I shot a deer this morning with my Savage in .223. I had misgivings, but I can't shoot anything with recoil for a while. A heart shot produced a 25 yd. run, and some kicking when he fell, which propelled him over the bank into the lake. Great. After an early morning skinny dip, and a lassoed deer, I got to do the necropsy.
The 60 gr. bullet hit just behind the shoulder, blew out the back side of the heart, and lodged under the skin on the far side...uphill and slightly angled shot.
It just took the deer a few yards to realize he was dead.
I have no more doubts but that this bullet will kill a whitetail, and do so efficiently, if the bullet is well placed.
I wanted a head / neck shot, but the deer was too far, and moving too much.
Had to call the nephew to help this old man out....after the swimming session, I was tuckered!
About an eighth mile carry to the truck. No place to bring a four wheeler or even a sled. I think I need a helicopter.
Ben