AR-15 for hunting and the .223

[gun toting monkeyboy]

I would normally advise against the .223 for deer and such. I have for many years. But with the newer, better bullets out there, and our smaller-sized medium game, I think it is becoming less of an issue. The Nosler partitions and especially the Barnes TSX bullets have been hitting outside their weight class for the past several years. If all you have is a .223, get some decent ammo and go for it. Silver State Armory and several others offer the TSX in loaded ammunition. Try to keep the shots under 100 yards, and take your time on bullet placement.

As for legal in California, it only has to be centerfire and use expanding bullets. Lead free in the condor zones. That is it. If you can find a .14 caliber wildcat, you can legally use it on deer with the right bullets. It may not be smart, but it is legal.

-Mb

[crazy]

I guess I stand corrected on the minimum caliber. I don't know why I thought that was one of the questions in the hunter safety course. They say that the mind is the first thing that goes. LOL.

[1lostinspace]

My friend shot a deer with a 55gr SP and he said the inside turned into soup I think shot placement is key even with a 50 cal

[Wherryj]

I think it would depend on what you are hunting. I think .25 cal is the minimum for dear or pig.

I haven't hunted in decades, but in the past the .243 Winchester used to be at the ragged low edge for hunting deer in CA. Make sure to check local hunting laws.

I don't think that any caliber is approved for hunting "dear", however.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

I haven't hunted in decades, but in the past the .243 Winchester used to be at the ragged low edge for hunting deer in CA. Make sure to check local hunting laws.

I promise, I have checked the local laws. There is no minimum caliber for deer. Not unless you are using a muzzle loader. It only states that it has to be centerfire, and use expanding bullets. That is it.

['Ike']

Most of mine is for Varmints and Predators, but with some of the new ammo out there you can get some pretty good results...My new Pred/Varm rifle - R-15

The 3-12X42 Nikon M-223 scope just came in today, can't wait to hit the range now...

[coyotebait]

I think it would depend on what you are hunting. I think .25 cal is the minimum for dear or pig.

Where do people get the idea that in CA you have to use .24cal+ bullet to hunt big game?!?

I had heard that too, years ago but was recently set straight. Probably more of that "gun store FUD." I now know many people who are killing Mule Deer with 223 every year. I guess deer don't wear body armor after all.

I promise, I have checked the local laws. There is no minimum caliber for deer. Not unless you are using a muzzle loader. It only states that it has to be centerfire, and use expanding bullets. That is it.

This.