Mike, I see what your saying and respect your opinion. For me its not "how small can I go" Ive been using the .222 for 27 years now. I just never saw the need to switch since I started with that gun at 12. My results with the gun have been nothing but positive. I would have switched had results proved otherwise as I would not want to wound or injure. I can see where some think no way, but its what ive known from the beginning and I have had no problems. I would assume if I didn't start out with the caliber I would probably be in the other camp with your opinion. Im not trying to push the caliber on anyone I was just telling Gazer for her situation it would be a great choice. As far as the head shot part, I did a few many years ago. No more. Although if that's what she wants to do even though I may not agree I respect her decision and the .222 is probably the most innherntly accurate round out there other than the PPC'S and for what she doing that's why I suggested it.
And that's gun season too that opens in August. Only limit on deer down there is no more than 2 a day
Fair enough. I respect any legal and ethical harvest. I think that this post brought up some strong emotions from from some bad experiences I've had in the past. I'm glad you didn't take this as a personal criticism, which it wasn't (this is why I love FHC). I also agree with you that a "well-placed" shot with just about any round will ethically kill a deer. They are not Cape Buffalo after all. The key is being disciplined enough and to have practiced enough, to only take a shot that you can guarantee will be "well placed." Wishing the best of luck and safe hunting to everyone this Fall.
Yes discipline is the key. I pass on a lot of shots that others probably wouldn't. Doesn't bother me. I just enjoy being out. No offense taken, and good luck to you this year as well.
That's why I like FHC so much. I've seen these threads get ugly on other forums. I love venison, and with my job my hunting time is limited. There has been a couple years when I have been lucky enough to fill a couple of tags, and I'll make the hunt a little more challenging. Such was the case when I shot my first deer with a handgun. I knew I was good enough to hit lungs at 50 yards, and I got a shot on a doe at 42 yards, and made it. I have taken my .357 magnum lever gun out a few times-my limit with that is 75 yards with a peep sight. Have never got that kind of shot with it-I will one day! I also look forward to using the .22-250 barrel on my Encore to shoot a deer one day. Have some Partitions loaded for that.
I grew up in NE TN and used a 270 there and had very good luck dropping the deer within 75 yd. Had one go a lil farther. I like to place my shot on the elbow when I can line it up with the lungs. They can't do much running missing a leg. This also mushrooms the bullet before entry causing much more damage to the vital area. I probably don't need a 270 here in eastern NC but its still my go to for deer. Waiting on Jesus
Bustin deer with hand cannons is pure delight - Contenders, Strikers and Xp100's in various cal., Kind of left over from my silhouette days.
