Gary Reeder
In every state I have hunted in the 223 is illegal for
Monday, December 15, 2025, 12:29

deer hunting. The minimum for deer hunting has always been 43 caliber. EXCEPT Arizona. Everything here is legal. You can take your Colt 25 ACP pistol and wreak havoc among the elk herd should you so desire.
Personally I want the animal, deer or elk, to hit the ground at the shot. I have never lost a wounded animal (no comments about a Nilgai I drowned).
I don't think there is "too much gun" but there is always a time where a little common sense goes a long way. In Tennessee when I lived there the 243 was the minimum and I don't think there was a maximum.
Some states have outlawed the 50 BMG for hunting and I sort of go along with that. When states start outlawing certain cartridges for hunting here again is a place for common sense. Guys that are hide hunters tend to use the FMJ ammo for less damage to the hide.
Personally I don't like the idea of any military cartridge for hunting. Most of them will be FMJ and that is just asking for trouble along with wounded animals.