I have hunted mule deer for many years. I have used many different calibers, 22LR, 30-30, 30-06, 44Spl, 270, and 222 Rem.
I have killed deer with all of these and probably more with the 222 than any other cartridge. I do insist on a shot to the brain with the little 222. If you can do that the 223 or any of the centerfire 22 rounds will dispatch a deer reliably.
On body shots, it is not enough for deer I am sorry, it is just a poor choice of deer rifle. You will end up with too many wounded deer.
Get a 30-06 or 270 for a deer rifle. My favorite is the 270.
I have killed deer with all of these and probably more with the 222 than any other cartridge. I do insist on a shot to the brain with the little 222. If you can do that the 223 or any of the centerfire 22 rounds will dispatch a deer reliably.
On body shots, it is not enough for deer I am sorry, it is just a poor choice of deer rifle. You will end up with too many wounded deer.
Get a 30-06 or 270 for a deer rifle. My favorite is the 270.