what YOU should, or shouldn't do.

See the difference?

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