“ANY” .22 centerfire cartridge has been legal for hunting deer in WI since I started hunting in ’66. Have killed more urban deer with a .223 than I care to count. Most were center brain shots using 55gr V-Max bullets, but I have shot my share in the chest, standing broadside, out to 200yds and none have ever covered more than 40yds before cashing in the chips.

The legality issue not withstanding, the .223/5.56 NATO may provide great service in areas where Whitetails are tantamount to antlered dogs sizewise. In the North where there is a good likelihood to shoot an animal weighing in excess of 200 lbs. field dressed, why cut your weapon of choice down to the quick? You don’t need a belted magnum to take these animals but why push it except attempting to prove a point. I mean, the .22LR is the preferred weapon of poachers and probably take thousands upon thousands of illegal animals but that does not make it an effective deer cartridge.