Thread: The ‘controversial.222’

Originally Posted by tommygun

My experience is limited, but I think a good shot with a 223 or similar will do the job on deer etc. I'm not good enough to bank on calibres like that so I'm quite happy to use something full power (2000-2500 foot pounds of muzzle energy, from memory 223 is roughly 1200). The problem I see is people recommending 223 to beginners thinking the reduced noise and recoil won't put them off or make them flinch, but what they are actually doing is putting a hell of a lot more pressure on the the poor newbie to place his/her shot exactly.
At work I always recommended new hunters start with a 308 (or equivalent), and if they're a pussy in terms of noise and recoil like myself stick a can on it.

NZ Hunter put out awesome article some 8ish years back..cartridges for under 18s...it was well thought out great read and really summed it up well.
from memory the top 3 were 7.62x39mm 223 and 243 all with terms n condition included...you are dead right a person has to be good at shot placement and stick to range limits.