The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Deer hunting with an AR 223/5.56 practical?

Falcon642 · July 23, 2011, 11:55 AM

What sub-species of deer are you hunting?

Mule deer - HELL NO! Muleys are too big, and shots of 300 yds + are the norm, not the exception. I use a .270 in a 5 shot Browning semi auto.

White-tailed deer - maybe, definitely not ideal. Some areas where I hunt whiteys, you are shooting at an animal that weighs less than 200 lbs, and a shot that is 50 yards or less. Other areas, I'm shooting at a 250 lb whitey at 200 yrs or more. I use a .243 in a 5 shot Browning semi auto.

Black-tailed deer - you betcha. I live in Washington State and we have black-tailed deer. A big black tailed, soaking wet, might weigh 140 lbs, and often they are in thick cover = shorter shots. I've taken a few black tails with my AR-15, I actually prefer it because I think my .243 is overkill.

July 23, 2011, 11:55 AM	#13
Falcon642 Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2010 Posts: 316	What sub-species of deer are you hunting? Mule deer - HELL NO! Muleys are too big, and shots of 300 yds + are the norm, not the exception. I use a .270 in a 5 shot Browning semi auto. White-tailed deer - maybe, definitely not ideal. Some areas where I hunt whiteys, you are shooting at an animal that weighs less than 200 lbs, and a shot that is 50 yards or less. Other areas, I'm shooting at a 250 lb whitey at 200 yrs or more. I use a .243 in a 5 shot Browning semi auto. Black-tailed deer - you betcha. I live in Washington State and we have black-tailed deer. A big black tailed, soaking wet, might weigh 140 lbs, and often they are in thick cover = shorter shots. I've taken a few black tails with my AR-15, I actually prefer it because I think my .243 is overkill.