Deer hunters are as serious as any enthusiast, especially regarding gear. They want what they want, and if it doesn’t meet standards, it’s on to the next thing. Fortunately, when you select quality, there’s little to no need to move on to another option. Those who do their research, and know what they want, generally get it right the first time. And for those who plan to purchase a deer hunting caliber, if they know what boxes need checking, the following 15 calibers are some of the best in the deer hunting world.
.223 REMINGTON
Born in the 1960s, the .223 Rem. is much the same as the 5.56mm NATO round. It is a small round and doesn’t pack a punch. Still, it’s practical for smaller-bodied whitetails in the South. It’s ideal for youth and smaller-framed shooters who might be sensitive to recoil. With a well-placed shot, a deer isn’t going very far.
AVERAGE BULLET WEIGHT: 40-70 GRAINS
AVERAGE MUZZLE