Could you use a .22 magnum rifle to hunt deer?

Question

Or would it be too small a caliber?

Answer 1

Most states its illegal to hunt with a rimfire or anything under a 243. My state is shotgun only, but i do know most states say that its illgal for anyhting under a 243. If you are asking whether it has the stopping power or not, i would say probably not, unless you can get an amazing shot at the softest place in its head, or you can see the line in the ribs and can manage to put the bullet through them because i highly doubt the bullet will go through the ribs, or the skull.

Answer 2

Hunting With 22 Magnum Rifle

Answer 3

It can be done but even in Texas where I live it is against the law to hunt deer with any rim fire weapon that includes a Henry 44, The smallest round that you can use in Texas is a 22 hornet, I have used a Hornet, 223, 22-250, 243, 30-30, 30-06, 308, and I have killed deer with all of them and I don't have a lot of deer run off. Others have suggested that you might use a shot gun, well that might be fine in a place like Massachusetts, but doesn't work out real well here in South Texas but if they ever come in vogue I have plenty of them also. If you are hunting in a place like south Texas I would recommend that you use a 22-250 or a 243, on the other hand if I was in Maine I would use a 308 or a 30-06, My choice is the 22-250 and the 308

Answer 4

In the USA? It is NOT legal to hunt deer with a .22 or .22 Magnum or any rimfire rifle or handgun.

It is way too small. The minimum caliber for deer is the .243 Winchester with the 100+ grain bullets. Of course a .22 will kill a deer, but deer are fairly heavy-boned & muscular animals. A small, light bullet will easily be deflected causing a slow, lingering death for the deer and no venison for the hunter. Use a proper deer rifle for deer.

Good luck.

H

Answer 5

OK i know for a fact it can be done , most states though will not allow it due to the amount of shooting skill it takes for a clean shot. I do not know what stae you are in but i will give a list of guns and rifles i would reccomend.

shotgun any gauge buckshot or slugs,and you have the bonus of being able to change shot type if you want smaller game.

rifle there are many great deer rifles frome the .243 and up, if you think you will ever go hunting for larger game such as elk,moose and black bear personally i would use nothing smaller than a .270 and that is pushing it on the moose and bear. your best bet is a 30.06 they are excellant hunting rifles for that type game. but if your sure your just going after deer a .270 or 30.30 would be excellant

Answer 6

You can kill a deer with one but it is most likely illegal.Most states require 1000 lbs ft.lbs of muzzle energy to hunt with.As example,the .30 cal UScarbine is not legal in most states.The .223 rem.,.22 Hornet and several small caliber varmit calibers may have 1k lbs/ft but are woefully short of down range power so you could almost insure a wound rather than kill at anything over 50 ft.Use a decent catriage and you'll get a clean kill with a lot less tracking/work.Try a .243 if you want a light caliber.I prefer something heavier, minimum .270 and prefer 30-06 @150 grns.

Answer 7

It is too small, it is enough to take a deer down, but it is not legal in most if any states, as most states the smallest caliber you can use is .223. The .22 magnum can take a deer down but not as ethicaly or quickly as the bigger calibers can.

Answer 8

Yes you can kill a deer with a 22 mag if you are a good shot and shoot it in the head. I would not recommend shooting for the vitals unless you count the brain as one. deer are extreamly tough to bring down even with a high cal rifle. If you do hunt with one make sure you are within 100 yards and don't get caught. also if you happen to see a nice buck and you've got your pea shooter you could be in for a real dissapointing day

Answer 9

You could use a .22 but it would take one hell of a shot. You would have to get up close to the deer then get a good headshot. Deer get frightened easily so its not easy to sneak up on them. If you want to go for a deer then get a bigger caliber such as a 30/30.

Answer 10

It would take a deer down in a heart beat. Thru head, in heart or lungs and he is dead. Will not penetrate shoulder well. Use solid point at no more than 30 yards, like a bow. Deer are not very tough or big. My dad killed 2 nice bucks with a .22 in 1964 in one day. I killed my first deer with a .22. I have killed over 30 with a .222 Remington and never had one run off. Had one run off this year about 300 yards.with a.25-06 because I'm getting careless and didn't place my shot well. It does not matter what gun you use if you gut shoot them they suffer and do not die quickly. A .22 mag can be deadly. BUT IT IS ILLEGAL IN MOST PLACES. Try a bow and arrow, it can be fun, deer or no deer.